Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash: One Saves More on Interest, the Other on Fees

The Citi Double Cash® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may seem like different credit cards, but they share a powerful feature: a long 0% intro APR period for balance transfers. And while the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a longer 0% intro APR period, the Citi Double Cash® Card has a lower intro balance transfer fee, making this a close competition between members of the same card family. If you're considering one for a balance transfer, let's take a look at both to decide which might be the more savvy choice for you.

The Citi Double Cash® Card offers 18 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers, plus a lower introductory balance transfer fee during your card's first four months. Taken together, these offer a double-whammy of zero-interest and low fees that few balance transfer credit cards will beat.

I could stop here, but these aren't even the card's headlining perks. Cardholders can also earn up to 2% back on everyday purchases, may qualify for a welcome offer worth $200, and may get approved with a credit score of 580 or higher. All of these make it a strong cash back credit card for building credit, paying off debt, and earning rewards.

Apply for Citi Double Cash® Card.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers the longest 0% intro APR period for balance transfers that we've found. Cardholders get 21 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers and 12 months for new purchases. That would make this card the better option for those who need the longest zero-interest period possible to pay off a balance. However, its balance transfer fee is 5% ($5 min.), it doesn't earn rewards, and you might need a higher credit score than you'd need for the Citi Double Cash® Card to qualify.

Apply for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card.

On the surface, these two Citi credit cards appeal to different cardholders: one for paying off debt, the other for maximizing cash back. However, when we take a closer look at their 0% intro APR periods and balance transfer fees, the difference isn't so clear cut. With that crucial question in mind, let's take a closer look at both cards.

Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash annual fee

Winner: Tie

No surprise here: Both the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card are free of annual fees. They also share the same foreign transaction fee of 3% on all non-U.S. purchases. Since they have similar fee schedules, I'll give them the same score in this category.

Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash welcome offer

Winner: Citi Double Cash® Card

By default, the Citi Double Cash® Card wins for best welcome bonus. That's partly because the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card doesn't have a welcome offer, but mainly because the Citi Double Cash® Card's offer is generous for a no-fee card. You'll earn 20,000 ThankYou® Points when you spend $1,500 within your card's first 6 months. This can be redeemed for $200 in cash back or slightly more if you transfer them to partners.

Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash intro APR

Winner: Tie

Declaring this a "tie" is a tough decision. But before I get ahead of myself, let's take a look at what each card offers individually.

The Citi Double Cash® Card offers you 18 months of intro 0% APR for balance transfers. Unlike other 0% intro APR cards, it doesn't offer a zero-interest period for new purchases. While 18 months isn't the longest intro period I've seen, the card has a low introductory 3% ($5 min.) on transfers in the first four months, 5% ($5 min.) thereafter. After the intro period, the card's go-to 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR will apply.

Meanwhile, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a longer intro 0% APR period of 21 months for balance transfers. It also offers 12 months of zero-interest for new purchases. Its balance transfer fee, however, is a real buzz-kill: 5% ($5 min.). The card's go-to 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR will kick in once the intro period is over.

So, which card is better for intro 0% APR? If your No. 1 need in a credit card is to transfer a balance, choosing between the two will come down to how long it will take you to pay off your debt.

• If you want a longer intro 0% APR, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card gives you three extra months. Ideally, these three months of zero-interest payments will save you more than the 2% difference in balance transfer fees.
• If you want to save on balance transfer fees, the Citi Double Cash® Card could be a good option. The difference between the fees could save you $100 for a transferred balance of $5,000.

Now let's consider other features. For those looking to earn rewards while paying off a balance, the Citi Double Cash® Card would give you both. Just know that new purchases don't have a 0% intro APR; they'll accumulate interest at a regular APR after your statement's due date.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, however, does have a zero-interest period for new purchases. That could make it more attractive for those whose debt repayment strategy needs zero interest for both in order to pay down the full balance in time.

Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash rewards

Winner: Citi Double Cash® Card

Again, the Citi Double Cash® Card wins by default: The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card doesn't earn rewards or cash back. Meanwhile, the Citi Double Cash® Card earns an unlimited 2% cash back: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay. It also earns 5% in total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel℠ portal through Dec. 31, 2024.

The Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card are both powerful credit cards that can help people in different situations pay off their debts. Those seeking a longer intro 0% APR period for balance transfers and new purchases might be better served by the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, even if it has a higher balance transfer fee. On the other hand, those who can pay their transferred balance in 18 months or less will save money on the Citi Double Cash® Card's lower balance transfer fee. Consider your needs to decide.