What does it take to get approved for Citibank?

[Anonymous]

I guess they are pretty tough; I applied yesterday for the Double Cashback card and was denied. My scores are in my signature below, 4 inquiries, only 2 in the past 12 months and no baddies, utilization is 3%.

[Anonymous]

When I applied for Double Cash my score on Experian was 789. They still only approved me for 4K. I don't have an answer. I am using the card well and hoping it will grow, but who knows?

[Anonymous]

Citi didn't have any prequalifiers for me either but they sent me a Citi AADVANTAGE mail offer and I was approved with a 631 credit score (need to get util down). I was approved for $1800 instantly.

[tntexans72]

In addition, I think the huge Citigroup bailout in 2008 have made their credit department approvals a little tougher than other banks. There was a lot of stipulations in their bailout package so they will only let you in when they know for sure you won't default IMO. Me personally I am scared to apply for a US bank card. Never had their card or have dealt with them. My dad has one but his fico are in the 800s. Only $6500 CL so I know they are very tight. 

[Anonymous]

Wow ... after reading this thread ... I  may say I got lucky getting approved for CITI DC for SL $5700 about 2 months ago

[tntexans72]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Wow ... after reading this thread ... I  may say I got lucky getting approved for CITI DC for SL $5700 about 2 months ago

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Lol...I was approved for my 1st citi voyager last month since I use Expedia for all my personal trips. It's my lowest limit $5k but I will take it. Previous citi was a shell gas card opened in 2008. think that helped me in the door. My fico at approval was 693 per citi. One late in 2011 and a pif charged off from Amex also in 2011. Clean reports since. 

Citi was my nemesis but finally I am in...some data points. 

[Anonymous]

from experience citi isn't baddie friendly. don't try until it falls off but TBH there are good alternatives.

[taxi818]

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@slund5499 wrote:

I know I need to work on my utilization and get it down to 10% or less.

When my FICo was 670 with 9% utilization, 4 new accounts, 1 baddie and 7 inquiries, I got approved for the shell card with a $500 SL. Denied on every other app including Sears.

No pre-qualifer on the website. Denied for all citibank bank cards.

Any help would be appreciated. Maybe I have to go 3 years with no new accounts, 1% Utility, no inquiries, 1 baddie and $1 million dollar income.

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Honestly from my own observation. and ymmv. i think it is 6 months of no applications and i will explain why i think that.

Last november i tried for any citi card and no go. but i had a lot of apps. Finally in July this year when i finally made it 6 months without applying for anything although i had 13 new accounts. They sent me a mailer. i was in shock. online i was pre approved for all of their cards. My scores were right around 700 Eq and Boom approved after so many denials. Not a great limit but 2k on the double cash. i took it. now im just waiting for the sp cli.

[Anonymous]

many have found it worth it taking one more HP for a CLI with that card. SP CLIs are like chase's - few and far between

[taxi818]

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@Anonymous wrote:
many have found it worth it taking one more HP for a CLI with that card. SP CLIs are like chase's - few and far between

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True but unlike chase they do give you option for sp cli. as i saw it in my online profile. But chances of approval are about every 6months like on a cap one card. I also have a Best Buy Visa. With 5k. and a home depot with 7k. So i know they are aware of me. I just don't want to poke the bear until having my doublecash for 6 months. as i don't need a cli at the moment. most i spend on the card is $500 at any given point. and that was for a BT check to see how it worked. They sent the check to me in my name.