When to apply for Citi CC

SecondToLastDraftDodger · ‎01-07-2023

Hi all!

First, this forum has been an absolute godsend for me, so thanks for all of your advice. The main question is when is the best timing to apply for the Citi Custom Cash card.

I got approved for my first card, a CFU, this past Aug. I got it with the 5% bonus on gas (a major expense for me) for the first year. I got approved for the BCE just a week ago. I would like to get the Citi card for the 5% back category that I can dedicate to gas after the CFU bonus period is up. So, I have a little time before it's necessary.

These two cards are the only active tradelines I have. The January statement will be the CFU's sixth statement, and the BCE is brand new. No baddies, I'm just very new to credit. I do have a closed AU account reporting that has over 20 years history (perfect payment).

BCE told me my EX score is 736 when they approved the BCE.

So, given all that, when should I set my sights on applying for the Citi card (to give me my three cards for optimal scoring from what I understand)--or any other card that also can give a 5% cash back on gas that I should look at.

Thanks!

Adkins · ‎01-08-2023

@SecondToLastDraftDodger wrote:
Hi all!

First, this forum has been an absolute godsend for me, so thanks for all of your advice. The main question is when is the best timing to apply for the Citi Custom Cash card.

I got approved for my first card, a CFU, this past Aug. I got it with the 5% bonus on gas (a major expense for me) for the first year. I got approved for the BCE just a week ago. I would like to get the Citi card for the 5% back category that I can dedicate to gas after the CFU bonus period is up. So, I have a little time before it's necessary.

These two cards are the only active tradelines I have. The January statement will be the CFU's sixth statement, and the BCE is brand new. No baddies, I'm just very new to credit. I do have a closed AU account reporting that has over 20 years history (perfect payment).

BCE told me my EX score is 736 when they approved the BCE.

So, given all that, when should I set my sights on applying for the Citi card (to give me my three cards for optimal scoring from what I understand)--or any other card that also can give a 5% cash back on gas that I should look at.

Thanks!

I would apply now, because your score is high enough for the card. I'm not sure how picky Citi is about credit history though (I PCd to my custom cash card.)

Last HP 08-07-2023

shalimarcat · ‎01-09-2023

@SecondToLastDraftDodger wrote:
Hi all!

First, this forum has been an absolute godsend for me, so thanks for all of your advice. The main question is when is the best timing to apply for the Citi Custom Cash card.

I got approved for my first card, a CFU, this past Aug. I got it with the 5% bonus on gas (a major expense for me) for the first year. I got approved for the BCE just a week ago. I would like to get the Citi card for the 5% back category that I can dedicate to gas after the CFU bonus period is up. So, I have a little time before it's necessary.

These two cards are the only active tradelines I have. The January statement will be the CFU's sixth statement, and the BCE is brand new. No baddies, I'm just very new to credit. I do have a closed AU account reporting that has over 20 years history (perfect payment).

BCE told me my EX score is 736 when they approved the BCE.

So, given all that, when should I set my sights on applying for the Citi card (to give me my three cards for optimal scoring from what I understand)--or any other card that also can give a 5% cash back on gas that I should look at.

Thanks!

I say go for it and apply now. I just applied for the Custom Cash, as well. I applied for it about 9 days after I was approved for the Rewards Plus. I just had a new store card show up on my credit reports in December, and before this 2 American Express cards, plus an Upgrade card, too. Your scores are good: assuming your utilization is low, you should get approved. Good luck!

pakratus · ‎01-10-2023

Citi is recent-inquiry sensitive. You may need/want to wait 6 months if Citi pulls the same bureau in your state as Amex did.

RedKhaos · ‎01-15-2023

I lean more with @shalimarcat. It has been at least a week since you last applied, which is the minimum suggested time for a Citi card, but I'd suggest you clear the SUB on the BCE first before applying again.

OP, you do have a young credit history, but I don't think Citi will hold that against you like Chase. Citi also isn't US Bank. They are not super strict on recent inquiries except for their Premier card. You just need to follow their 7/65 rule (no more than 1/2 citi cards every 7/65 day period). I got my Custom Cash when I was at 3 inquiries over last 6 months and had my last Citi card, Double Cash, about 1.5 months before.