topic Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req in Credit Cards

Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:04:16 GMT

Wanted to share my experience and provide some data points around applying for the Citi Simplicity and having Citi move my credit lines around.

Existing Citi Cards:

Citi Dividend - $6300

Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve - $15000

Citi ThankYou Preferred - $10000

Total CL: $31,300

Two BB Cards that were moved from Capital One:

Best Buy Store Card

Best Buy MC

Total CL: $12,705

I applied for the Simplicity online and while it appears I was approved, they needed more info. I called and spoke with someone and said Citi has reached it's limits that they can extend to me so I have a few options. I can open this card at $2500 or I can open it with $7400 by moving some of the available CL from one of my other cards. I asked if she can move more of my CL than that and she said she cannot, but I can call in when I get my card and speak with a CSR to do so. I said fine. Move it, open it for $7400 and I'll call.

I get the card and I call the number on the back and asked to have my CL moved. The CSR I spoke with treats it as a CLI request and asks me the typical questions. I clarify that I did not want my credit pull and I wanted to move existing CL from one Citi card to another. She said yes, but she has to transfer me to someone that can do that and will require this information. I said can I speak to that person directly, and she said no, not without submitting this request. So I asked her if I get to speak to the other person first before proceeding, she said yes. I gave her my info and she transfers me. I get to this other CSR who handles CLs and she said, so you're interested in a CLI. I said no... and re-explained my case. She said we don't move CL from card to card. I told her that's not what I was told by 2 different people, once just now, and once during new account opening. She said they can only do that during new account opening and I told her that they wouldn't do any more but told me to call in. I said well, forget it, I don't want an HP. She said she already has a copy, when the first CSR fills out the request to transfer me it automatically does the HP. I said ok, well you already took the HP, try for the CLI. She comes back and said sorry, we cannot approve you for any more limit.

I just about lost it here... and asked for a supervisor. She transfers me to a general CSR supervisor. I explained my case and he gave me 2 options. He said he can put in the request to have my CL moved and it shouldn't be an issue but it will require an HP. I said, another? He said no, just the one already done. OR, he could submit to have my HP cancelled/removed since I did not authorize it. I really wanted my Simplicity to have a larger CL for BT, so I said let's do it.

He submitted to have $1300 moved from the Dividend, $5100 from the Hilton and $5000 from the TYP. That should leave my other 3 Citi cards at $5K each and my Simplicity from $7900 to $18,800.

The next day I logged online and everything was completed.

Cost me an extra HP but I was fine with it. Although I am not impressed with their process at all.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

navigatethis12 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:27:42 GMT

It is interesting that they make it so difficult to do it and hopefully in the future the process will be different. Everyone is probably just so used to Chase doing it with no effort. At least you got what you wanted though.

It also seems Citi has analysts for different things. They have some for increases, New applications, and for something like this since each department doesn't seem to be able to do what the other does.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:35:58 GMT

@navigatethis12 wrote:
It is interesting that they make it so difficult to do it and hopefully in the future the process will be different. Everyone is probably just so used to Chase doing it with no effort. At least you got what you wanted though.

It also seems Citi has analysts for different things. They have some for increases, New applications, and for something like this since each department doesn't seem to be able to do what the other does.

Totally. I think it's one thing if the policy was consistent, "no, we don't do it" and every CSR from every department knew that. I wouldn't have any mis-set expectations.

When I got my 2 Chase cards, within the first week, I must have moved my CL between the two cards like 3 times because I couldn't decide.

When I got my Amex Everyday a week ago and I wanted to move some of my CL over from my Blue Cash , I was able to do it before I even got my card.

I heard US Bank is willing to move CL as well. I haven't tried it yet.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

red259 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:39:53 GMT

I wish citi would make moving credit lines around easier.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

iwazl71 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:50:23 GMT

How in the world did you get the Hilton Reserve in the same login as your other Citi cards? I was told that it would have to be a separate login from my other cards.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

dodgerslv — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:54:14 GMT

@iwazl71 wrote:
How in the world did you get the Hilton Reserve in the same login as your other Citi cards? I was told that it would have to be a separate login from my other cards.

I linked my Reserve to my other citi accounts without any issues. You should have that option at the top of your page.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

navigatethis12 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:55:19 GMT

Yes US Bank will move credit limits. It's not instant like Chase, but will be done the next day.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

lg8302ch — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:59:10 GMT

Thanks for sharing and I am really glad at the end it worked out for you

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:24:14 GMT

@iwazl71 wrote:
How in the world did you get the Hilton Reserve in the same login as your other Citi cards? I was told that it would have to be a separate login from my other cards.

Like dodgerslv said, you should be able to click Link an account at the top of your login page. I have my checking, savings and 4 CC linked to the same login.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

UFGuy2006 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:24:38 GMT

@iwazl71 wrote:
How in the world did you get the Hilton Reserve in the same login as your other Citi cards? I was told that it would have to be a separate login from my other cards.

I have the exact same question! I was told its a separate login page as well (even tho i go to the normal citi site). I have to use a separate login for that card :-/

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

Creditaddict — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:41:59 GMT

Lucky you in the end... my partner went through this whole thing and asked to move the CL's and it came back DENIED - he did not QUALIFY!~!

Qualify, he already HAS THE CREDIT!

and that was already the EO office that had to call back with the declined to move cl that had just been approved... terrible process and they are about the last major bank that does not easily move CL's between accounts.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:53:37 GMT

@Creditaddict wrote:
Lucky you in the end... my partner went through this whole thing and asked to move the CL's and it came back DENIED - he did not QUALIFY!~!
Qualify, he already HAS THE CREDIT!
and that was already the EO office that had to call back with the declined to move cl that had just been approved... terrible process and they are about the last major bank that does not easily move CL's between accounts.

Oh dang, I'm sorry.

I thought I was about to have to go the EO route. But I just asked to speak with a supervisor when I was talking to the 2nd CSR rep (underwriter I'm guessing?) and she said she will get me connected to a general customer service supervisor (She was very rude, by the way. Kept arguing with me. Saying SHE didn't do anything). He said it wouldn't be an issue, got all my info, told me he would email me when it's done (never actually emailed me though) and the next day I logged online and it was done.

It actually freaked me out for a second, because all of my CL was reduced on the other 3 Citi cards but the Simplicity stayed the same. I thought I lost the CL for a second. It stayed that away for a few hours even if I logged off and back on. But finally the Simplicity updated with the correct CL.

Yeah, I felt the same way, I don't understand how he doesn't 'qualify', and why they need an HP, they JUST PULLED ONE for the app! And I'm not requesting for any new CL, just moving the same. He originally said they'd like to see some usage/behavior/activity before moving it since it was just approved, and some CL was already moved, but I told him you can just as easily see my usage/behavior/activity on the other 3 cards, and also, it's the same risk! I could just as easily go and max out the other 3 cards. What's the difference?

The only thing I can think of, on why they are hesitant on moving it is because if I max out the other cards, those APR are higher (well, 2 of them are), but if I move all of the CL to this card, it's 0% for 18 months with the lowest APR. Maybe that's why?

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

Creditaddict — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 23:04:30 GMT

@vpae wrote:
@Creditaddict wrote:
Lucky you in the end... my partner went through this whole thing and asked to move the CL's and it came back DENIED - he did not QUALIFY!~!
Qualify, he already HAS THE CREDIT!
and that was already the EO office that had to call back with the declined to move cl that had just been approved... terrible process and they are about the last major bank that does not easily move CL's between accounts.
Oh dang, I'm sorry.

I thought I was about to have to go the EO route. But I just asked to speak with a supervisor when I was talking to the 2nd CSR rep (underwriter I'm guessing?) and she said she will get me connected to a general customer service supervisor (She was very rude, by the way. Kept arguing with me. Saying SHE didn't do anything). He said it wouldn't be an issue, got all my info, told me he would email me when it's done (never actually emailed me though) and the next day I logged online and it was done.

It actually freaked me out for a second, because all of my CL was reduced on the other 3 Citi cards but the Simplicity stayed the same. I thought I lost the CL for a second. It stayed that away for a few hours even if I logged off and back on. But finally the Simplicity updated with the correct CL.

Yeah, I felt the same way, I don't understand how he doesn't 'qualify', and why they need an HP, they JUST PULLED ONE for the app! And I'm not requesting for any new CL, just moving the same. He originally said they'd like to see some usage/behavior/activity before moving it since it was just approved, and some CL was already moved, but I told him you can just as easily see my usage/behavior/activity on the other 3 cards, and also, it's the same risk! I could just as easily go and max out the other 3 cards. What's the difference?

The only thing I can think of, on why they are hesitant on moving it is because if I max out the other cards, those APR are higher (well, 2 of them are), but if I move all of the CL to this card, it's 0% for 18 months with the lowest APR. Maybe that's why?

that's what I concluded which would have been true... I was going to put $25k on the citi on the 0% for 18 months... instead I only put $2100... big difference!

but they also SOURED my relationship completely.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 23:17:17 GMT

@Creditaddict wrote:
@vpae wrote:
@Creditaddict wrote:
Lucky you in the end... my partner went through this whole thing and asked to move the CL's and it came back DENIED - he did not QUALIFY!~!
Qualify, he already HAS THE CREDIT!
and that was already the EO office that had to call back with the declined to move cl that had just been approved... terrible process and they are about the last major bank that does not easily move CL's between accounts.
Oh dang, I'm sorry.

I thought I was about to have to go the EO route. But I just asked to speak with a supervisor when I was talking to the 2nd CSR rep (underwriter I'm guessing?) and she said she will get me connected to a general customer service supervisor (She was very rude, by the way. Kept arguing with me. Saying SHE didn't do anything). He said it wouldn't be an issue, got all my info, told me he would email me when it's done (never actually emailed me though) and the next day I logged online and it was done.

It actually freaked me out for a second, because all of my CL was reduced on the other 3 Citi cards but the Simplicity stayed the same. I thought I lost the CL for a second. It stayed that away for a few hours even if I logged off and back on. But finally the Simplicity updated with the correct CL.

Yeah, I felt the same way, I don't understand how he doesn't 'qualify', and why they need an HP, they JUST PULLED ONE for the app! And I'm not requesting for any new CL, just moving the same. He originally said they'd like to see some usage/behavior/activity before moving it since it was just approved, and some CL was already moved, but I told him you can just as easily see my usage/behavior/activity on the other 3 cards, and also, it's the same risk! I could just as easily go and max out the other 3 cards. What's the difference?

The only thing I can think of, on why they are hesitant on moving it is because if I max out the other cards, those APR are higher (well, 2 of them are), but if I move all of the CL to this card, it's 0% for 18 months with the lowest APR. Maybe that's why?
that's what I concluded which would have been true... I was going to put $25k on the citi on the 0% for 18 months... instead I only put $2100... big difference!
but they also SOURED my relationship completely.

Yeah, I was still so frustrated by this (even if they finally did what I asked) I still went and applied for 2 more cards that I didn't plan to just to release some stress. lol

At least today I learned that the 18 months doesn't start until the date of the first balance transfer. I thought it started from the date the account was opened. So that's nice, I have a few months before I need to BT anyway.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

jamesdwi — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 02:55:17 GMT

@dodgerslv wrote:
@iwazl71 wrote:
How in the world did you get the Hilton Reserve in the same login as your other Citi cards? I was told that it would have to be a separate login from my other cards.
I linked my Reserve to my other citi accounts without any issues. You should have that option at the top of your page.

I was asking the same question, I have to have 2 accounts, techically 3 accounts, Citi Hhonors is on one account, the Simplicity is my second account couldn't link I tried, and my Home Depot Store card is yet another account.

I too moved 5k limit from my Hilton card to my simplictity card to get it to 7k so it could be useful for BT's. They acted like it would be a HP, but I never saw one. I pulled my EX last week no HP, and myfico and creditkarma monitors the other 2 reports, no new HP.

edit: oops it was the Citi Hilton card, chase doesn't make one.

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

changingmantra2 — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:34:43 GMT

Congratulations - I know it took some hoops and some acrobatics. I am and have been in a similar situation- I have been trying for months to have Simplicity CL moved to TYP. EVERY time - except for in early July - I have been told it is not possible. In early July a rep said call back at the end of the month. Said he knew some policy changes would take place then. Called back - no-go.

A few months ago rep told me he could not combine lines - but I suggested I put in a CLI for Simplicity - Just for the heck of it - and because he said it would be a soft pull - I did it. I got a $10,000 CLI - but it was also a HP. I am very happy to say that it was eventually removed once I called in a couple of month later to complain about it.

I wonder how many people have had some success combining limits recently and if it is worth the time to call Citi AGAIN. I guess I can just closed the Simplicity any darn way - I do not need or use it - TYP has better BT offers, actually.

Any other Citi CL combining success stories out there?

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

Anonymous — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:50:50 GMT

Can you only link Citi-branded cards under the main login? Or can you also link other Citi-backed cards as well (e.g., Home Depot, Best Buy)?

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

vpae — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:10:23 GMT

To my knowledge it's only citi cards, not best buy or home depot or other store cards

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

Andy77 — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:31:36 GMT

I did it on my Citi cards..

You MUST tell them these words (as this is how I was told they understand it)

"I would like to do a credit movement"

But before you say that make sure you are talking to a supervisor

Good luck

Re: Issues moving Citi CL / Simplicity App. Escalated issue / 2nd HP req

changingmantra2 — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:17:45 GMT

@Andy77 wrote:
I did it on my Citi cards..

You MUST tell them these words (as this is how I was told they understand it)

"I would like to do a credit movement"
But before you say that make sure you are talking to a supervisor

Good luck

Thanks - Andy - I will give that a try.