If you're seeking a credit card with a strong introductory APR offer and no annual fee, you may be considering the Citi Diamond Preferred Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is generally better for longer balance transfer periods, offering 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, compared to BankAmericard's 18 months. However, the BankAmericard Credit Card may be more suitable if you're looking for a lower regular APR after the introductory period ends, with a range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable versus Citi's 18.24% to 28.99% variable.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card
Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers a longer balance transfer period, while BankAmericard Credit Card provides a lower APR and is better for purchases.
Updated: July 31, 2024
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- Regular APR17.49% - 28.24% variable15.74% - 25.74% variable0% APR Offer0% for 12 months on purchases0% for the first 18 billing cyclesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers0% for the first 18 billing cyclesAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards Summary-This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or points-Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (good to excellent)Not sure?
In the matchup of the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card stands out for those seeking a longer balance transfer introductory period with its 0% for 21 months, compared to the BankAmericard® Credit Card's 18 billing cycles. However, the BankAmericard® is more favorable for those looking to save on balance transfer fees with a lower 3% fee. The BankAmericard® also offers a slightly lower regular APR, which could benefit those who carry a balance post-introductory period. Choose the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card for longer balance transfer relief, or the BankAmericard® for lower fees and APR.
Citi Diamond Preferred Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if: you're planning a balance transfer and want the longest possible introductory period to pay it off without accruing interest. With a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, this card helps those who need an extended timeframe. Additionally, if you occasionally make large purchases, you'll benefit from the 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. However, there's a penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable for late payments, which could be a downside if you sometimes miss payment deadlines.
You might prefer the BankAmericard Credit Card if: you're looking for a card with a generous introductory APR period and a slightly higher customer satisfaction rating. The BankAmericard offers a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers, which is slightly less than the Citi card but still substantial. It also has a lower late fee of up to $40 and no penalty APR, which could provide peace of mind if you're concerned about the possibility of making a late payment. While it doesn't offer rewards, its fee structure and introductory offer make it a strong contender for those seeking a cost-effective credit card.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card boasts a MoneyGeek Balance transfer card rating of 4.1 out of 5, reflecting its strength in this category. With an outstanding 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, this card is a strong contender for those looking to consolidate and pay down existing credit card debt without accruing additional interest. The card also offers a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, making it a good option for new, large purchases that you plan to pay off within a year.
With no annual fee, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card keeps costs down, although it does charge a balance transfer fee of 5% or $5 minimum. The regular variable APR ranges from 18.24% to 28.99%, which is something to consider if you're likely to carry a balance past the introductory periods. While the card doesn't offer rewards like cash back or points, its value lies in the potential interest savings during the intro periods.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has one of the longest 0% intro APR on balance transfers at 21 months. It’s a great pick if you aim to pay off your debt from other cards. It also comes with a year of 0% APR on new purchases but doesn’t offer rewards or a signup bonus.
- PROS
- Lengthy 0% APR period for balance transfers
- No-interest period for purchases
- No annual fee
CONS- No intro balance transfer fee
- No rewards program
Introductory Offers
- Enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer.
- Benefit from a 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening.
- Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening, with a fee of $5 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee.
- After the introductory period, the variable APR will be between 17.49% and 28.24%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy special access to purchase tickets for concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences through Citi Entertainment.
- Get free online access to your FICO Score.
MoneyGeek's Take on the BankAmericard Credit Card
The BankAmericard Credit Card, issued by Bank of America, is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward credit card with a focus on balance transfers and financing large purchases. It stands out for its introductory offers. The card boasts a $0 annual fee. It offers a generous 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to manage existing debt or fund upcoming expenses without incurring interest charges immediately.
It's best suited for consumers with a good to excellent credit score, ranging from 670 to 850, who are looking for a cost-effective way to pay down balances or finance purchases over a period of time. However, be mindful of balance transfer and foreign transaction fees, which could add to your costs if you plan to transfer a balance or use the card abroad.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We recommend the BankAmericard® credit card to people who are looking for no-annual-fee cards with intro APR offers. This card comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. However, you need to carry out your balance transfer within the first 60 days, and you need to pay a balance transfer fee. Using this card outside of the U.S. might not be a good idea because it comes with foreign transaction fees.
- PROS
- No annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles
CONS- Balance transfer fees
- Foreign transaction fees
- No rewards program
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% purchase and balance transfer APR for the first 18 billing cycles, then a variable APR between 16.24% and 26.24%.
- No penalty APR.
- Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3%, whichever is greater.
- Foreign transaction fee of 3% (5% for overseas cash advances).
- FICO Score for free.
Details Comparison: Citi Diamond Preferred Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card
Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. For instance, if you're planning a large purchase or need to transfer a balance, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's longer 0% APR period on balance transfers could save you more in the long run. Conversely, if you're looking for a longer 0% APR on purchases, the BankAmericard Credit Card extends this offer for 18 billing cycles. Examining these details lets you pinpoint which card aligns with your financial habits and goals.
Regular APR
The BankAmericard Credit Card offers a lower APR range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable, compared to the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's APR range of 18.24% to 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee
Both cards have no annual fee. This makes them equally attractive for users looking to avoid yearly charges.
Introductory 0% APRs
For introductory 0% APRs on purchases, the BankAmericard Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR for the first 18 billing cycles, longer than the Citi Diamond Preferred Card's 12 months. For balance transfers, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card extends a 0% intro APR for 21 months, surpassing BankAmericard's 18 billing cycles. Here are some of the best balance transfer credit cards for further comparison.
Rewards
Neither the Citi Diamond Preferred Card nor the BankAmericard Credit Card offers rewards such as cash back, miles or points. For those interested in rewards, consider exploring MoneyGeek's best rewards credit cards.
Welcome Offers
Neither the BankAmericard Credit Card nor the Citi Diamond Preferred Card provide a welcome bonus or welcome offers, making them equal in this aspect.
Recommended Credit Score
Both cards require a credit score in the range of 670 to 850, This means that for individuals with good to excellent credit, either card could be a viable option.
Penalties and Fees
BankAmericard Credit Card is better for avoiding higher penalties, with a late fee of up to $40 and no penalty APR. Both cards charge a 5% cash advance fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card has a late fee of up to $41 and a penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable that may apply indefinitely.
Issuer Satisfaction
The BankAmericard Credit Card has a better issuer reputation compared to the Citi Diamond Preferred Card.
Other Features & Perks
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers unique entertainment benefits through Citi Entertainment®, allowing cardholders special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events. In contrast, the BankAmericard Credit Card does not highlight any specific entertainment or lifestyle perks.
FAQ: Citi Diamond Preferred Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card
The BankAmericard Credit Card offers 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card provides 0% for 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers. Both are considered great zero interest cards.
The BankAmericard Credit Card charges a 3% fee, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card has a 5% fee. Learn more about balance transfer fees.
Both cards recommend a credit score range of 670 to 850, which falls into the good to excellent category. More on credit requirements can be found in our Citi Credit Card Reviews.
No, neither the Citi Diamond Preferred Card nor the BankAmericard Credit Card offer rewards programs. They are focused on balance transfers and introductory APR offers.
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers access to Citi Entertainment, while the BankAmericard Credit Card does not list specific entertainment perks.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
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.
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