topic Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score in Credit Card Applications

CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 05:28:42 GMT

Tried for an increase, my last one was around 7 months ago when they bumped me up from $11k to $13.5k. Admittedly, it's a SD card with a tiny pending balance, probably why I got denied even with an EX/TU-8 850 score. (881 on the FICO model CITI uses).

This is one of those cases where having too good credit can lead to adverse decisions.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:02:35 GMT

Having great credit didn't stop you from getting a CLI, little to no spend on the card did, also don't forget your income plays a role as well.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:19:32 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Having great credit didn't stop you from getting a CLI, little to no spend on the card did, also don't forget your income plays a role as well.

Income is over 6 figures so I'm sure it's because usage is too low. Being a sock drawer card, I use it once every 3-4 weeks and pay it off as soon as the charge posts. Maybe I'll use it more frequently over the next few months and try again at the end of the year.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:40:45 GMT

I don't believe in leaving rewards on the table just for getting CLIs, only increase your spending if it makes rewards sense, I'm guessing it's in SD for a good reason, 13.5k is probably good enough for a SD card. That said, depending on what else is in your CC profile, might want to PC to a card that you can put some natural spending on.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:40:13 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I don't believe in leaving rewards on the table just for getting CLIs, only increase your spending if it makes rewards sense, I'm guessing it's in SD for a good reason, 13.5k is probably good enough for a SD card. Depending on what else is in your CC profile, might want to PC to a card that you can put some natural spending on.

I'm wondering if I can swap it for Citi Double Cash to make spending on it worthwhile. Right now Discover and Amex Blue are my 2 daily drivers.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Mahraja — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:54:07 GMT

octopus who told you high scores means high credit lines you want high limit on this card charge it for 10k pif than repeat the cycle 3 more times that account would jump to 35k within months try that ...

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:57:11 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
I don't believe in leaving rewards on the table just for getting CLIs, only increase your spending if it makes rewards sense, I'm guessing it's in SD for a good reason, 13.5k is probably good enough for a SD card. Depending on what else is in your CC profile, might want to PC to a card that you can put some natural spending on.
I'm wondering if I can swap it for Citi Double Cash to make spending on it worthwhile. Right now Discover and Amex Blue are my 2 daily drivers.

I was going to suggest DC but I didn't know what else is in your wallet. I recently PCed my 11k SD QS to Savor for the same reason, QS was denied for CLI a few time for low usage, unfortunately Savor is SDed again this quarter due to Discover. Maximizing rewards always come first, CLI is just icing on the cake.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:14:12 GMT

The last card I opened was over a decade ago so some seem pretty obsolete compared to some of the new rewards cards being offered today.

These are the cards in my wallet/sock drawer (not including any business cards):

Citi Diamond Prefered (SD)

AAA Dollars Gas Rebate (SD)

Cap1 Rewards (SD)

Chase Slate (SD)

Chase Slate

BoFA BankAmericard Rewards

Cap1 QS

Discover

Amex Blue

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

FinStar — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 14:52:10 GMT

OP, while your FICO score is very commendable, I'd be very curious to see what reason(s) were cited for the CLI decline. Of course, other than the obvious of possibly not using the card with sufficient usage or on a frequent basis given its current CL.

I also noticed you listed several CCs that were SD. Are you letting any balances report? If so, what types of balances are reporting (i.e. <1% or >1%)?

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

xaximus — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:52:47 GMT

OP - if a card isn't getting alot of usage, a lender might not see that it's worthwhile to extend more credit since if the user isn't using his current CL now, chances are they wont be using it later. CC lenders make money on the swipes and the fees they charge credit processing companies/merchants.

I would use the card a bit, minor purchases and PIF, revisit in 2-3 months and the chances of getting a CLI should be better.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 18:01:19 GMT

My wife only got approved for 19k for her first Citi Card. That is her lowest limit. Even Barclay gave her 25k and 22k on her two Barclay cards. Seems Citi isn't that generous with their limits.

Also not sure why you are trying to get CLI on a card you don't use when you have an 850 score?

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

AverageJoesCredit — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 01:20:33 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
My wife only got approved for 19k for her first Citi Card. That is her lowest limit. Even Barclay gave her 25k and 22k on her two Barclay cards. Seems Citi isn't that generous with their limits. REALLY??

Also not sure why you are trying to get CLI on a card you don't use when you have an 850 score? PROBABLY Same reason you chase bonuses, Op may find value in trying to get a cli. 850 allows him the opportunity to try.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

FinStar — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 02:32:22 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
My wife only got approved for 19k for her first Citi Card. That is her lowest limit. Even Barclay gave her 25k and 22k on her two Barclay cards. Seems Citi isn't that generous with their limits.

Also not sure why you are trying to get CLI on a card you don't use when you have an 850 score?

$19K SL isn't actually that bad for Citi and most people would be content with such an approval. IME, Citi has been generous, but everyone's "yard stick" for generosity will be different. Many individuals should be grateful, regardless.

And, echoing @AverageJoesCredit comment, it really shouldn't matter whether the OP's FICO score was 850, 750 or 650 to see whether they could qualify for the CLI.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:32:43 GMT

@FinStar

And, echoing @AverageJoesCredit comment, it really shouldn't matter whether the OP's FICO score was 850, 750 or 650 to see whether they could qualify for the CLI.

I agree on the 750-850 thing and would probably nudge that range down to 720-850 or so, but disagree with 650. A score of 650 suggests the presence of either negative information or high utilization, both equating to greater risk. A greater risk profile is certainly a consideration in CLI qualification.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

CreditMagic7 — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:40:08 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
My wife only got approved for 19k for her first Citi Card. That is her lowest limit. Even Barclay gave her 25k and 22k on her two Barclay cards. Seems Citi isn't that generous with their limits.

Also not sure why you are trying to get CLI on a card you don't use when you have an 850 score?
$19K SL isn't actually that bad for Citi and most people would be content with such an approval. IME, Citi has been generous, but everyone's "yard stick" for generosity will be different. Many individuals should be grateful, regardless.

And, echoing @AverageJoesCredit comment, it really shouldn't matter whether the OP's FICO score was 850, 750 or 650 to see whether they could qualify for the CLI.

With Citi it's been my understanding for years that Citi (somewhat like Chase-a few others) are more focused on internal scoring ratings.

Now if it's a first time try with Citi that's anyone's guess whether a start line will be up or mediocre even if your FICO is rooftop.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 00:03:38 GMT

I chase bonuses for free vacations. In the past year I have been to Disney World, Aruba, Ireland for two weeks, local ocean front for a week. All with free air fare and hotel For me and my family. Taking wife to Paris for her Birthday in 2 months and staying at 5 star hotel. Airfare and hotel once again free.

I already have six nights booked for Ritz Carlton in Aruba for free for next year. Will go to Switzerland next summer for free.

I call and lower all my Citi limits to 2k after meeting bonus.

I said I was curious why they were doing it. Seems pointless to me but maybe I was missing something.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 06:43:43 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
OP, while your FICO score is very commendable, I'd be very curious to see what reason(s) were cited for the CLI decline. Of course, other than the obvious of possibly not using the card with sufficient usage or on a frequent basis given its current CL.

I also noticed you listed several CCs that were SD. Are you letting any balances report? If so, what types of balances are reporting (i.e. <1% or >1%)?

Ok, so I was mistaken, I thought it had been 7 months since my last increase but was only 5 months, hence the denial. The letter stated it was too soon for an increase since I already received one less than 6 months ago. I guess I won't try for another increase till next year.

None of my SD cards report a balance. I only have Discover, and on occasion either Cap1 or Amex report a small balance along with Discover. I'm also an AU on a card which reports a balance every month and is then PIF'd. I know the general rule of AZEO states only 1 card can report a balance but I've gotten away with 2, sometimes 3 cards report a small balance without dropping my score from 850. Perhaps my profile is in a different bucket when it comes to how many cards can report a blance.

As for why I wanted a CLI on an SD card? For the same reason I don't have to have a score over 800 for the best credit products but still feel the obsession to do so anyway. For the same reason a lot of folks have 20+ cards when they only really need 3 or 4. For the same reason I asked for CLI's on Discover and Amex way beyond what I would ever spend. If they're offering it why not take it. And for the unforeseen future, in the event I ever have to run up some debt to get me out of a bind, having more available credit will keep overall utilization low.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Gmood1 — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:01:22 GMT

Octopus, you don't have to wait till next year. Wait the required 181 days (now only 30 days or so) and try again. It doesn't hurt anything. Citi is pretty strict on the time period between CLIs.

Re: CITI CLI Denied w/850 Score

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:10:49 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@FinStar wrote:
OP, while your FICO score is very commendable, I'd be very curious to see what reason(s) were cited for the CLI decline. Of course, other than the obvious of possibly not using the card with sufficient usage or on a frequent basis given its current CL.

I also noticed you listed several CCs that were SD. Are you letting any balances report? If so, what types of balances are reporting (i.e. <1% or >1%)?
Ok, so I was mistaken, I thought it had been 7 months since my last increase but was only 5 months, hence the denial. The letter stated it was too soon for an increase since I already received one less than 6 months ago. I guess I won't try for another increase till next year.

None of my SD cards report a balance. I only have Discover, and on occasion either Cap1 or Amex report a small balance along with Discover. I'm also an AU on a card which reports a balance every month and is then PIF'd. I know the general rule of AZEO states only 1 card can report a balance but I've gotten away with 2, sometimes 3 cards report a small balance without dropping my score from 850. Perhaps my profile is in a different bucket when it comes to how many cards can report a blance.

As for why I wanted a CLI on an SD card? For the same reason I don't have to have a score over 800 for the best credit products but still feel the obsession to do so anyway. For the same reason a lot of folks have 20+ cards when they only really need 3 or 4. For the same reason I asked for CLI's on Discover and Amex way beyond what I would ever spend. If they're offering it why not take it. And for the unforeseen future, in the event I ever have to run up some debt to get me out of a bind, having more available credit will keep overall utilization low.

There is no difference between 800 and 850. If you want more limit get a new card. It won't bring your score down much and you will get more limit than you will from a CLI from Citi. My wife varies between 790 to 815 and her norm is to get 25k from every new card. If you don't want to lower your AAOA get a business card. If you don't want to lower your AAOA and don't want a hard pull get an Amex Business card. But really at 850 who cares if you have a hard-pull or lower your AAOA it won't have any material affect on you. You will still have a score well over 800.