Is it hard to get the Citi Diamond Preferred Card?

Asked by: Dr. Callie Mertz III  |  Last update: October 7, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (71 votes)

Yes, it is hard to get the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card because it requires at least good credit for approval. Unless your credit score is 700 or higher and you have a lot of income, it will be difficult for you to get approved for the Citi Diamond Preferred.

What is the starting credit limit for Citi Diamond Preferred?

The credit limit on a Citi Diamond Preferred card is $500 or more, with some cardholders reporting $10,000+ starting credit limits. Citibank will determine your specific credit limit based on factors such as your credit history, annual income, and any debt you owe.

What is the hardest Citi credit card to get?

The most difficult Citi card to get is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, since it's their only consumer card that requires excellent credit to qualify. You also need to join Costco if you're not already a member and earn enough income to afford monthly payments on the card.

Who does Citi Diamond Preferred Card pull from?

The Citi Diamond Preferred mainly uses Experian to check your credit when you apply, though Citibank may use TransUnion or Equifax instead, according to anecdotal evidence. So, if any of your credit reports are frozen, you should unfreeze them before applying for the card.

What is the easiest Citi card to get approved for?

Citi® Secured Mastercard® is an option for customers with little or no credit history and can help you build your credit when used responsibly. Unlike a debit card, Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a real credit card that helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus.

What Credit Score Is Needed For Citi Diamond Preferred Card

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Is Citi Diamond Preferred a hard card to get?

A credit score of 670 or greater is recommended when applying for the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, but scores in the excellent credit tier of 740 or higher have the best shot. Credit score requirements aren't hard and fast.

What FICO score does Citibank use?

Based on FICO® Score 8 model.

How accurate is Citi pre-approval?

That said, preapprovals aren't a guarantee that your application will be approved. Still, preapprovals may be the best way to avoid the double whammy of a rejection and a credit score hit. Here's what you need to know about Citi's pre-qualification online tool and other ways of getting a Citi card preapproval.

What is the top of the line Citi credit card?

Best Citi Cards of January 2025
  • Citi Simplicity® Card: Best feature: 0% introductory APR promotion.
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best feature: Airline rewards.
  • Citi® Secured Mastercard®:
  • My Best Buy Visa® Card: Best feature: Best Buy rewards.

What is the minimum payment for Citi Diamond Preferred?

With a Citi credit card, like the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, Citi Premier® Card, or Citi® Double Cash Card, your minimum payment is equal to the full amount if your balance is under $41. If your balance is higher, you'll pay the greater of $41 or 1% of your balance plus interest and late fees.

What is the most prestigious Citibank credit card?

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.

Why is it so hard to get a Citi card?

Most Citi credit cards need at least a fair credit score for approval, although there are choices for a wider range of credit scores. Citi does not limit how many of its credit cards you can have, but it does limit the number of cards you can apply for (and be approved) within a specific period of time.

Is Citibank better than Chase?

Citi will also serve you better if you're looking for a big bank with higher rates. Chase, however, may be a better option for you if branch accessibility and a great mobile app are a priority. If you're not impressed by either of these banks, consider our list on the top banks based on ATM fees.

How does Citi determine credit limit?

You won't know your actual credit limit until you're approved for a Citibank credit card. The limit you get depends on your credit standing, income, and debt. However, you can always request a credit limit increase after you've made several months of on-time payments.

How long does it take to get approved for Citi Diamond Preferred Card?

You might get instantly approved for the Citi Diamond Preferred card, especially if you applied online. But if the issuer needs to verify some of the information you submitted, it can take up to 7-10 business days to receive a decision.

What is the most prestigious credit card?

Undoubtedly, the most high-profile payment card in the world is often considered the American Express Centurion Card, commonly known as the “Amex Black Card.” However, true exclusivity goes beyond mere recognition; it embodies a luxury and distinction that few can access.

Does closing a credit card hurt your credit?

Closing a credit card can hurt your credit, especially if it's a card you've had for years. An account closure can cause a temporary hit to your credit by increasing your credit utilization, lowering your average age of accounts and possibly limiting your credit mix.

What's the easiest Citi card to get approved for?

The Citi Secured Mastercard is the easiest Citi credit card to get because it's the only Citi card that will accept applicants with limited credit (less than 3 years of credit history). The Citi Secured card requires a $200 refundable security deposit, but it has a $0 annual fee.

Is Citi hard to get approved for?

Bottom line. The Citi Simplicity® Card is an excellent option for anyone who wants to transfer a credit card balance and save on interest. However, it normally requires a good to excellent credit score (670+), so only those with healthy credit profiles are likely to be approved.

Can you get denied after pre-approval credit card?

Because the lender may need more financial information, you still have to apply to get approved for the credit card offer. Even after credit card pre-approval, your application might be denied.

Which bank gives a fast pre-approved credit card?

ICICI Bank introduces a state-of-the-art process to generate a Credit Card instantly, for pre-approved customers. You are minutes away from availing exclusive privileges and offers on fuel, dining, shopping, and much more.

What credit score do I need for a Citi Diamond preferred card?

Apply with a good to excellent credit score (a 670–850 FICO score or a 661–850 VantageScore) for your best chance to qualify for a Citi Diamond Preferred card. Apply with a good to excellent credit score (a 670–850 FICO score or a 661–850 VantageScore) for your best chance to qualify for a Citi Diamond Preferred card.

Which FICO score is better, 630 or 750?

Those scores fall into credit score ranges that generally determine whether your score is excellent (720-850), good (690-719), fair (630-689) or poor (300-629). Typically, people with scores in the good or excellent range have more access to better financial products.

Which Citi card is best?

NerdWallet's Best Citi Credit Cards of January 2025
  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for Flat-rate cash back.
  • Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Automatic 5% rewards.
  • Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for Travel rewards.
  • Citi Simplicity® Card: Best for Balance transfers + no late fees.