The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard edges out the Citi Diamond Preferred for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 60,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 10x vs 1x). The Citi Diamond Preferred is the better choice if you want no or lower annual fee.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard vs Citi Diamond Preferred
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
Which Card Comes Out Ahead?
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is the stronger all-around option for most people in this matchup because it wins more measurable categories in our scoring model. Citi Diamond Preferred still makes sense if your spending pattern lines up better with its fee profile, issuer rules, or rewards ecosystem.
Best if your main priority is the larger current welcome offer.
Best if transfer partners and redemption flexibility matter more than simplicity.
Comparison Method
CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.
- Choice Hotels® properties22 plus on Choice Privileges point purchases 10x
- gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services 5x
- All Other Purchases 1x
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Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard edges out the Citi Diamond Preferred for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 60,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 10x vs 1x). The Citi Diamond Preferred is the better choice if you want no or lower annual fee. On raw upside, Choice Privileges Select Mastercard tops out at 10x versus 1x for Citi Diamond Preferred. Current signup bonus values are roughly $360 for Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and $0 for Citi Diamond Preferred. Summary generated June 19, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/choice-privileges-select-mastercard-vs-citi-diamond-preferred
- Choice Privileges Select Mastercard wins 2 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard reaches 10x; Citi Diamond Preferred reaches 1x.
- Annual fee: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is $95/yr; Citi Diamond Preferred is no annual fee.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $360 and $0.
Common Questions: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard vs Citi Diamond Preferred
Is the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard or Citi Diamond Preferred better for dining?
Neither card offers a specific dining bonus — both earn their base rate on restaurant purchases.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard currently offers 60,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Citi Diamond Preferred offers no current bonus. Choice Privileges Select Mastercard has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge foreign transaction fees (Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: 3%, Citi Diamond Preferred: 3%). Consider a no-foreign-fee card for international travel.
Can I hold both the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and the Citi Diamond Preferred?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is from Wells Fargo and Citi Diamond Preferred is from Citi, so they're governed by separate bank policies.
Keep Researching
If this matchup is close, the stronger next step is usually to read the full card reviews or use a broader ranking page instead of comparing random pairs one by one.