Citi Diamond Preferred Card Review 2025

• Introducing the Citi Diamond Preferred Card
• Citi Diamond Preferred Card Quick Facts
• What Is the Citi Diamond Preferred Card Best For?
• Introductory Rates
• Other Citi Diamond Preferred Card Benefits
• Citi Diamond Preferred Card Rates, Fees & Regulations
• How the Citi Diamond Preferred Card Stacks Up
• Methodology
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Life happens and unexpected expenses arise. When it does, you may not have the funds to cover them in full and accruing some debt may be a necessity. For these special circumstances, a balance transfer credit card could be a helpful, cost-effective tool, especially when the original debt is on a high-APR card. Enter the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card.

While many other credit cards offer 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, the promotional period typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, however, offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.24% to 27.99%. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. This is one of the more generous rates available.

• $0 annual fee
• This card does not offer a welcome bonus
• 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.24% to 27.99%. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies
• 24-hour fraud protection

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is best for anyone who needs time to pay off new purchases or already accumulated debt. The card offers a generous 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.24% to 27.99%. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. That’s why we deemed it the best balance transfer card for long transfer windows.

On the flip side, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card has little to offer after the intro APR period expires. If you’re looking for a feature-rich card or at least one that earns rewards, check out the best no annual fee credit cards instead.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.24% to 27.99%. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.

As an example, a $10,000 balance transfer in the introductory period would incur a steep $500 fee (5% of $10,000). Note that this fee is simply added to the card’s balance, so you’ll have to get approved for a card limit of at least the amount you want to transfer plus the balance transfer fee. The 5% fee adds up, so if you can pay your debt off in a few months, a balance transfer card and the accompanying fee may not be worth it. But for those who need several months to whittle down their debt, this card could save you money on high interest fees.

Make sure to crunch the numbers, so you know how much money you will save and make a plan to be at a zero balance by the end of your intro period. The goal is to set yourself up to pay off debt, as quickly and affordably as possible.

• Citi Entertainment. Cardholders have special access to tickets for exclusive events like sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• EMV chip technology. Allows contactless, chip-enabled payments.
• Free access to your FICO Score. Check your FICO Score for free in your Citi mobile app or online account.

Citi Diamond Preferred Card Balance Transfer Benefits

• 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers from the date of first transfer
• Balance transfers can be initiated within four months of account opening (as opposed to the standard two)
• Balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Interest Rates

• Regular APR: 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable)
• Purchase intro APR: 0% for 12 months on Purchases
• Balance transfer intro APR: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers

Citi Diamond Preferred Card Fees

• Annual fee: $0
• Balance transfer fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
• Foreign purchase transaction fee: 3%

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card‘s straightforward cash-back structure and introductory APR offer make this card a solid option for many. Cardholders earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off, and earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25. It also comes with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the standard variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.24%, based on creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies to transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Compared to the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a superior choice if you don’t need a low intro offer on purchases as the card’s ability to earn rewards gives it staying power past the balance transfer offer. Although that intro APR is a shorter period than what the Citi Diamond Preferred offers, you’ll pay a lower transfer fee of 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum within the first 4 months of account opening. Just ensure you pay off your transferred balance before the intro period expires to avoid interest.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card*

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card* is another card option whose main feature is a lengthy low intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers. With this card you’ll get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 17.74% to 28.74%. Balance transfers made within 60 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5% or $5, whichever is greater, applies.

The advantage this card has over the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is the longer intro APR period on purchases. If you’re looking for extra time to pay off a big buy vs. pay off existing debt, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum is the better choice. One more perk with the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum is cellphone protection of up to $600 for eligible claims with a $25 deductible when you pay your phone bill with your card. The Citi Diamond Preferred doesn’t offer this.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. A 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR applies thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies. Like the Citi Diamond Preferred the card charges no annual fee.

Both cards have similar introductory APR offers on balance transfers, although the Wells Fargo has a much lengthier intro purchase APR. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card also takes the lead over Citi thanks to the card benefits which include a $600 cellphone protection plan, which covers eligible damage up to two times a year or theft for a $25 deductible when you pay your cellphone bill with your card, access to roadside dispatch if you need help on the road and secondary auto rental coverage in the U.S. which kicks in after your primary coverage. If you’re seeking a card with a long intro APR on purchases and value these perks, then the Wells Fargo Reflect is a better choice.

Forbes Advisor considers a variety of criteria when assigning credit cards a rating. Cards are graded based on numerous factors including:

• Length of introductory APR periods for purchases and balance transfers
• Regular APR
• Balance transfer windows and fees
• Welcome bonus offers (if applicable)
• Additional cash back rewards (if applicable)
• Additional cardholder benefits

Card features we expect cardholders to use the most often are weighted more heavily in our ratings. Altogether, the factors came together to provide a star rating for each individual card.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.