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Citi is one of the bigger financial institutions around and has a range of different credit card options. This review will highlight the key similarities and contrasts between the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card.
You will then be able to see if one of these cards is going to be worthwhile signing up for.
General Comparison
Simulation: Which Card Gives More Rewards?
As only one of these cards offers cashback rewards, we will only do a worked-out example for this offering.
As you can see, there is a consistent level of rewards that you can get with the Citi Rewards+ Card. The only premium categories will be for supermarket and gas station purchases. This makes it a solid card for everyday use.
However, keep in mind to adjust the numbers to your regular spending categories, which may be different – so the exact calculation depends on your personal habits .
 | |
|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Citi Rewards+ Card |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 16,000 points |
$3,000 – Restaurants
| 3,000 points |
$1,500 – Airline | 1,500 points |
$1,500 – Hotels | 1,500 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points |
Total points | 26,000 points |
Estimated Redemption value | 1 point =~ 1 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $260 |
Compare Welcome Bonus And Fees
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card signup offer gives you 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases . The Citi Rewards+ card signup offer sees you getting awarded Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within the first 3 months of account opening (redeemable for $200 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com). This will be redeemable for $200 worth of gift cards.
Neither of these cards have an annual fee that people have to pay and there is a 3% charge on foreign transactions. Both cards also have 0% intro APR offers and no balance transfer fees for certain periods of time. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card has variable APR rates of 17.49% – 28.24% (Variable) while the Citi Rewards+ card has APR rates of 17.99% – 27.99% (Variable).
Compare The Perks
There are additional benefits associated with Citi credit cards, outside of the fees and signup offers. Here is a look at what both of the cards in this comparison have in common and where they differ.
Here are the additional benefits you'll get on both cards:
Constant Customer Service: With both of these cards, you will get access to 24/7 customer service.
No Liability on Unauthorized Charges: If you notice any unauthorized charges on your statement, then you will not have to pay for them with either of these cards.
Digital Wallets: You are able to use digital wallets with both cards that speed up the online checkout process and allow you to unlock all of the great perks associated with these cards.
Citi Entertainment: With both of these cards you will get access to the Citi Entertainment program which allows you to avail of different types of music, sports coverage, and other types of perks.
The Citi Diamond Preferred card offers some unique features:
- Automatic Alerts: You will be able to set up alerts and get them sent to you automatically about your balance levels, due payments, and when you go past your credit limit.
- Choose Payment Date: With this card, you are able to decide on what date you pay your bill.
Identity Theft Solutions: This card helps you resolve any identity theft issues and also you will have $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
The Citi Rewards+ card offers some unique features:
- Cashback Offer: You’ll earn 10% of your points back on up to the first 100,000 points you redeem.
- Round Up: All your points will be automatically rounded up to the nearest 10. For example, a $2 snack earns 10 points, and a $12 meal earns 20 points. There’s no limit on purchases that can be rounded up.
Compare The Drawbacks
There are no perfect financial products, so it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of a new credit card before you sign up.
Here we’ll highlight some of the possible negatives to help you make an informed decision.
Citi Diamond Preferred
- No Rewards
You will not earn cashbacks rewards or sign up bonus through this card.
Citi Rewards+ Card
- Shorter 0% Intro
You’ll still get a great Intro APR on purchases, but the Intro APR on Balance Transfers is shorter than the Citi Diamond Preferred.
- Better Rewards Rate
Citi offers credit cards with better rewards rate and sign up bonus.
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Compare Redemption Options
With the Citi Rewards+ Card, you are able to get 2x points when you make purchases at gas stations and supermarkets. The remaining purchases that you make will earn you 1x points. In order to redeem the points, you can get gift cards, shop at the likes of Amazon.com, use them as statement credit, or redeem them for travel rewards.
Citi also has a number of reward redemption options that include:
- Checks: You can request a check when your rewards balance is above $25. You can also take a credit towards your Citi savings or checking account.
- Statement Credit: You can redeem your rewards for statement credit of at least $25.
- Convert to ThankYou Points: If you have a minimum rewards balance of $1, you can convert your rewards to Citi ThankYou points.
- You can also use them in other ways, such as spending on gift cards, Amazon.com, and on travel.
How to Maximize Cards Benefits?
As there is no cashback rewards available with this card, it is really only good for people who want extended 0% APR, as well as access to tickets to the likes of sports events and concerns.
If you want to make the best use of your Citi Rewards+ card , there are some tips to help you:
Avail of the Signup Offer: You can get a Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within the first 3 months of account opening (redeemable for $200 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com).
Combine With Other Cards: You can make the most of the higher paying categories for the Citi Rewards+ which is mainly relevant for everyday spending, while making up the difference in other areas with different cards. For example, if you're a frequent flyer, getting a travel credit card can get you higher rewards rate on travel related purchases.
Redeem the Right way: You should figure out which of the redeeming options for your accumulated points is going to be the ideal fit for your needs.
Customer Reviews: Which Card Wins?
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card has a 4.4/5 star rating out of more than 5,600 reviews. The highest ratings come from people who enjoy the credit cushion that this card offers, as well as its simplicity. The lower rating talk about the lack of cashback rewards
For the Citi Rewards+ Card, it has a 4.7/5 rating for more than 3,000 reviews. People enjoy the security that it offers, as well as the good range of ways that people can redeem the reward points. The negative reviews are few and far between for this card.
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When You Might Want the Citi Diamond Preferred?
The Citi Diamond Preferred is a great option that could be good you're looking for:
Looking to Accelerated Debt Repayments: The long 0% APR will be suitable for people who are looking to pay down their credit card debt on a much quicker basis than they could without the 0% APR.
Simple Card: If you want a simple card that is not too complex, then this could be a good fit for you.
When You Might Want the Citi Rewards+ Card?
The Citi Rewards+ Card is a solid choice if you're looking for:
Predictability: There is a good range of rewards that you can get with this card that won’t be changing over time and are not capped.
Everyday Spending: If you are looking for a card that will be a great fit for everyday spending, then this covers all bases.
Major Debt: If you are making a significant purchase, the 0% intro APR can be a good way to make this debt more manageable and pay it off at a quicker rate without the interest stacking up too much in the beginning.
Compare The Alternatives
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card doesn’t quite stack up against the Citi Rewards+ Card, which offers solid cashback rewards and an attractive sign-up bonus.
With flexible redemption options for earned points, the Citi Rewards+ Card is a great choice for everyday use, offering both convenience and added protection.
That said, it’s worth checking out a few alternatives before deciding which card to apply for.
 |
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | American Express EveryDay® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95
| $0
|
Rewards |
1-5%
|
2X – 5X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1X – 2X
2X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
|
75,000 miles
75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
|
10,000 points
10,000 points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| $0
| 2.7%
|
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 28.74% variable
| 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable)
| 17.74% – 28.74% Variable
|
FAQ
You are not able to earn any sort of cashback rewards with the Citi Diamond Preferred Card. Therefore, you are not dealing with any types of purchases you can earn cashback or any sort of limits on rewards.
There are no stated income requirements when you are attempting to get this type of credit card. You might need to meet other sorts of requirements in order to be eligible.
You might not have fitted the requirements. You could look elsewhere at similar card options if this has happened to you as other providers or card types might have different eligibility requirements.
Once you keep your account open you will not have to worry about your reward points expiring. Therefore, you will not be under any pressure to use them in a certain time period.
The initial credit limit with this type of card is usually at least $1,000. The exact limit that you will get depends on your personal financial situation.
A big reason for you to not get this type of credit card will be if you want larger cashback rates. Certain other credit cards will provide you with better cashback rates
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