Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Shield Insurance

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Both the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and the BankAmericard® Credit Card offer generous 0% introductory APR periods, a compelling feature for those looking to transfer balances or finance purchases without the immediate burden of interest. However, BankAmericard is better for its longer 0% APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers.

However, do not overlook Citi Diamond Preferred's longer balance transfer offer period, which can be particularly beneficial for those with existing debt. Neither card charges an annual fee, ensuring cost-efficiency for cardholders.

Credit Card logo for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred if you're planning a balance transfer and would benefit from a lengthy 0% APR period. With no annual fee and access to Citi Entertainment, it's tailored for those who manage credit well and seek extra perks without the need for rewards from spending.

You might prefer the BankAmericard if you're looking for a card that offers a generous 0% APR period on purchases. This is beneficial when making large purchases that you plan to pay off over time. The card has the added benefit of no annual fee and a lower minimum regular APR after the introductory period.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements and introductory offers will clarify which card aligns with your financial needs. For instance, if you plan large balance transfers, Citi Diamond Preferred's longer 0% APR period might appeal to you. In contrast, BankAmericard's lower balance transfer fee could be more cost-effective for smaller debts.

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    Regular APR: BankAmericard

    For those prioritizing a lower regular APR, BankAmericard is the better choice. It offers an APR range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable, compared to Citi Diamond Preferred's 18.24% to 28.99% variable.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the BankAmericard and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card offer a $0 annual fee, making them equally appealing for users looking to save on yearly costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    Both cards offer compelling introductory 0% APR periods but for different uses. The Citi Diamond Preferred provides a longer 0% APR period for balance transfers, benefitting those looking to transfer existing balances. Conversely, BankAmericard offers a longer 0% APR period on purchases, better suiting those planning new purchases. Each card caters to distinct financial strategies.

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    Rewards: Tie

    Neither the Citi Diamond Preferred nor the BankAmericard offers rewards such as cash back, miles or points. Both cards focus on other features, like introductory APR offers.

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    Welcome Offers: Tie

    Neither the Citi Diamond Preferred nor the BankAmericard offers a welcome bonus, making this feature a tie between the two. Both cards lack introductory offers, cash back, miles or points as part of their welcome incentives.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Diamond Preferred and BankAmericard require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. This makes them equally positioned in terms of credit score requirements.

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    Penalties and Fees: BankAmericard

    BankAmericard is better for penalties and fees, as it doesn't impose a penalty APR and has slightly lower late fees than Citi Diamond Preferred. Both cards have similar cash advance and foreign transaction fees.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: BankAmericard

    BankAmericard leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5 for its issuer, Bank of America. Citibank, which issues the Citi Diamond Preferred, has a rating of 4.1.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both cards offer free access to FICO Scores online. The Citi Diamond Preferred stands out with access to Citi Entertainment®, providing special access to tickets for thousands of events, including concerts and dining experiences.

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards like Citi Diamond Preferred and BankAmericard using a ranking process tailored to specific use cases. The highest-scoring use case for these cards is balance transfer.

For balance transfer cards, the scores are significantly influenced by the balance transfer offer and the introductory purchase APR. Other considerations include recommended credit, issuer satisfaction and penalty rates.

FAQ: Citi Diamond Preferred vs. BankAmericard

What are the introductory APR periods for each card?

Do either of the cards have an annual fee?

Are there foreign transaction fees for either card?

Do these cards offer rewards programs?

What is the balance transfer fee for each card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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