Good credit, steady income, and a clean history—qualify for the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and enjoy 0% APR for 21 months.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a top option for managing existing debt thanks to its 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases. To help you determine if you’re eligible, we break down the key requirements and steps you need to meet before applying.
Requirements

- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Be at least 18 years old: Late payments can hurt your application.
- Credit history length: Accounts open for several years signal reliability.
- Low credit utilization: Aim to use less than 30% of your total available credit.
Good to excellent credit score
To qualify for this card, you’ll need a FICO score of 670 or higher. This range—considered good to excellent credit—shows Citi that you’re a responsible borrower.
If you’re unsure about your credit score:
- Use free tools to check your current score.
- Work on improving it by making on-time payments and keeping credit utilization below 30%.
The better your score, the higher your chances of approval and the more favorable terms you may receive.
Proof of income and financial stability
Citi will evaluate your financial stability to ensure you can handle a new line of credit. They consider:
- Your monthly or annual income.
- Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)—ideally below 36%.
A consistent income and low existing debt improve your chances of approval. Before applying, consider paying down balances to strengthen your application.
Clean and reliable credit history
Beyond your score, Citi reviews your overall credit history, focusing on:
- On-time payments: Late payments can hurt your application.
- Credit history length: Accounts open for several years signal reliability.
- Low credit utilization: Aim to use less than 30% of your total available credit.
A well-managed credit history tells lenders you’re likely to handle new credit responsibly.
Eligibility rules and restrictions
Citi has specific restrictions that may affect your eligibility:
- You can’t apply if you’ve opened a Citi card in the last 6 months.
- You won’t qualify for the balance transfer offer if you’ve received the same benefit on the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card within the last 48 months.
Check your recent credit activity and Citi card history to ensure you meet these conditions.
General requirements
To apply for the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside in the United States with a valid U.S. address.
- Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.
These are standard requirements for most credit card applications.
Balance transfer considerations
The 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers comes with a few requirements to keep in mind:
- Transfers must be completed within the first 4 months of account opening.
- A balance transfer fee applies: either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred (whichever is greater).
To maximize this benefit, transfer your balances early and create a plan to pay off the debt within the promotional period.
Who should apply?
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is ideal for individuals who:
- Have a good to excellent credit score (670+).
- Want to consolidate high-interest debt with a 0% APR for 21 months.
- Need a card for a large purchase with 0% APR for 12 months.
- Have a steady income and a low debt-to-income ratio.
If this sounds like you, this card can help you take control of your finances while avoiding high interest charges.
Bottom line
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is perfect for individuals with a strong credit profile who want to take advantage of one of the longest 0% APR periods on the market. By meeting the eligibility requirements—such as having good credit, stable income, and a clean credit history—you can unlock a powerful tool for managing debt and saving money.
If you’re ready to simplify your finances and take the next step, this card could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
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