Is Citibank hard to get approved?

Asked by: Consuelo Waters DDS  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

You will need a fair to excellent credit score to qualify for the best Citi credit cards. A fair score is generally considered 580 to 669, a good credit score ranges from 670 to 739 and an excellent score is 740 and above.

What credit score does Citibank require?

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 approved for Citi?

How hard is it to get a Citibank credit card? It is hard to get some Citibank credit cards, particularly Citicards that require a good to excellent credit score of 700 or higher.

Which Citi card is easiest to get approved for?

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.

Why would I be denied a Citi 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.

10 Things Citi Bank WON’T Tell You

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What is the 8 65 rule for Citi?

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.

Does Citi do a hard pull for credit application?

This Citi prequalification tool performs a “soft inquiry” on your credit report. This won't negatively affect your credit. However, if you move forward with applying for a new card, your credit report will be hit with a “hard inquiry” that may cause your credit score to temporarily drop.

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.

Is Citibank better than Chase?

Citi will also serve you better if you're looking for a big bank with higher rates. Chase, however, may be a better option for you if branch accessibility and a great mobile app are a priority. If you're not impressed by either of these banks, consider our list on the top banks based on ATM fees.

What is the #1 credit card to have?

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 on purchases...

Which Citi card is hardest to get?

I think the Costco Visa is the hardest Citi card to get. And I agree with @Credit12Fico that the Custom Cash and Double Cash are easier to get. I also think Citi is generally one of the hardest big banks to get approved by (easier than US Bank but harder than Chase).

Does Citibank give instant approval?

Citibank gives instant approval on its credit cards, but only some of the time. Instant approval always is possible when applying for a Citibank credit card online, though getting approved for an account immediately is never guaranteed.

What credit limit does Citi give?

The usual Citibank credit card limit is $200 to $2,000 at a minimum, depending on the card. The Citi Double Cash® Card has a $500 minimum credit limit, for example, while the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has a minimum credit limit of $2,000. Citibank doesn't publicly disclose any maximum credit limits.

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 minimum credit score for a 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.

What are the disadvantages of Citibank?

The cons of banking with Citi are that its banking fee structure is complicated, and certain markets aren't eligible for the bank's high-yield savings account.

What is so special about Citibank?

Citi is a bank that's uniquely positioned for this moment. Through our vast global network and our on-the-ground expertise, we can connect the dots, anticipate change and empathize the needs of our clients in ways that other banks simply cannot.

What is better Citibank or Capital One?

Capital One is better than Citi because it offers credit cards to a wider range of customers in addition to savings accounts with no service fees or minimum deposits. Capital One also has a better credit card rewards program than Citi, according to WalletHub's latest Credit Card Rewards Study.

What is the minimum income for Citibank credit cards?

Citi doesn't specify minimum income qualifications for credit card approval, but since income is considered one indicator of your overall ability to repay what you borrow, logic follows that your chances of preapproval get better as your income gets higher.

Can I get a credit card with 4000 salary?

Your minimum monthly salary must be AED 5,000 or above to be an eligible credit card applicant.

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

Salary accounts come with a zero minimum balance requirement.

What is the easiest Citi card to get approved for?

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.

How long does Citi take to approve?

Approval. Some lenders let you know whether you've been approved the same day you apply (Citi personal loan applicants can receive a response in less than 60 seconds). Others may have longer timelines – sometimes up to 7 business days.

What FICO score does Citibank use?

Based on FICO® Score 8 model.