If you're looking for a Citibank credit card with no annual fee and introductory 0% APR offers, you may be considering the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card. The Citi Rewards+ Card is the better choice for earning rewards, with a sign-up bonus and points on every purchase. In contrast, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is ideal for those prioritizing a longer balance transfer offer to manage existing debt. Both cards cater to good to excellent credit profiles and offer a $0 annual fee.
Citi Rewards+® Card
vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
The Citi Rewards+ Card caters to reward-seekers, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is tailored for balance transfers.
![First credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.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 22, 2024
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![Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.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 APR18.74% - 28.74% variable18.24% - 28.99% variable0% APR Offer0% for 15 months on purchases0% for 12 months on purchasesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 15 months on balance transfers0% for 21 months on balance transfersAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards SummaryEarn 1X – 5X ThankYou® PointsSpecial offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.-This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or pointsRecommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
Citi Rewards+ Card vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Rewards+ Card if: you enjoy earning rewards on your everyday purchases. This card offers a robust rewards program, including ThankYou points on travel booked through Citi and double points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year. Additionally, the card entices new users with an introductory offer of 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within the first three months. With a $0 annual fee and a 15-month 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, it's a compelling option for those who want to maximize their spending benefits while also having the opportunity to manage existing debt.
You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if: your primary goal is debt management. This card stands out with its extended 21-month 0% APR offer on balance transfers, one of the longest available. It can be particularly valuable for those looking to pay down existing balances without accruing additional interest. While it doesn't offer a rewards program, it provides a 12-month 0% APR period on purchases, which can be useful for making large purchases you plan to pay off over time. With the same $0 annual fee and recommended credit score range as the Citi Rewards+ Card, the Citi® Diamond Preferred Card is tailored for individuals who prioritize a longer runway for balance transfers over earning rewards.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Rewards+ Card
The Citi Rewards+ Card is rated at 3.2 by MoneyGeek for balance transfers, indicating a solid option for those looking to manage existing credit card debt. With a recommended credit range of 670 to 850, this card is accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. The absence of an annual fee makes it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious consumers. This card is particularly good for those who frequently redeem points; it offers a unique benefit of 10% points back on the first 100,000 ThankYou points redeemed each year.
Additionally, the card's rewards program is tailored for travelers and everyday spenders, with a special offer to earn five ThankYou Points per $1 spent on travel through Citi Travel, double points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, and one point per $1 on all other purchases. These features make the Citi Rewards+ Card a versatile tool for earning rewards on a wide range of spending categories.
![Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.png)
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a standout option for consolidating debt and saving on interest. With a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Score of 4.1 out of 5, this card is highly regarded for its balance transfer capabilities. It offers an outstanding 21-month, 0% introductory balance transfer period, which is one of the longest available, making it an excellent choice for individuals with existing credit card debt looking to minimize interest charges.
The card also boasts a $0 annual fee and is best suited for those with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850. While it doesn't offer rewards or cash back, its other features, such as Citi Entertainment® access, add value for cardholders seeking entertainment experiences. If your primary goal is to tackle high-interest debt, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card could be a powerful tool in your financial arsenal.
![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: Citi Rewards+ Card vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features of the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card. By examining these aspects side by side, you can pinpoint which card aligns with your spending patterns and financial objectives. For instance, if you're looking to transfer a balance and want a long introductory APR period, one card may stand out over the other. Alternatively, if earning rewards on every purchase is your priority, the other card might be more suitable.
Regular APR
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers a slightly lower minimum APR of 18.24% compared to the Citi Rewards+ Card's 18.74%. However, its maximum APR is marginally higher at 28.99%, against the Citi Rewards+ Card's 28.74%. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is marginally better for those prioritizing a lower minimum APR.
Annual Fee
Both the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card have no annual fee. This makes them equally appealing for individuals seeking to avoid yearly charges.
Introductory 0% APRs
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is better for balance transfers with a 0% APR for 21 months, compared to the Citi Rewards+ Card's 15 months. For purchases, the Citi Rewards+ Card offers a more extended 0% APR period of 15 months versus 12 months for the Citi Diamond Preferred Card.
Rewards
The Citi Rewards+ Card is better for rewards, offering 2x ThankYou® Points on groceries and gas stations for the first $6,000 spent annually and 1x points on everything else. The Rewards+ card also rounds up to the nearest 10 points - a $2 purchase rounds up to 10 points. You also receive 10% points back on redeemed points for the first 100,000 points you redeem annual. Citi Diamond Preferred Card, on the other hand, does not offer cash back, miles or points rewards.
Welcome Offers
The Citi Rewards+ Card is better for welcome offers, offering 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not currently have a welcome offer.
Recommended Credit Score
Both the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi® Diamond Preferred Card require a credit score in the range of 670 to 850, indicating they are aimed at individuals with good to excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees
Both cards have identical penalties and fees, with a late fee of up to $41, a penalty APR of up to 29.99%, a cash advance fee of 5% or $10 minimum, and a foreign transaction fee of 3%. Neither card is better in terms of penalties and fees.
Issuer Satisfaction
Both the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card are issued by Citibank, which has an issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1.
Other Features & Perks
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers unique access to Citi Entertainment, allowing cardholders to purchase tickets to thousands of events. The Citi Rewards+ Card provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,500 in the first three months, which may appeal to those looking to boost their points balance quickly. The choice between these perks depends on personal preference for entertainment access or bonus points.
FAQ: Citi Rewards+ Card vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Citi Rewards+ Card offers ThankYou® Points on purchases, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not have a rewards program. Learn more about rewards credit cards.
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers a 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, longer than the Citi Rewards+ Card's 15 months. More on balance transfer cards.
Yes, both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee on international purchases.
Both cards recommend a credit score range of 670 to 850, which falls into the good to excellent category.
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card provides access to Citi Entertainment®, offering special event experiences. Explore Citi card perks.
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.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.