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

If you're looking for a Citibank credit card with no annual fee and balance transfer options, you may be considering the Citi Diamond Preferred Card and the Citi Double Cash Card. The Citi Double Cash Card is better for earning cash back rewards and has a more accessible credit score requirement. In contrast, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is superior if you need a longer balance transfer introductory period. Both cards have high penalty APRs and offer $0 annual fees, but the right choice depends on whether you prioritize rewards or managing debt.

You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if: you're planning to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card and want to avoid interest charges for a longer period. This card offers an outstanding 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, which can provide significant savings on interest. It's a solid choice if you have a good to excellent credit score and are looking for a card to help manage existing debt or finance a new purchase without the added cost of interest. However, it doesn't offer any rewards for spending, so it's less suited for those who want to earn cash back on their purchases.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash® Card if: earning rewards on your everyday spending is a priority. With its straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay), it's one of the best cash back cards on the market. Additionally, you can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months. The card also offers an 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which is slightly shorter than the Diamond Preferred but still generous. If your credit score is in the fair to good range, this card might be more accessible to you. It's an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their cash back earnings across all spending categories.

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is a standout option for those looking to consolidate debt or finance large purchases without accruing interest for a significant period. With a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Card Rating of 4.2 out of 5, this card offers an exceptional 21-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and a 12-month 0% introductory APR on purchases, making it a strong contender for individuals with a recommended credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). The card's lack of an annual fee further enhances its appeal to cost-conscious consumers. However, this card does not offer rewards on purchases, which may be a deciding factor for those who value cash back or points.

The Citi Double Cash Card earns a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Score of 3.2 out of 5, reflecting its competitive edge in this category. With a 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases—this card stands out for its straightforward rewards program. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who prefer a no-fuss cash back structure without the need to track spending categories or sign up for quarterly bonuses.

The card boasts a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday use. Cardholders can also take advantage of the 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, a feature that can provide significant savings for those looking to manage existing credit card debt. Additionally, new cardholders have the opportunity to earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months.

Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards and introductory offers. For example, if you're looking to transfer a balance and want a long introductory period, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's 21-month 0% APR on balance transfers might be appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer rewards on every purchase, the Citi Double Cash Card's 2% cash back could sway your decision. Use this section to align each card's offerings with your financial needs.