The clock hit 6 months since I opened the card, so I went for a CLI...but I'm stupid. I forgot how velocity-sensitive Citi is and how much they re-evaluate for "just" a CLI. I did this right after getting the Verizon card, blinded by the thought that maybe Citi would want to capture some holiday spend, which was a tactical mistake. Citi isn't thirsty like Synchrony or Amex, they are risk-adverse and conservative. The denial letter mentions recent accounts below the usual deliquency related reason codes I get, but I know that's the main reason.
Unfortunately, Citi used EQ for the CLI request - my worst CRA out of the 3 majors with additional damage that never went to EX or TU. So, I'm thinking I should freeze EQ and make them pivot to something else for the next attempt. Luckily, it was an SP, no real harm done, will try again in 6 months maybe. If vibes remain chilly, I'll just keep waiting...custom cashes don't really need a CLI.
VS4: 709
Same thing happened to me yesterday. I spaced getting 2 cards in the last 10 days before my request and was declined at 1 year and 5 months being a custom cash card holder.
Though, one of the cards I just got was the citi diamond preferred, so, I guess I can't complain too much.
In 7 mos I'll cli custom cash first, before any other apps or clis that would create an equifax hp.
Citi is definitely sensitive to not being someone's first choice in a short amount of time.
