Citi Rewards+ vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card Comparison

Q: What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Rewards+ and the Citi Diamond Preferred?

The Citi Rewards+ card is a great rewards card , offering points on purchases with a unique round-up feature, while the Citi Diamond Preferred card does not offer rewards.

Q: Are there annual fees associated with either the Citi Rewards+ or the Citi Diamond Preferred?

Both are great cards with no annual fee .

Q: Can I earn a signup bonus with either the Citi Rewards+ or the Citi Diamond Preferred?

You can earn a signup bonus with the Citi Rewards+ , but not with the Citi Diamond Preferred card.

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Both the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card offer appealing introductory APRs and no annual fees, making them strong contenders for anyone looking to manage their finances effectively. However, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card edges ahead with its longer 0% APR period for balance transfers, making it a standout choice for those looking to consolidate and pay down debt.

The Citi Rewards+ card, with its 5X ThankYou points on travel through Citi Travel, is a compelling option for frequent travelers. While both cards cater to good to excellent credit profiles, the Citi Diamond Preferred's superior balance transfer offer positions it as the more advantageous card for debt management.

Citi Rewards+® Card

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

MoneyGeek Rating

3.5/ of 5

Rates & Fees

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
17.99% - 27.99% variable
17.49% - 28.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for 12 months on purchases
Intro Offer
Earn 20,000 Points
No current offer
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points
-
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, introductory fee for transfers made within 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness
Up to 29.99% variable, may apply indefinitely for late payment or returned payment
Not sure?
The Citi Rewards+ stands out for everyday spenders with its points round-up feature and bonus rewards on travel, supermarkets and gas stations. On the other hand, the Citi Diamond Preferred card is tailored for those seeking to manage debt with its longer 0% APR period on balance transfers. While both cards have no annual fee, opt for Citi Rewards+ for rewards or Citi Diamond Preferred for balance transfer benefits.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Rewards+ if you're looking to earn points on your everyday purchases. With this card, you can accumulate ThankYou Points quickly, especially with the 5X points on travel through Citi Travel until the end of 2025 and the welcome offer of 20,000 points after initial spending. It's a solid choice if you value rewards over balance transfer terms.

You might prefer the Citi Diamond Preferred if you're seeking to consolidate and pay down debt with a generous 0% APR period on balance transfers. With one of the longest intro APR offers on the market, this card is ideal for those with existing balances looking to avoid interest charges and focus on debt repayment.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other card features side by side clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For example, if you plan to transfer a balance and pay it off over time, the Citi Diamond Preferred's longer 0% APR period on balance transfers may be advantageous. Conversely, if earning rewards on everyday purchases is a priority, the Citi Rewards+ with its points system could be more beneficial.

Regular APR: Citi Diamond Preferred

The Citi Diamond Preferred offers a slightly lower starting APR of 18.24%, compared to the Rewards+ of 18.74%.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the Citi Rewards+ and the Citi Diamond Preferred have no annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.

Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

Both cards offer valuable introductory 0% APRs, but for different uses. The Citi Diamond Preferred provides a longer 0% APR period for balance transfers, making it ideal for those looking to transfer existing balances. The Citi Rewards+ offers a longer 0% APR period on purchases, better suiting those planning new purchases.

Rewards: Citi Rewards+

The Citi Rewards+ offers 5 ThankYou Points per $1 on select bookings through CitiTravel.com, 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, and 1X points on all other purchases. Additionally, it provides a 10% points back on redeemed points, up to 100,000 points per year, and points do not expire. The Citi Diamond Preferred does not offer cash back, miles or points for rewards.

Welcome Offers: Citi Rewards+

For welcome offers, the Citi Rewards+ is the clear winner. It provides 20,000 bonus points after a $1,500 spend within the first three months, equivalent to $200 in gift cards. The Citi Diamond Preferred does not offer a welcome bonus.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both cards require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are equally accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.

Penalties and Fees: Tie

Both the Citi Rewards+ and the Citi Diamond Preferred impose 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 advance amount. Both cards also have a penalty APR of up to 29.99%, which may apply for late payments or returned payments.

Issuer Satisfaction: Tie

Since both the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Diamond Preferred Card are issued by Citibank, they share the same issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1.

Other Features & Perks: Tie

Both the Citi Rewards+ and Citi Diamond Preferred cards offer unique perks. The Citi Rewards+ card rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase and has a special offer for earning more points on travel booked through CitiTravel.com until December 31, 2025. The Citi Diamond Preferred card provides special access to events through Citi Entertainment and free access to your FICO score online.

Methodology

MoneyGeek conducts thorough reviews and evaluations of credit cards like the Citi Rewards+ and Citi Diamond Preferred based on specific use cases, with each card receiving a score for scenarios such as balance transfers and cash back. The balance transfer offer and the regular APR are the most important factors in determining these scores.

FAQ: Citi Rewards+ vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card

What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Rewards+ and the Citi Diamond Preferred?

The Citi Rewards+ card is a great rewards card, offering points on purchases with a unique round-up feature, while the Citi Diamond Preferred card does not offer rewards.

Which card offers a longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers?

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers a longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers.

Are there annual fees associated with either the Citi Rewards+ or the Citi Diamond Preferred?

Both are great cards with no annual fee.

Can I earn a signup bonus with either the Citi Rewards+ or the Citi Diamond Preferred?

You can earn a signup bonus with the Citi Rewards+, but not with the Citi Diamond Preferred card.

What is the recommended credit score for applying for these Citi cards?

Both cards recommend a credit score of 670 to 850, which is considered good to excellent.

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.

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*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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Citi Rewards+® Card vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card