How To Check Your Citi Credit Card Application Status

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Citibank is a leading global financial services company with over 200 million customers, offering various credit cards for travel, cash back and low-rate balance transfers. From your daily Starbucks order to a Maldives vacation to paying down a large debt, Citi is likely to have a card that can make those purchases work for you. Citi is a Forbes Advisor partner.

When you apply for a card with Citi, you will typically get a response quickly if not instantly. However, this isn’t always the case. Some situations may require the credit card issuer to review new applications for longer periods. But don’t worry, if this happens it does not necessarily mean that the application was rejected.

But, if you’re waiting for a response a follow up is not the worst idea. Knowing how to check your application status gets you updates on your application in real-time. So if you haven’t gotten your card approval yet—don’t fret—here’s what you should do.

To increase your chances of getting approved for a Citi credit card, here’s what to do:

Your credit score is a numerical value to represent your likelihood to properly manage a credit card. Although Citi does not publish exact scores required for specific cards, they do provide general ranges—good, excellent, etc. Thus, it is important to know your score—and therefore the cards for which you are likely to qualify—before applying.

FICO calculates your credit score by factoring in payment history, length of credit history, debts owed, credit mix and new credit. If you have a Citi-branded credit card, you can check your FICO score for free on the Citi app.

Citi may preapprove you for specific cards based on a soft inquiry of your credit profile. Note however, that preapproval doesn’t mean that a formal approval of your application is automatic. Still, knowing which cards Citi has preapproved you for is valuable as it indicates the cards for which you have better chances of receiving approval.

Individual cards may have specific requirements. However, for all applications both online and offline, you will be required to:

Be at least 18 years old

Have a Social Security number (or an ITIN and passport for specific cards)

Demonstrate reliable income or other ability to repay a credit card

Be sure to check any specific card’s terms and conditions to see if there are additional requirements.

Citi has a number of cards available to consumers, so before you apply, you should select the card which best meets your needs. Are you a frequent traveler? Are you looking to earn rewards in a specific hotel or airline brand? Do you want to earn straight cash back on your purchases? If so, are there specific categories in which you spend the most or are you looking for a general purpose cash-back card?

In addition, consider things such as fees, welcome bonuses and ancillary benefits. A card that offers lounge access may not mean much to those who don’t travel, but for those who frequent airports this benefit can be priceless.

Knowing what you want out of your card will help you determine what card is right for you and your lifestyle.

Prompt application follow-ups are important to stay in the loop. Luckily, it is easy to check your application status with the following methods.

You can visit the ‘Check Your Application Status‘ page on Citi’s website if you want to track your application online. Just provide your application ID and ZIP Code and you will be directed to your application.

You can also call the customer service line at 1-800-745-1534. Have the reference number of your application available—it’s in the email you received after applying.

Or, if you applied in a Citibank branch you can visit the bank and request a status update.

Citi’s card application processing time frame is normally within 30 days, though they may give you a decision much more quickly. If you don’t hear back within this period, it means that your application may need to be reassessed. Don’t assume, however, that this means you have been rejected. Diligently following up with your application status until you receive a hard confirmation of a denial or approval is crucial.

Your application may have been denied because it didn’t meet certain eligibility requirements. This should not be a cause for concern as you can take steps to repair your credit before applying again. But before reapplying, here are things you should take note of:

Citi’s application rules. Citi will only allow you to apply for one card every eight days, and a maximum of two cards after every 65 days. Any additional applications will automatically get rejected by Citi.

Reasons for your application’s denial. It is important to understand why your card application was denied. Poor credit, or a lack of demonstrable income for example, may make issuers less likely to approve your application. Take steps to improve your application before applying again.

Be aware that multiple applications are not advisable. Every time you make an application, credit card issuers make a hard inquiry into your credit profile. Too many hard inquiries can reduce your credit score.

Hold off on a reapplication until you understand the reasons for your denial and have taken steps to improve your standing as an applicant. Here are some questions you should ask:

Did you fill out the application form correctly? A simple mistake in filling out the online form can be the cause of your rejection. Pay attention to every column and provide the right information.

Are you applying for the right card? If your credit score and loan history are not on par with Citi’s requirements, your application is likely going to be rejected. If you have poor credit, or are new to credit, a secured card could be an option.

Is there an alternative to your current financial strategy? You may not be doing the right things to build up your credit. Check if there are better alternatives.

Have you recently applied for too many Citi cards? If you have, Citi may think you are trying to earn multiple welcome bonuses—known as churning—and will probably reject your application(s).

Yes, Citi allows for reconsideration if you think there’s been an error on your application or something that merits another look. Mistakes happen, so if you’re confident about your credit card score and can prove that your application rejection was a mistake, Citi may reverse your denial.

Reach out to the customer care line with concerns about your application reconsideration and Citi’s service agents will walk you through the process.

For Citi’s credit card applications, delays do not necessarily connote denials. You can and should check your application status over phone, online or in person. Knowing where you stand can put your mind at ease and make the application process that much easier.