Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card Review – A Top Choice for Balance Transfers
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Features one of the longest introductory APR periods available, offering 21 months of 0% interest on balance transfers.
- Includes a 12-month 0% introductory APR window for new purchases from the date of account opening.
- No annual fee, helping cardholders focus entirely on debt repayment without extra costs.
Cons
- Does not offer a rewards program, meaning you won't earn cash back, points, or miles on your spending.
- Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for international travel.
- The balance transfer fee is on the higher end at 5% of the transfer amount ($5 minimum).
Company Overview
Citi is a global bank with a strong presence in consumer credit. The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is one of its leading low-interest balance transfer cards. It focuses on offering one of the longest intro APR periods for balance transfers, making it a valuable tool for debt consolidation.
Citibank is among the largest financial institutions in the world, serving millions of customers across banking, lending, and credit. Within its credit card portfolio, Citi offers a mix of rewards, travel, and low-interest cards.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card stands out for its intro APR benefit. It does not emphasize rewards or perks but instead helps cardholders manage high-interest debt. This makes it an attractive choice for people seeking relief from expensive credit card balances.
Ideal For
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is best for people focused on lowering debt. If your main goal is paying off existing balances without adding interest, this card works well.
It is not designed for earning rewards. Instead, it helps people who want extra time to manage balances and get back on track financially. If you want long-term rewards value, this is not the right card.
Interest and Fees
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is known for its long 0% intro APR offer.
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of the first transfer.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening.
- After the intro period, the regular APR ranges from 18.24% to 28.99% variable.
Balance transfers must be completed within the first four months of account opening. A fee of either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount applies.
The card has no annual fee, but it does include a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less suitable for travel abroad.
Rewards
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card does not include a rewards program. Unlike cash back or travel cards, this product focuses on helping customers manage debt with low intro rates.
Instead of rewards, the main “value” is the extended 0% APR period, which gives cardholders time to pay down balances without added interest.
The Application Process
Applying for the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is quick and can be done online. Applicants provide personal and financial details, and Citi performs a credit check.
Approval typically requires good to excellent credit, with scores starting near 670. Some applicants receive instant approval, while others may need additional review. Once approved, the card usually arrives within 7–10 business days.
Security
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card includes strong security measures. Citi offers $0 liability for unauthorized purchases, real-time fraud monitoring, and identity theft solutions.
Through the Citi mobile app, cardholders can freeze their card instantly, set transaction alerts, and monitor activity 24/7. The card also includes EMV chip technology for secure in-person purchases.
Customer Support
Citi provides several ways for cardholders to manage their account and get help.
Customer Service Phone: 1-800-950-5114
Website: citi.com
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
The Citi mobile app makes it easy to track balances, schedule payments, and review transactions. Cardholders also have access to Citi Entertainment®, which provides early ticket access to select events.
Conclusion
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is one of the best choices for people looking to consolidate debt. With its 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, it offers one of the longest interest-free periods in the market.
The card does not earn rewards and includes fees for foreign transactions. But for customers focused on paying down debt, it delivers excellent value. If you want breathing room to pay off balances without accumulating interest, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a smart option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card have an annual fee?
No. This card has no annual fee.
2. What is the intro APR period for balance transfers?
You get a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
3. Can I earn rewards with this card?
No. The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card does not include a rewards program.
4. What credit score do I need for approval?
Most applicants need a FICO score of at least 670 to qualify.
5. Is this card good for international travel?
Not really. The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal abroad.
Reward Breakdown
Editor's Review
Card Features
- Provides one of the longest interest-free windows in the industry for tackling existing high-interest debt.
- Free monthly access to your FICO® Bankcard Score 8 through the Citi Mobile® App or online.
- Citi® Quick Lock feature allows you to instantly block new charges if your card is misplaced.
- Exclusive access to presale tickets and VIP experiences for thousands of events via Citi Entertainment®.
- $0 Liability on unauthorized charges protects you from paying for fraudulent activity on your account.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card