If you're seeking a credit card with no annual fee and introductory APR offers, you may be considering the Bank of America Travel Rewards and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is the better choice for earning travel rewards, with unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases and a 25,000-point bonus offer. In contrast, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is superior for balance transfers, offering a longer 0% APR period of 21 months. Choose the former for rewards on spending, or the latter for debt management and balance transfers.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Despite both cards having a $0 annual fee and catering to good-to-excellent credit, Bank of America Travel Rewards is better for earning travel points, whereas Citi Diamond Preferred Card is ideal for balance transfers.
![First credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1679925790/Bank_of_America_Travel_Rewards_8db2477baa.png)
![Second credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1698696704/Citi_Diamond_Preferred_Card_602e891a48.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1693511124/1517624081055_2af1df2960.jpg)
Rae Osborn
Content Editor
Dr. Rae Osborn is a MoneyGeek content editor with over seven years of editing experience and over 20 years of experience in publishing and writing science content. She also works as a science researcher, writer and editor and a professional reviewer for Science Reviews and Advances in Entomology.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1693511124/1517624081055_2af1df2960.jpg)
Rae Osborn
Content Editor
Dr. Rae Osborn is a MoneyGeek content editor with over seven years of editing experience and over 20 years of experience in publishing and writing science content. She also works as a science researcher, writer and editor and a professional reviewer for Science Reviews and Advances in Entomology.
Updated: April 15, 2024
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![Credit Card logo for Bank of America® Travel Rewards](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1679925790/Bank_of_America_Travel_Rewards_8db2477baa.png)
![Credit Card logo for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1698696704/Citi_Diamond_Preferred_Card_602e891a48.png)
- Regular APR19.24%–29.24% variable18.24% - 28.99% variable0% APR Offer0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases0% for 12 months on purchasesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers0% for 21 months on balance transfersAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards SummaryEarn 1.5 pointsEarn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.-This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or pointsRecommended Credit670–850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
Bank of America Travel Rewards vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Bank of America Travel Rewards if: you are an avid traveler looking for a credit card that earns points on every purchase. With this card, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses. The card also offers a generous introductory bonus of 25,000 points and a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a solid choice if you have upcoming expenses or existing debt you want to pay off interest-free. The recommended credit range for this card is 670 to 850, indicating it's suitable for those with good to excellent credit.
You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if: you're primarily interested in a lengthy introductory APR period to manage debt. This card stands out with its 21-month 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers, one of the longest available, and a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases. While it doesn't offer a rewards program, it could be the right tool for consolidating and paying down debt without accruing additional interest. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is also designed for individuals with good to excellent credit scores in the range of 670 to 850. Keep in mind, though, that after the intro APR periods end, the ongoing APR will apply to any remaining balance.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Bank of America Travel Rewards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns a MoneyGeek rating of 3.1 for balance transfers, indicating a solid choice for those looking to manage existing debt. Ideal for travelers and everyday spenders alike, this card allows you to accumulate points seamlessly. With every purchase, you earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent, making it simple to rack up travel rewards without worrying about categories or caps. The $0 annual fee and absence of foreign transaction fees further enhance its appeal for international use. If your spending patterns are consistent and you enjoy travel perks, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
![Credit Card logo for Bank of America® Travel Rewards](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1679925790/Bank_of_America_Travel_Rewards_8db2477baa.png)
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is a standout choice for those looking to manage existing credit card debt with a balance transfer. MoneyGeek's rating of 4.2 out of 5 for balance transfer cards reflects its exceptional offering in this category. The card boasts an outstanding 21-month, 0% introductory balance transfer APR, which is among the longest available, and a 12-month, 0% introductory APR on purchases.
With no annual fee, it's cost-effective for those seeking to pay down balances without accruing additional interest. However, this card does not offer a rewards program, making it less suitable for those who prioritize earning cash back or travel points on their spending. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is well-suited for individuals with good to excellent credit who are focused on debt consolidation and wish to take advantage of the lengthy introductory APR period.
![Credit Card logo for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1698696704/Citi_Diamond_Preferred_Card_602e891a48.png)
Details Comparison: Bank of America Travel Rewards vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. This section is designed to guide you through each card's specifics, such as the Bank of America Travel Rewards' ability to earn points on every purchase versus the Citi Diamond Preferred's lack of a rewards program. Use this information to align your choice with your spending patterns and financial objectives.
Regular APR
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has a slightly lower maximum APR at 28.24% variable compared to the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's 28.99% variable, making it marginally better for those concerned with interest rates.
Annual Fee
Both cards have a $0 annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid yearly charges. This feature is particularly appealing for those who prefer not to worry about an additional cost just for holding a credit card.
Introductory 0% APRs
For introductory 0% APR on purchases, the Bank of America Travel Rewards offers 0% for 15 billing cycles, while the Citi® Diamond Preferred Card provides 0% for 12 months. For balance transfers, the Citi Diamond Preferred® Card extends a 0% APR for 21 months, surpassing the Bank of America Travel Rewards, which offers 0% for 15 billing cycles. Learn more about balance transfer cards.
Rewards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is better for rewards, offering unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not offer any rewards.
Welcome Offers
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is better for welcome offers, offering 25,000 online bonus points for purchases of at least $1,000 in the first 90 days. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not offer a welcome bonus.
Recommended Credit Score
Both cards require a credit score range of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). This means that for individuals with good to excellent credit, either card could be a viable option. There is no clear winner based on the recommended credit score alone.
Penalties and Fees
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is better for penalties and fees due to its absence of foreign transaction fees. Both cards have a penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable and similar cash advance fees. However, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card has a slightly higher late fee of up to $41 compared to up to $40 for the Bank of America Travel Rewards, and it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Issuer Satisfaction
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has a higher satisfaction rating of 4.5 than the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's rating of 4.1.
Other Features & Perks
Bank of America Travel Rewards offers unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, appealing to frequent travelers. Citi Diamond Preferred Card is helpful for those who value entertainment, providing special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events through Citi Entertainment. The choice between these cards hinges on whether you prioritize travel rewards or exclusive entertainment access.
FAQ: Bank of America Travel Rewards vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not offer rewards. There are best rewards credit cards that can be useful to find out about.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards offers 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, while Citi® Diamond Preferred® extends 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers. There are also zero interest credit cards.
No, both cards have no annual fee. For cards that won't charge you yearly, explore [best no annual fee cards].
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards card is more beneficial for travelers with no foreign transaction fees.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards has a 3% intro balance transfer fee, while Citi® Diamond Preferred® charges 5%.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
![Doug Milnes, CFA headshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_160/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
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