Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card – In-Depth 2025 Review

Quick Stats at a Glance

Card Overview and Positioning

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card focuses on low interest, especially for transferring existing balances from higher-interest cards. Unlike premium rewards cards, it doesn’t offer significant perks or complex point structures. Instead, it aims for long 0% intro APR windows—currently among the best on the market in 2025. Great for those wanting to tackle credit card debt or finance big purchases without incurring interest.

Intro APR Offers

The Diamond Preferred® is famous for 21 months of 0% on balance transfers, plus 12 months on new purchases. That can significantly reduce interest, saving hundreds (or thousands) if used wisely. Just note the transfer must be completed within the first 4 months to get the full 0% window.

Why It Matters:Many competitor cards only offer 15-18 months on transfers. Those extra months can be the difference between fully paying off a debt vs. being stuck with leftover interest.

Rewards: None, By Design

Citi Diamond Preferred® doesn’t have a typical cash back or points system. The “reward” is the 0% interest advantage. If you want actual points or cash back, consider a different Citi card or keep Diamond Preferred® purely for its low-APR benefits.

This is normal for a card that focuses on interest savingsover everyday rewards. Some folks pair it with another cash-back or travel card once they’re done with the 0% window.

Redemption or Value from Diamond Preferred®

Because there’s no direct rewards program, “redemption” typically refers to the interest you don’t pay. By transferring a balance from a card charging 18%–26% interest to Diamond Preferred® at 0% for up to 21 months, you effectively gain that interest saving as your “value.”

If you do want rewards synergy, you can hold other Citi cards that earn ThankYou® Points and use Diamond Preferred® solely for large purchase financing or zero-interest balance transfers.

Annual Fee & Ongoing Costs

This card has $0 annual fee. Once the 0% intro APR expires, you’ll pay 17.99%–27.74% variablebased on creditworthiness. As always, carrying a balance beyond the intro period can be costly. Keep track of when your 0% ends to avoid high interest.

Balance Transfer Fees & Fine Print

Diamond Preferred® requires a 3% transfer fee (minimum $5) within the first 4 months. After that, it’s 5%. If you’re transferring a large balance, factor this cost into your calculations. For many, paying 3% upfront is still far cheaper than months of 20%+ interest on another card.

You typically can’t transfer balances from another Citi card. Check the terms to ensure your existing card is eligible (must be non-Citi). Also, the 0% only applies to the transfer amount— any new charges not covered by the purchase 0% might accrue interest.

Other Fees & Considerations

• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min $10), with a much higher APR
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% if you miss payments, potentially nullifying your 0%

This card isn’t designed for international usage or cash advances. Use it domestically and responsibly to preserve the low-interest benefit.

Cardholder Protections & Perks

• Purchase Protection:Covers new items from theft or damage for a limited time
• Extended Warranty: Extends eligible U.S. manufacturers’ warranties up to 12 months
• Zero Liability on Fraud: Citi won’t hold you responsible for unauthorized charges
• Digital Wallet Compatibility:Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.

These are standard on many Citi cards, but having them on a no-fee, low-APR card is a bonus. They can save money on electronics or big-ticket items if something goes wrong post-purchase.

2025 Updates & Potential Enhancements

1. Extended 0% Windows:Some rumored promotional expansions to 24 months or more on balance transfers
2. Digital Tools:Citi often updates its app and website, possibly adding a better balance transfer simulator or payoff planner
3. Temporary Bonus Offers: Rare, but watch for short-lived $100 or $150 statement credit deals if you spend a certain amount
4. Enhanced Security: Citi might roll out more advanced ID theft resolution or real-time notifications

Historically, Diamond Preferred® has kept its focus on extended 0% APR. Newer changes are usually incremental. Always check official announcements for the latest specifics.

Real-Life Example: Balance Transfer Savings

Imagine you have $5,000 on a higher-interest card at 20% APR, paying $200 monthly. Over ~26 months, you’d pay around $1,100 in interest. By transferring that to Diamond Preferred® with 21 months at 0%, you’d only pay the 3% fee ($150) and possibly pay off the balance entirely within those 21 months. That’s a net savings of nearly $1,000 in interest.

This is the card’s main draw. Use a balance transfer calculator to see the difference in your unique scenario.

Pairing Diamond Preferred® with Other Citi Cards

Citi Diamond Preferred® is specialized for low APR. Many consumers also hold a rewards-based Citi card (like Citi Double Cash® or Citi Custom Cash®) for ongoing spend. Diamond Preferred® can be your “debt tool,” while the other card is for everyday rewards.

You can keep Diamond Preferred® long-term to maintain your credit line and utilization ratio, even after the 0% period ends. Or consider product-changing it to a reward card if you no longer need the low APR.

Competitor Analysis

How does Diamond Preferred® fare among other top 0% balance transfer cards?

Citi Simplicity® is the main sibling rival to Diamond Preferred®, also offering 21 months. Simplicity® has no late fees or penalty APR, while Diamond Preferred® might have a slightly lower ongoing APR potential. Evaluate which nuance suits you best.

International Usage Concerns

With a 3% foreign transaction fee, Diamond Preferred® isn’t recommended for traveling outside the U.S. or making frequent foreign purchases. Acceptance of Mastercards is generally good worldwide, but that 3% fee can erode savings. Keep it for domestic spend or debt management, and use a no-FTF card overseas.

Who Should Get Citi® Diamond Preferred®?

Potential Downsides

• No Rewards Program:It’s purely about the 0% intro APR, no points or cash back.
• 3% Balance Transfer Fee:Could be hefty if transferring large amounts (but often still cheaper than high interest).
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% makes it poor for international usage.
• Penalty APR Risk:Miss a payment, risk losing your 0% window and incurring penalty rates.

All manageable if you use the card for its intended purpose: zero-interest debt consolidation or financing in a domestic environment.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Diamond Preferred®

1. Transfer Early:You must transfer within first 4 months to get the full 21 months at 0%.
2. Calculate the Fee:3% vs. potential interest if you kept the debt on another card—still likely cheaper.
3. Pay More Than Minimum:Ensure you clear your balance before the 21 months end.
4. Auto-Pay: Avoid late fees or missing payments, especially since penalty APR can apply if you’re late.
5. Use Another Card for Rewards:If you want points or cash back, have a second card for everyday spending.

Another Example: Large Purchase Financing

Suppose you plan a $3,000 home improvement project. Using Diamond Preferred® at 0% for 12 months (purchases), you can pay it down over a year with zero interest. If your alternative is a 20% APR card, you’d have paid about $300 in interest. That’s immediate savings. Just ensure you pay off or transfer it before the 12 months end.

Should You Apply?