topic Re: Question regarding Citi Hilton cards? Any Citi experts? in Credit Cards

Question regarding Citi Hilton cards? Any Citi experts?

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:49:12 GMT

I travel a decent amount for work. April '16 to Dec 16' I spent roughly $11,500 on work travel related expenses. I am a state employee so it is all reimbursed. I already have 4 trips planned from February through May and I'd imagine by the end of the year I'll have surpassed my current year spend. I can get gov't/state rates at Marriotts, Hiltons, etc and have split my stays between them and have reached silver status with both. I am way over 5/24 so any Chase card is out and I had a large CO with them prior to my BK. I had a small $300 best buy card included in my BK that was originally with Capital One, but bought by Citi. I have since paid that off. I have a Costco card with a $5,500 limit, but have been turned down for increases due to that BB card. I spoke to a CSR and the EO and they said I could probably still get an increase with an HP which I'm not willing to do at the moment.

My current profile TU 675, EQ 686, EX 695 (CCT scores) 24% utl, and an average of 22 INQs on all 3 bureaus. I will be down to 15-19 INQs on all 3 after March 2017. My BK will be 3 years post discharge in May 2017. I am considering the Hilton Reserve. I don't mind the AF as the 25% points bonus for Gold and my purchases being reimbursed make the $95/yr well worth it for me. Any Citi experts want to weigh in on a best course of action? I'm leaning towards waiting until May and letting my BK season a bit longer, although I'd be missing out on some potential earnings.

Re: Question regarding Citi Hilton cards? Any Citi experts?

NRB525 — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:06:23 GMT

First, congrats on having a job that reimburses travel costs. A good way to rack up points.

Second, if I were you, I'd go into this initial post and remove the reference to employer name. Posts here should be kept anonymous, and the possible triangulation from an employer name is just too tempting for nefarious types.

As to Citi, have you tried their credit card prequalification link? That seems to provide a good indication of how an app might go. A single APR in the qualification is better than a range of APR for example. It will evolve the feedback over time.

Also consider AMEX if they were not in BK. The SPG card earns well at Marriott now, there is status match between Starwood and Marriott, and AMEX has two decent Hilton cards as well. Another option is to go for the AMEX Platinum, which builds in SPG Gold (thus Marriott Gold) as well as Hilton status. The points earning not quite the same, but if the airfare MR points continues, that might be a good perk, along with the other Platinum perks.

Re: Question regarding Citi Hilton cards? Any Citi experts?

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:53:16 GMT

@NRB525 wrote:
First, congrats on having a job that reimburses travel costs. A good way to rack up points.
Second, if I were you, I'd go into this initial post and remove the reference to employer name. Posts here should be kept anonymous, and the possible triangulation from an employer name is just too tempting for nefarious types.

As to Citi, have you tried their credit card prequalification link? That seems to provide a good indication of how an app might go. A single APR in the qualification is better than a range of APR for example. It will evolve the feedback over time.

Also consider AMEX if they were not in BK. The SPG card earns well at Marriott now, there is status match between Starwood and Marriott, and AMEX has two decent Hilton cards as well. Another option is to go for the AMEX Platinum, which builds in SPG Gold (thus Marriott Gold) as well as Hilton status. The points earning not quite the same, but if the airfare MR points continues, that might be a good perk, along with the other Platinum perks.

I have tried the pre-qual page, but I do not get any offers and I'd imagine that is due to the prior BK. AMEX was included in my BK for about $1100. I have contemplated calling in and paying this debt off, however, I just bought a house and don't want to dip into my savings for this purpose right now. My discharge is also only nearing the 3 years mark so I do not believe I could get back in with AMEX regardless. I appreciate the response.