What is the best way to get in with Citi legacy cards?

[ScottsdaleDad]

I have a chapter 7 bankruptcy on my CR filed in 12/15 and discharged in 5/16. Citi approved me for a Best Buy Visa in 11/17, but I know that's on their retail side. I'm trying to get a Costco Visa at some point. Is it better to just maintain an excellent history on the Best Buy Visa as a way in on the legacy side, or would the Citi Secured Mastercard be a better way in?

[Anonymous]

That’s a great question I’d love to know the answer to myself. But, looking at your signature, you’ll have to get your EX and EQ at or above 700 to have a shot at Citi on the Legacy side. From what I hear, they hate a bunch of inquiries and new accounts. I’m sure others can chime in with more info. Good luck. 👍 

[AverageJoesCredit]

My opinion is you are already making an in. Once your scores reach a sweet spot you may start receiving mailers too. I think so soon after a bk, it might not be super realistic to get a legacy card but good thing is Citi is more forgiving than say Anex. Just keep using your BB well and make good payment history. Youll get there

[Anonymous]

I CO'd Citibank a decade ago and have just started receiving mailers with some pretty firm looking offers once I crossed over 700 on all 3.  Got a very nice Citi DC offer in January and something else in December.  None of them are tempting me out of the garden, but it's good to see them poking at me again after so many years.

[CreditCuriosity]

Citi retail and Citi legacy divisions don't talk to each other although under one umbrella they aren't really the same company nor do I believe they share information.  Citi retail cards are obviously easier to get than their legacy cards for multiple reasons.  It will probably take you 3+ years of being out of BK before they would even consider you also depending whether you burnt them?  If so expect longer.  Certainly give it more time as stated and get your scores around 700ish then give it a swing.  If you burnt them then that is a whole another story how long they might hold a grudge.

[ScottsdaleDad]

Ok. I was wondering if BB would get me in on the legacy side just as good as the secured card. If so, I'll just keep building the relationship and give it some time before applying for a Costco card. Thanks for the advice.

[ScottsdaleDad]

No, I've never burned them.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I CO'd Citibank a decade ago and have just started receiving mailers with some pretty firm looking offers once I crossed over 700 on all 3.  Got a very nice Citi DC offer in January and something else in December.  None of them are tempting me out of the garden, but it's good to see them poking at me again after so many years.

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Say what? You're in the garden WOW!!! Let's put together a capital venture acquistion and acquire a piece of Citi so you can be issued one of their legacy cards! Just trying to be helpful Or ... not.

[Anonymous]

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@CreditCuriousity wrote:

Citi retail and Citi legacy divisions don't talk to each other although under one umbrella they aren't really the same company nor do I believe they share information.  Citi retail cards are obviously easier to get than their legacy cards for multiple reasons.  It will probably take you 3+ years of being out of BK before they would even consider you also depending whether you burnt them?  If so expect longer.  Certainly give it more time as stated and get your scores around 700ish then give it a swing.  If you burnt them then that is a whole another story how long they might hold a grudge.

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Speaking with old experience (may be different today), it took me eight years after burning Citi to get back in with a CIti Platinum Select MC (no benefits). As I said it may be different today?

[pizza1]

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@ScottsdaleDad wrote:
Ok. I was wondering if BB would get me in on the legacy side just as good as the secured card. If so, I'll just keep building the relationship and give it some time before applying for a Costco card. Thanks for the advice.

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No it wont. As stated before, there are TWO sides to Citibank...retail and Legacy, and they dont talk to one another. The retail side is easy to get in with, and Legacy not so much. Legacy side is any of "their" own cards on their main website....DC, Costco, etc..The minimum Ive seen with someone with a BK7 get in with them is  4yrs on legacy side.

 Ive been in nicely with them for a  few years now with several retail cards including their secured Diamond card (which I decided to close),  but legacy side is a challenge. Your best bet right now would be to apply for their secured card, and it should graduate in 18 months into the Diamond Preferred, whhich is legacy.