CITI - The credit privilege on your existing account(s) are currently restricted

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I tried to apply for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card, but I was denied. The letter I got in the mail says the credit privilege on your existing account(s) are currently restricted. I tried to ring customer service, recon, and EO (number starting with 605*). No one seems to have a clue. Recon wants to remove the statement from my account that says "closed by bank" and they can approve.

A little summary: I used to have this same card back in 2017/2018 along with Citi ThankYou Preferred, which was closed by the bank. I was backpacking across europe and south america then and used the AAvantage card mostly. To my surprise one day they just shut down the account without any notice. About a month later they shut down my ThankYou Preferred card as well. I had always paid on time and have a 750+ credit score. Even after citi shut down my accounts I still paid off my balances.

The agent at the time said to write to the Exec response unit - office of president. I did this back then but no response.

Can anyone share some insight or point me in the right direction please? Thank you!

[FinStar]

Hello @Anonymous - welcome to the forums.

This definitely sounds like a conondrum.

Unfortunately, it's up to the internal department that closed the account(s) to weigh in on the situation. If you've escalated to Citi's EO, that's pretty much as far as things go since that department would have to liaise with the appropriate department that took adverse action on your account(s).

Did you contact Citi back in 2017/2018 to see why your accounts were subject to adverse action? Were you using your cards in any particular method that could've placed you on their radar?  Obviously, these are questions that you may or may not remember as far as the events from 5 years ago, but if you didn't follow through at the time to resolve the situation, then not much that can be done today unless further escalation can reveal more answers on their end 🤷‍♂️

[Anonymous]

Hi @FinStar  Thank you!

I called the EO again but this time mentioned nothing about getting approved for a new card. I said my account was closed in 2018 and need to understand why and or remove any remarks added to my profile. They said they opened a case and someone will be in contact within 15 days. Fingers crossed. 

I'm not quite sure, but I think it had to do with security. Since I was traveling, I would use my card in 2 countries in one day sometimes. I still don't understand why that would an issue though since I paid off my balance.

From what I see this issue was more common in early 2010 where a few people had posted about this.

[FinStar]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Hi @FinStar  Thank you!

I called the EO again but this time mentioned nothing about getting approved for a new card. I said my account was closed in 2018 and need to understand why and or remove any remarks added to my profile. They said they opened a case and someone will be in contact within 15 days. Fingers crossed. 

I'm not quite sure, but I think it had to do with security. Since I was traveling, I would use my card in 2 countries in one day sometimes. I still don't understand why that would an issue though since I paid off my balance.

From what I see this issue was more common in early 2010 where a few people had posted about this.

---

If the issue had to do with security, did you make certain that Citi was aware of your travel plans when using your card(s)? I've traveled internationally quite often and informed Citi of my plans either by phone or the app and it was never an issue. So, all you can do at this point wait until they provide an update on your case.

[Cory88]

I wounder what would happen if Citi closed an a Retail Services account (Sears, Macy's, Shell) that they are ending that card if Citi would hold it against you?

[FinStar]

---

@Cory88 wrote:

I wounder what would happen if Citi closed an a Retail Services account (Sears, Macy's, Shell) that they are ending that card if Citi would hold it against you?

---

Not unless you defaulted. Citi has exited plenty of prior partnerships without impacting future or potential applications. The same would apply for other PLCCs. If the impacted account was in good standing, there should be no issue.