Citi
Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card
No-annual-fee card offering 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases. Features flexible payment dates and free FICO score access.
Annual fee
None
Quick look
Longest Intro Rate on BTs
0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers
2.5
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
Cardholders with existing high-interest credit card balances or a planned major purchase they can repay within 12-21 months. This is not a daily-driver card.
The verdict
The Citi Diamond Preferred is a one-trick card that executes that trick extremely well. If you need to consolidate credit card debt or finance a major purchase, the 21-month interest-free window on balance transfers is genuinely competitive. But if you're looking for rewards, a welcome bonus, or travel perks, this isn't it. The card earns nothing on purchases and offers no signup incentive—it exists to give you time to pay down what you already owe.
The 3% balance transfer fee (capped at four months from opening) and 16.49%-27.24% variable APR after the intro period make this a tool with a clear expiration date. Get in, pay down aggressively, and get out before that interest rate kicks in.
Pros
- Longest intro APR on balance transfers in the catalog at 21 months, with a 3% fee capped to the first four months post-opening
- No annual fee and no rewards restrictions—you're not penalized for using it as a one-off debt tool
- 12 months 0% APR on purchases, useful if you need to stagger a big expense alongside balance transfer payoff
Cons
- No rewards on any purchases—0% cash back or points across all categories
- No welcome bonus, which is standard even on entry-level cards
- 3% foreign transaction fee makes it unsuitable for international travel; balance transfers must complete within four months of account opening or lose the intro rate
Fees and APR
Does it pay for itself?
The zero annual fee is the only reason this card makes sense for one-off debt consolidation. Once you've paid down your balance, close it rather than carry it long-term; the lack of rewards means you're losing value on every purchase after the intro APR ends.
Similar cards
Also from Citi, no annual fee, but only 6 months 0% APR on BTs—lower fee (3%, no cap period) makes it competitive if your payoff timeline is shorter
Chase's balance transfer alternative with 0% APR for 21 months on BTs (but 3% fee for intro, 5% standard); lacks the 12-month purchase APR intro but competes on introductory length
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to transfer a balance to use this card?
No. The 12-month 0% APR on purchases works independently, so you can use the card for a planned large purchase without touching the balance transfer feature. However, if you do transfer a balance, you must complete the transfer within four months of account opening to qualify for the intro rate.
What happens after the 21-month intro period ends?
Your remaining balance (if any) reverts to the variable APR, which ranges from 16.49%-27.24% depending on your creditworthiness. This is why the card is a tool with an expiration date—you need a realistic payoff plan before applying.
Is the 3% balance transfer fee worth it compared to other cards?
Yes, if 21 months of interest-free repayment time lets you pay off the full balance before interest kicks in. A 3% upfront fee is cheaper than paying interest on a $10,000 balance at 18% APR for seven months. Calculate your payoff timeline first.
Can I use this for international purchases?
Technically yes, but the 3% foreign transaction fee makes it uncompetitive for travel. If you're carrying a balance transfer and traveling, use a different card for foreign purchases.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 10, 2026