Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Shield Insurance

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Both the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card offer attractive features like no annual fees and introductory APR on balance transfers. If you're leaning toward maximizing balance transfer benefits, the Citi Diamond Preferred is the better choice due to its lengthy 0% APR period. However, for those who prioritize earning on every purchase, the Citi Double Cash stands out with its straightforward 2% cash back.

While the Citi Diamond Preferred doesn't offer a rewards program, its extended no-interest period on balance transfers can be a powerful tool for managing debt. Ultimately, the best card for you depends on whether you value longer debt relief or consistent cash back.

Credit Card logo for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® 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 to make a large purchase or transfer a balance and would benefit from a lengthy 0% APR period. This card is designed to help you save on interest charges and manage debt over 21 months for balance transfers and 12 months on purchases.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you're looking for a straightforward rewards card that earns cash back on every purchase. With 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), this card is a workhorse for everyday spending. The sign-up bonus can also provide a nice initial boost to your rewards earnings.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you plan to carry a balance, the Citi Diamond Preferred's longer 0% APR period could save you more in interest. Conversely, if earning rewards on every purchase is a priority, Citi Double Cash's 2% cash back could offer greater long-term value.

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    Regular APR: Citi Diamond Preferred

    The Citi Diamond Preferred offers a lower starting APR of 18.24%, making it the better choice for those prioritizing regular APR. In contrast, the Citi Double Cash has a higher starting regular APR of 19.24%. The Citi Diamond Preferred's regular APR provides a slightly more affordable borrowing cost.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Citi Diamond Preferred and the Citi Double Cash have no annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to save on yearly costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Citi Diamond Preferred

    The Citi Diamond Preferred card outshines the Citi Double Cash in introductory 0% APR offers. It offers 0% for 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers, while Citi Double Cash offers 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers only.

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    Rewards: Citi Double Cash

    The Citi Double Cash is better for rewards. It offers 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases) and a limited-time 5% cash back on travel booked through the Citi portal. Rewards do not expire, and there are flexible redemption options.

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    Welcome Offers: Citi Double Cash

    The Citi Double Cash is better for welcome offers, providing $200 cash back after a $1,500 spend in the first six months. This offer is fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Diamond Preferred and the Citi Double Cash require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. This feature is a tie between the two cards since they have the same credit score requirements.

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    Penalties and Fees: Tie

    Both the Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Double Cash cards have similar penalties and fees, including up to $41 for late payments, a 3% fee on foreign transactions and a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater. Both cards also have a penalty APR of up to 29.99%. Given these similarities, there's no clear winner in this category.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Tie

    Since Citibank issues the Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Double Cash cards, they share the same issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1, resulting in a tie for this feature.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both the Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Double Cash cards provide special access to Citi Entertainment and offer $0 liability on unauthorized charges. The Diamond Preferred provides free FICO Score access.

Methodology

MoneyGeek's ranking process evaluates credit cards like the Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Double Cash across multiple use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back rewards.

The score for each card reflects the category in which it performs best. For the Citi Diamond Preferred, the focus is on balance transfers, with particular attention to the introductory purchase rate and regular APR. The Citi Double Cash is assessed for cash back, with a strong emphasis on the effective reward rate and the introductory purchase rate.

FAQ: Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Double Cash

What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Diamond Preferred and the Citi Double Cash?

Which card offers a longer introductory APR period for balance transfers?

Do either of the Citi cards have an annual fee?

Can I earn a sign-up bonus with either the Citi Diamond Preferred or the Citi Double Cash?

Are there foreign transaction fees for either 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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