I tried applying for AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard from CitiBank today - but instead of processing the application, their system prompted me to re-enter my home address which I thought was odd. That didn't clear either, simply returning an error message "We're reviewing the application you submitted and will get back to you within 7-10 days." A little while later, I get a text stating it was denied and "a letter should arrive within a week."
Got through to a foreign agent who eventually shared it had something to do with being unable to confirm my information with Equifax, and that I should contact them directly for help. Called Equifax and verified my name, home address, and date of birth were all correct... Next I clicked the "check status" link in CitiBank's email and entered my application ID - system responds "We cannot complete your request at this time. If you received this notice after trying to unlock your credit bureau, please make sure your credit bureau unlock has been processed and check back in an hour or call us back." Huh?
We're talking about the exact same lender who gave me a $6,800 credit line on my Costco Visa, after simply filling out an application and clicking submit... i.e., none of this makes any sense.
Anyone else had such a problem? Or know what causes it?
And isn't it illegal? Sigh...sometimes I just feel like closing out all of my accounts, then going back to cash and debit cards.
Something I forgot to include in my OP - pretty much anything out of CitiBank's suite is listed as "great approval odds" (or better) for me in Credit Karma. I'm never sure what they're factoring this off of, or rather how big a grain of salt I should take such suggestions with...
@Jnbmom wrote:Did you have issues with a previous application with Citi? Just because you get an approval from a lender doesn't mean you will be eligible for another product . I would wait for the letter, most times they email you a letter as well .
None at all - that's mostly why I'm confused... Getting approved for Costco Anywhere Visa almost felt, like - "too easy." 
My membership rep at Costco took care of most of the application - then just had me confirm things like personal info, income, and social before hitting submit. It took the system moments to generate a credit limit almost twice the size of my current biggest, at the time! I would have thought my 2nd CitiBank card should be just as easy...
@coldfusion wrote:Have you checked your Lexis Nexis Consumer Report recently and pulled a full report from Equifax? I know from personal experience that discrepancies can cause issues with Citi for existing cardholders.
THANK you, very much - precisely the sort of feedback I was looking for (and glad to hear I'm not alone, haha). Haven't pulled full reports from either yet but sounds like I should...not sure I know what Lexis Nexis is though? Would I just be looking for "discrepancies" and then submit a new application? Ask for reconsideration on the last app?
I did indeed have a PDF version of said letter waiting in my inbox early this morning - the good news is that it states nothing about creditworthiness or past dings (probably another 1st for me?). Bad news is that it's still pretty vague = "We're unable to approve your application because we couldn't verify some of the information on your application." I wonder what sort of information they're talking about - no one would say anything when I called yesterday... I'm hoping this could be an easy fix!
@SKBirdmind wrote:Something I forgot to include in my OP - pretty much anything out of CitiBank's suite is listed as "great approval odds" (or better) for me in Credit Karma. I'm never sure what they're factoring this off of, or rather how big a grain of salt I should take such suggestions with...
@Jnbmom wrote:Did you have issues with a previous application with Citi? Just because you get an approval from a lender doesn't mean you will be eligible for another product . I would wait for the letter, most times they email you a letter as well .
None at all - that's mostly why I'm confused... Getting approved for Costco Anywhere Visa almost felt, like - "too easy."
@coldfusion wrote:Have you checked your Lexis Nexis Consumer Report recently and pulled a full report from Equifax? I know from personal experience that discrepancies can cause issues with Citi for existing cardholders.
THANK you, very much - precisely the sort of feedback I was looking for (and glad to hear I'm not alone, haha). Haven't pulled full reports from either yet but sounds like I should...not sure I know what Lexis Nexis is though? Would I just be looking for "discrepancies" and then submit a new application? Ask for reconsideration on the last app?
I did indeed have a PDF version of said letter waiting in my inbox early this morning - the good news is that it states nothing about creditworthiness or past dings (probably another 1st for me?). Bad news is that it's still pretty vague = "We're unable to approve your application because we couldn't verify some of the information on your application." I wonder what sort of information they're talking about - no one would say anything when I called yesterday... I'm hoping this could be an easy fix!
Credit Karma is pretty much worthless on their recommendations.
@drewricomakeubu wrote:Credit Karma is pretty much worthless on their recommendations.
So - what would you do in this situation, especially if you knew you were on flawless terms with an existing creditor that merely seems to be having trouble verifying info?
Mission accomplished! It was an address problem - sure enough, nothing to do with credit history or anything of that sort. I'll post a full report to the "Approvals" board...