Citi Diamond Preferred Low Starting CL

[hikeguy]

I was approved for the Citi Diamon Preferred card (after the application went into a "review" status) and the starting CL is a whooping $500.

I called today and they said I would have to use the card for 30 days before I could obtain a higher CL. 

Anyone have any experience with this? Like I told the rep, the point of my obtaining the card was so I could use the BT offer (0% for 21 Months). I can't do anything with $500.

[FicoMike0]

Welcome to the forum.

They probably guessed that's what you wanted it for, lol. At least your transfer fee will only be $25.

Doesn't sound very 'preferred' to me.

[Jeffster1]

I was going to apply for a Citi card like Diamond Preferred after some gardening, but it they're handing out $500 SLs, I'll have to think twice.

[youngandcreditwrthy]

These types of cards set you up for failure?

ever try to get the old Chase Slate card? The one that had no BT fees and 18 mos 0%?

oh it was the hardest card to get, and when it came down to it, it wasn't worth the 1k limit.

I'd honestly rather be denied. I had the CDP card once upon a time 5k CL 688 EQ FICO Approval - wasnt instant - took a month. and Citi hated me the whole time - because I was only paying a little more than min and using that cash to make dividends from some trades. LOL

they would never increase my CL for nearly two years. before i Knew about PCs, so I closed the account after it was PIF with no interest (except their fee).

Citi is a mind fudgee

[CreditMagic7]

Chase Slate/Citi Diamond Preferred have long been 'trick' BT Cards as i seen them over the decade. With the Slate it was useful as a BT only of you was able to transfer another Chase Card's limit over to it. I imagine City DP card the same. 

[Tiersha]

Well I was about to apply and I have great scores and uner all my uti...but at $500 starting, thats an insult.

[youngandcreditwrthy]

@Tiersha 

ten years ago, you could contact the Executive Office as long as you had 680+ scores and could make a case for approval.

I don't know how that works these days. 

[Tiersha]

I'll keep that in mimd and yes, well above those scores.

[Yasselife]

Yeah; unfortunately that’s pretty common with Citi; they’re known for starting people at lower credit limits; especially with the Diamond Preferred; even if your credit profile is solid. The good news is that after 30 days of use; you might be eligible for a soft pull CLI; so definitely try again then.

I’ve been through something similar before. I applied for a card mainly for a 0% BT offer; but the initial limit made it nearly useless. What helped me was using the card a few times for small charges; paying in full right away; and then requesting a CLI after the 30-day mark. I also made sure my income was accurately reported and up to date in their system before asking.

It’s frustrating; but don’t give up on the card just yet. Citi can be conservative at first; but they usually warm up if you show responsible use.

Let us know how it goes after your first CLI request.