Discover it® Student Cash Back vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred®

Easily compare up to three credit cards side by side with our intuitive comparison tool. Assess features, offers, and more to find the best fit for your financial needs.

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Card Discover it® Student Cash Back Card Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
9.0MyCreditCardLab Score

MyCreditCardLab Score 9.0

We've meticulously evaluated this card using MyCreditCardLab's exclusive credit card rating system. Our assessment considered various cardholder needs, ultimately assigning a rating based on the need with the highest score, currently at "." Our rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible score.

Annual Fee
10
Intro APR
10
Regular APR
8
Rewards
8.8
Benefits
8
Welcome Bonus
8.5
Recommended Credit Score: 9
Foreign Transaction Fee: 10
Cash Advance Fee: 9.5
Balance Transfer Fee: 8.2
8.1MyCreditCardLab Score

MyCreditCardLab Score 8.1

We've meticulously evaluated this card using MyCreditCardLab's exclusive credit card rating system. Our assessment considered various cardholder needs, ultimately assigning a rating based on the need with the highest score, currently at "." Our rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible score.

Annual Fee
10
Intro APR
9.1
Regular APR
8.7
Rewards
5
Benefits
8.4
Welcome Bonus
5.4
Recommended Credit Score: 8.9
Foreign Transaction Fee: 8.2
Cash Advance Fee: 9.1
Balance Transfer Fee: 8.1
ANNUAL FEE
$0 $0
INTRO APR
0% APR on purchases for six months from account opening 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-28.99% Variable APR
REGULAR APR
10.99% intro balance transfer APR for six months from date of first qualifying balance transfer, 18.24% to 27.24% ongoing variable APR 18.24%-28.99% Variable
PROS
  • No annual fee
  • Making it accessible for those with limited or bad credit
  • Earn cash back in bonus categories
  • Take advantage of an introductory APR period
  • Your activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
  • $0 annual fee
  • Offers intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers.
CONS
  • New credit users may find the quarterly category rewards system complex
  • The card lacks an introductory APR on balance transfers, which may not be ideal for those looking to consolidate debt.
  • 5% (min $5) balance transfer fee
  • High regular APR
  • No rewards or welcome offer.
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
WELCOME BONUS
Discover will match all cash back earned at the end of your first year with the card. This card does not offer a welcome bonus
REWARDS
Discover it® Student Cash Back Card Rewards program is renowned for its flexibility in credit currency. Explore various redemption options for your earnings, including:
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on rotating quarterly bonus categories, up to $1,500 per quarter, with enrollment required.
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Plus, receive a cash back match at the end of the first year.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card Rewards stand out as a highly versatile credit currency, offering a myriad of redemption options to suit your preferences. You can utilize your rewards in a variety of ways, including:
  • This card does not offer rewards
BENEFITS
Freeze it® - Easily place holds on stolen or missing cards directly through the app for added security and peace of mind. Access to Credit Education - This feature is best for credit scores to improve. Gain access to Discover's Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, monthly updates, and tips to help you understand and improve your credit. Cashback Match™ - At the end of your first year with the card, Discover matches all the cash back you've earned, effectively doubling your rewards without any limit. so students benefit from doubling reward points for other spending. Rotating Bonus Categories - Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating quarterly bonus categories, such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more, up to the quarterly maximum. Good Grade Reward - Get a $20 statement credit each school year if your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next five years. it's not a big reward but a small credit combination helps your spend. Free access FICO® Score - Get free access to your FICO® Score online. ID theft protection - This applies to the Citi Diamond Preferred® Card. if you use most of your payments using a credit card this feature is best for you. However, Citi may offer identity theft resolution services. They help cardholders if they become identity theft victims. $0 fraud liability - Era of Technology, You get standard security features. They include $0 liability for unauthorized charges. You also get contactless payment. It adds convenience and security. EMV chip technology - This feature is useful for today. The card may have EMV chip technology. It makes unique codes for each purchase. This lowers the risk of counterfeit card fraud. Citi Entertainment - You can get into special events, presale tickets, and exclusive entertainment experiences through Citi Entertainment®. It makes being a cardholder better with unique entertainment.
CASH ADVANCE FEE / APR
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
BALANCE TRANSFER FEE
10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.24% Variable APR APR: 18.24% to 28.99% variable, Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
630 - 689 (Poor - Fair) 690 - 850 (Fair - Exceptional)
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
None 3%
BEST FOR
  • Cash Back Seekers
  • Students
  • Bad Credit
  • U.S. Supermarket Spending
  • Small Business Owners
  • Entertainment
  • U.S. Supermarket Spending
  • Balance Transfers
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