Chidinma Iwu is a Journalist and Content Specialist who covers the intersection of culture, tech, and finance. Her articles can be found in Shondaland, Paste, The daily dot, the Daily Mail, The Business of Business and more. She's almost always on Tw.
Chidinma Iwu ContributorChidinma Iwu is a Journalist and Content Specialist who covers the intersection of culture, tech, and finance. Her articles can be found in Shondaland, Paste, The daily dot, the Daily Mail, The Business of Business and more. She's almost always on Tw.
Written By Chidinma Iwu ContributorChidinma Iwu is a Journalist and Content Specialist who covers the intersection of culture, tech, and finance. Her articles can be found in Shondaland, Paste, The daily dot, the Daily Mail, The Business of Business and more. She's almost always on Tw.
Chidinma Iwu ContributorChidinma Iwu is a Journalist and Content Specialist who covers the intersection of culture, tech, and finance. Her articles can be found in Shondaland, Paste, The daily dot, the Daily Mail, The Business of Business and more. She's almost always on Tw.
Contributor Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
| Credit Cards Editor
Updated: Sep 4, 2024, 2:10pm
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Citibank is a leading global financial services company with over 100 million customers and offering various credit cards for travel, cash back and low-rate balance transfers. From your daily Starbucks order to a Maldives vacation to paying down a large debt, Citi likely has a card that can make those purchases work for you. Citi is a Forbes Advisor partner.
When you apply for a card with Citi, you’ll typically get a response quickly, if not instantly. However, this isn’t always the case. Some situations may require the credit card issuer to review new applications for longer periods. But don’t worry; if this happens, it doesn’t necessarily mean the application was rejected.
But if you’re waiting for a response, a follow-up is an option. Checking your application status gets you updates on your application in real-time.
Here’s how you can increase your chances of getting approved for a Citi credit card:
Your credit score is a numerical value representing your likelihood to properly manage a credit card. Although Citi doesn’t publish exact scores required for specific cards, they do provide general ranges—good, excellent, etc. It’s important to know your score and the cards for which you’re likely to qualify before applying.
FICO calculates your credit score by factoring in payment history, length of credit history, debts owed, credit mix and new credit. If you have a Citi-branded credit card, you can check your FICO Score for free on the Citi app.
Citi may preapprove you for specific cards based on a soft inquiry of your credit profile. Note that preapproval doesn’t mean a formal approval of your application is automatic. However, knowing which cards Citi has preapproved you for is valuable as it indicates the cards for which you have a better chance of receiving approval.
Individual cards may have specific requirements, but for all applications online and offline, you’ll be required to:
Be sure to check any specific card’s terms and conditions to see if there are additional requirements.
Citi has many cards available to consumers, so before you apply, you should select the card that best meets your needs. For example, are there specific categories in which you spend the most or are you looking for a general purpose cash-back card? Questions to ask yourself include:
Also consider things such as fees, welcome bonuses and ancillary benefits. A card with lounge access may not mean much to those who don’t travel, but for those who frequent airports this benefit can be priceless.
Knowing what you want from your card will help you determine which card is right for you.
Prompt application follow-ups are important for staying in the loop. Luckily, it’ easy to check your application status.
Visit the “Check Your Application Status” page on Citi’s website to track your application online. Just provide your application ID and ZIP code, and you’ll be directed to your application.
You can also call the customer service line at 1-800-745-1534. Have the reference number of your application with you when you call—it’s in the email you received after applying.
Or, if you applied at a Citibank branch, visit the bank and request a status update.
Citi will notify you by mail seven to 10 days after submitting your application. If you don’t hear back within this period, your application may need to be reassessed. Don’t assume, however, that this means you’ve been rejected.
Your application may have been denied because it didn’t meet certain eligibility requirements. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern since you can take steps to repair your credit before applying again. But before reapplying, here are things to take note of:
Be aware that multiple applications are not advisable. Every time you make an application, credit card issuers make a hard inquiry into your credit profile. Too many hard inquiries can reduce your credit score.
Hold off on reapplying until you understand the reasons for your denial and have taken steps to improve your standing. Some questions to ask include:
Citi allows for reconsideration if you think there’s been an error on your application or something that merits another look. Mistakes happen, so if you’re confident about your credit score and can prove your application rejection was a mistake, Citi may reverse your denial.
Contact the customer care line for reconsideration and Citi’s service agents will walk you through the process.
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
For Citi’s credit card applications, delays don’t necessarily mean denials. You can and should check your application status over phone, online or in person. Knowing where you stand can put your mind at ease and make the application process that much easier.
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ContributorChidinma Iwu is a Journalist and Content Specialist who covers the intersection of culture, tech, and finance. Her articles can be found in Shondaland, Paste, The daily dot, the Daily Mail, The Business of Business and more. She's almost always on Twitter @Chidxnma, tweeting spontaneously and wishing there's better for women.
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