If your goal is to pay down debt with as little interest as possible, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card is built for that job.
It’s a no-annual-fee Mastercard that’s focused on long intro APRs rather than rewards, making it a solid pick if you plan to move an existing balance.
Below you’ll find a concise, verified guide—what the card is, who it’s for, current pricing details (APRs and fees), and how to apply online.
Pricing, Interest Rates & Key Fees
Citi regularly updates intro APR durations (how many months at 0%).
The public page emphasizes a low introductory APR for both balance transfers and purchases, but the monthly counts can vary.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Primary value: Long intro APR offers for balance transfers (and a shorter intro on purchases), then a variable APR applies. Exact intro durations can vary by offer.
- Ongoing APR range (after intro): 17.24%–27.99% variable for purchases (and typically for balance transfers), based on creditworthiness.
- Cash advance APR (variable): ~29.24% (varies with the Prime Rate).
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase in U.S. dollars.
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater. Some public offers have featured an introductory 3% transfer fee for a limited time—check your specific offer.
- Late/returned payment fee: Up to $41.
- Grace period: Typically at least 23 days on purchases if you pay the statement balance in full.
Who the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card is For
Choose this card if you want to transfer a balance from a higher-APR card and pay it down methodically during a 0% intro period.
Also, if you prefer no annual fee and don’t need cash-back or travel perks.
It is useful for those who value predictable billing (customizable payment due date, $0 liability on unauthorized charges, 24/7 support).
It’s not ideal if you spend regularly and want ongoing rewards, or if you plan to travel abroad frequently (the 3% foreign transaction fee adds up).
How to Apply for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card
You’ll typically get a decision quickly and can manage the card online once approved.
- Go to Citi’s official Diamond Preferred page and select Apply Now.
- The application will present the current intro APR duration, your APR range, and all fees in “Important Pricing & Information.”
- Provide personal details (name, address, income, SSN) and consent to a credit pull.
- If you’re considering a balance transfer, you can typically enter other card(s) and amounts during the application or after approval via your new account—please note any deadlines for transfers to qualify for an introductory fee/rate.
- Review disclosures (APR range, fees, and balance-transfer terms), then submit.
Smart Ways to Use This Card
Have a payoff plan. Divide your transfer amount by the intro months and set up autopay for at least that amount.
Aim to be near $0 when the intro ends, so your balance doesn’t reprice to the variable APR.
Avoid mixing purchases & transfers unless you also have a purchase intro. New purchases can accrue interest immediately.
Skip it for foreign travel. The 3% foreign transaction fee can negate savings—consider a no-foreign-fee card abroad.
Official Contact Information
Card-specific contact: 1-800-823-4086 (Citi® Diamond Preferred®).
General Citi Cards customer service: 1-800-950-5114 (24/7).
Outside the U.S.: call +1-605-335-2222 collect.
General correspondence (mail): Citibank Customer Service P.O. Box 6500 Sioux Falls, SD 57117
Corporate address (Citigroup): 388 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10013
What to Compare It Against
If you want a similar low-intro-APR strategy and don’t mind another Citi product, compare it to Citi Simplicity® (also known for its long intro APR offers).
If you’d rather earn rewards, look at Citi Double Cash® or Citi Custom Cash® instead; their intro APR windows and fee structures differ.
| Citi card | Annual fee | Rewards earning | Intro APR highlights | Notable fees/perks | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® | $0 | None (focus is low intro APR) | Frequently features 0% intro APR on balance transfers for a long window; shorter intro on purchases (offer length varies—confirm at apply). | Free FICO® Score; Mastercard® ID Theft Protection™. | Longest balance-transfer intro focus; paying down existing debt. |
| Citi Simplicity® | $0 | None | Often 0% intro APR on balance transfers (long window) and purchases (shorter); exact months vary. | No late fees and no penalty APR; no annual fee. | Want guardrails (no late fees) plus a long BT intro. |
| Citi Double Cash® | $0 | 2% back total — 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay; plus 5% total on select Citi Travel® bookings (hotels, car rentals, attractions). | Intro APR typically available on balance transfers (terms vary; check pricing details). | No categories to track; straightforward earning. | Simple, reliable everyday cash back. |
| Citi Custom Cash® | $0 | 5% back in your top eligible category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent; 1% on other purchases; +4% on hotels & car rentals via Citi Travel. | Intro APR offers commonly available (length varies; confirm on apply page). | Auto-adapts to your spending; no category activation. | Maximizing $500/month in one category (e.g., groceries, gas, dining). |
| Citi Strata Premier® | $95 | 10X on hotels, car rentals & attractions via Citi Travel; 3X on air travel/other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV charging; 1X other. | Rewards-centric card; standard variable APR applies (see pricing). | No foreign transaction fees; $100 annual hotel benefit; travel protections. | Travelers who want broad 3X coverage and no FTFs. |
Bottom Line
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card is a purpose-built card for lowering interest costs, not for earning points.
It’s a strong tool for debt payoff—provided you map out payments and meet transfer deadlines.
If you want travel perks or ongoing rewards, another card may fit better; if your priority is breathing room to eliminate debt, this card fits the bill.
Disclaimer: This article is information only, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Credit card offers, intro APR durations, APRs, and fees can change and may vary by applicant profile and Prime Rate. Always review Citi’s “Important Pricing & Information” and the Cardmember Agreement shown during your online application and in your approval materials. Eligibility and approval are determined by the issuer.
