9 Diamond Preferred Card Benefits That You Didn’t Know About

• Written by Paige Cerulli
  

  Paige Cerulli

  Credit building, credit card rewards programs

  Paige Cerulli is a full-time freelance writer specializing in personal finance topics. She has more than a decade of experience as a writer and enjoys helping others improve their understanding of finances and credit cards and their confidence in navigating finance. Paige has a Bachelor of Arts in English and music performance from Westfield State University, and she is also a certified equine massage therapist. She has contributed to publications including Kiplinger, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report, GOBankingRates, Business Insider, and more. In addition to her freelance work, Paige enjoys writing creative nonfiction, poetry, and novels.

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• Edited by Emily Gadd
  

  Emily Gadd

  Credit Cards, Personal Finance, Health & Wellness

  Emily Gadd is an editor, responsible for writing about personal finance and credit cards. She got her start writing and editing at Healthline. She is passionate about creating educational content that makes complex topics accessible. Emily lives in Seattle with her husband and two cats.

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• Last Updated Jun 5, 2025

If you’re struggling to pay off a credit card balance because of rapidly growing interest, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card could give you a break so you have time to catch up.

This card from Citi (an advertising partner) stands out because of its 21-month introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, then 16.99% - 27.74% (Variable). This promotion gives cardholders nearly two years to pay off previous balances without facing extra interest accumulations. There are several other Diamond Preferred Card benefits that may make this card an appealing choice, too.

1. No Annual Fee

There is no annual fee for the Diamond Preferred Card, so you can enjoy the introductory APR benefits without paying a fee.

2. Long Introductory APR Period

The Diamond Preferred Card features a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) period for purchases. That period lasts for 12 months after you open your account. Once the introductory period ends, the APR is 16.99% - 27.74% (Variable) depending on your creditworthiness.

While the 12-month introductory period is about average for credit cards, the Diamond Preferred Card stands out for its unusually long introductory APR period for balance transfers. Once you transfer a balance, you have 21 months with 0% APR on that balance. Most balance transfer credit cards feature 0% APR periods from about 12 to 18 months, making the Diamond Preferred Card’s introductory period one of the longest available.

This long introductory period gives you extra time to pay down your existing debt without accruing additional interest, and it may help you catch up on your credit card payments or even pay off your debt entirely. Once the period ends, the APR is 16.99% - 27.74% (Variable). Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. If you would prefer to pay a slightly lower fee the Citi Simplicity® Card is a good option to check out.

3. Option to Choose Your Payment Due Date

Citi gives cardholders the ability to choose their payment due date. This policy gives you the flexibility to pay your bill in the beginning, middle or end of the month, so you can choose a date that works well for your finances, such as after you’ve received a paycheck.

4. Automatic Account Alerts

You can also set up account alerts to stay on top of your account details. You can receive automated reminders about your credit card balance levels, upcoming payments that are due, or if you exceed your credit limit. These automated alerts are available via email or directly on your mobile phone.

5. Digital Wallets

With Citi, you can set up digital wallets for safer and easier online shopping. With a digital wallet, your card number is encrypted, so it’s never shared with the merchant. You can use the digital wallet to make payments in stores, online or in apps. Plus, you’re not responsible for any unauthorized purchases, just as when you use your physical credit card.

6. Contactless Pay

Your contactless chip-enabled card supports contactless pay. You can just tap your card on a contactless payment reader for fast and easy checkout in stores.

7. Identity Theft Protection

With the Diamond Preferred Card, you can access Mastercard’s® ID Theft Protection Program. The program monitors your protected information and alerts you if it finds any suspicious activity. You can enroll for free in just a few minutes.

8. $0 Liability for Unauthorized Charges

Citi won’t hold you responsible for any credit card charges that you didn’t authorize. This $0 liability applies to purchases that you made online, too.

9. Citi Entertainment

Your Diamond Preferred Card gives you access to the Citi Entertainment® program. The program offers special access to tickets, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences. The events include concerts, sporting events, and arts and culture experiences.

Takeaway

There are many appealing Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card benefits that may help you pay down your balance. The option to transfer your balance and enjoy 21 months with low interest may help you to catch up on your payments and take control of your debt.

Or, if you’re planning to make a large purchase, the card’s low APR 12-month period for new purchases gives you the chance to pay down the amount before accruing interest. The card also gives you the option to choose your payment due date and to receive automatic alerts, so you can stay updated about your account.

While it doesn’t offer the rewards and perks that other credit cards promote, this card may be a helpful option if you’re trying to take control of your debt and need a break from high interest to help you get ahead. To learn more, read our Diamond Preferred Card Review.