Does Citibank approve bad credit?

Asked by: Prof. Tito Morissette  |  Last update: December 27, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)

Citibank credit cards require limited-to-excellent credit for approval, which may allow credit newcomers to qualify but not those with a track record of borrowing mistakes. There are, however, credit cards for bad credit available from other issuers that are quite easy to get.

Can I get a Citi card with bad credit?

Citi® Secured Mastercard® is an option for customers with little or no credit history and can help you build your credit when used responsibly. Unlike a debit card, Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a real credit card that helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus.

What credit score is needed for Citibank?

Bottom line. The Citi Simplicity® Card is an excellent option for anyone who wants to transfer a credit card balance and save on interest. However, it normally requires a good to excellent credit score (670+), so only those with healthy credit profiles are likely to be approved.

Is it hard to get credit with Citibank?

Credit score requirements aren't hard and fast. It's possible to be approved with a score in the 600s but far less likely, just as it's possible to have a score above 700 and still not get approved. On Citi's Secure Website.

What is the easiest Citibank credit card to get?

The Citi Secured Mastercard could be the easiest card to get, since it's one of Citi's only cards for credit-builders and people with a limited credit history.

10 Things Citi Bank WON’T Tell You

38 related questions found

Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score?

A credit score of 500 or less gives you plenty of room for growth when building your credit, and it won't exclude you from qualifying for a good credit card. Several credit cards for credit scores in this range or lower offer credit-building tools to help you build your score; some even offer rewards.

Does Citibank approve credit cards easily?

It is easy to get some Citibank credit cards because there are options for people with limited or no credit history who have enough income to pay the monthly bills. The best Citibank credit cards require fair to excellent credit for approval.

How accurate is Citi pre-approval?

That said, preapprovals aren't a guarantee that your application will be approved. Still, preapprovals may be the best way to avoid the double whammy of a rejection and a credit score hit. Here's what you need to know about Citi's pre-qualification online tool and other ways of getting a Citi card preapproval.

What is the 8 65 rule for Citibank?

1️⃣ 8-Day Rule: You can't get more than one Citi credit card within 8 days. Apply for two? Automatic denial. 2️⃣ 65-Day Rule: You can't get more than two Citi cards within 65 days.

What is the minimum salary for Citibank credit card?

If you are planning to apply for Citibank credit cards, make sure that you are at least 21 years old and have a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 or more. You must also ensure that you possess a good credit score.

What credit does Citibank pull?

They'll confer with the three big credit reporting bureaus that record and compile all your credit activity — good and bad. Citi, for example, uses information from all three agencies but refers most to Experian as the preferred agency for pulling credit checks on prospective customers.

What credit score do you need for an American Express card?

Key Takeaways. You will likely need a credit score of at least 670 to qualify for an American Express card, though it may depend on the card and other factors of your application. American Express' MyCredit Guide allows you to check your credit score for free, even if you aren't already a customer.

What FICO score does Citibank use?

Based on FICO® Score 8 model.

Why would Citi deny me a credit card?

Your Citibank credit card application may have been denied for various reasons, such as a low credit score, not enough disposable income, or too much debt.

What credit card can I get with a 480 credit score?

The best credit card for a 480 score is the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card because it does not require a credit check and it has an annual fee of $0.

What is the minimum balance for a salary account at Citibank?

Salary accounts come with a zero minimum balance requirement.

What is Citi credit card rule?

What is the Citi 8/65 rule? Citi's 8/65 rule states that applicants are ineligible to apply for more than one Citi credit card in eight days, and not more than two credit cards in 65 days. » Learn more: What to know about Citi's travel portal.

What is Citi minimum due?

Your “Minimum Payment Due” equals: • Any amount past due; plus • Any Overlimit Amount; plus • Any Citi Flex Plan Payment Amount; plus • The greater of: 1. The Adjusted New Balance, if it's less than $41; 2. $41 if the Adjusted New Balance is at least $41; or 3.

Can you still get denied after pre-approval?

Simply, if you're preapproved for a mortgage there is still a possibility you could be denied after. In fact, approximately 5,741 VA loans were preapproved but not accepted according to 2022 HMDA data.

Which bank gives a fast pre-approved credit card?

ICICI Bank introduces a state-of-the-art process to generate a Credit Card instantly, for pre-approved customers. You are minutes away from availing exclusive privileges and offers on fuel, dining, shopping, and much more.

Which Citi card is the easiest to get?

The Citi Secured Mastercard is the easiest Citi credit card to get because it's the only Citi card that will accept applicants with limited credit (less than 3 years of credit history). The Citi Secured card requires a $200 refundable security deposit, but it has a $0 annual fee.

Is Citibank good for bad credit?

No, Citi does not offer an unsecured credit card for bad credit. You'll need to have at least good or good credit to qualify for most of Citi's unsecured cards. If you're not tied to Citi as an issuer, there are several good unsecured credit cards for bad credit available from other banks.

What is the easiest Chase credit card to get?

Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field. We recommend the Chase Freedom Rise® as one of the easiest Chase cards to get approved for, thanks to its more lenient credit requirements.

What credit score do you need for the Costco Citi card?

Bottom line. To get approved for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi you'll typically need a FICO® score of 800 or higher. This cash-back card doesn't have an annual fee, but you'll need a Costco membership to apply. There are two levels of Costco membership which cost $60 or $120.