How do I respond to a Citi Double Cash invitation to apply?

To respond to a Citi Double Cash Card invitation to apply, either complete and return the application included with the offer you received in the mail or simply reply online. Responding online is the quicker method and could generate an immediate decision. To do so, input your invitation code, type in your last name, and click "Apply Now".

Before responding to any such offer, it’s a good idea to double-check the language in the mailing to confirm it’s actually an "invitation to apply". There are differences between an invitation to apply and a pre-approved or pre-selected offer. Each uses different types of information for its targeted offers and indicates different approval odds.

Citi Double Cash Card Offers: What to Know

• Invitation to apply: Citibank thinks you’d be interested in the Citi Double Cash Card based on specific demographic information (such as age and zip code) and other criteria. Your credit standing is not a factor. So, odds of approval for the Citi Double Cash Card are much lower with an invitation to apply than with a pre-approved or pre-selected offer.
• Pre-approved offer: Citibank thinks you would be a good candidate for the Citi Double Cash Card, based on a basic review of data from the major credit bureaus. Their assessment of your data is based on a soft pull, which doesn’t affect your credit score. Pre-approved offers have the highest odds of approval.
• Pre-selected offer: You’ve met Citibank’s basic guidelines to qualify for the Citi Double Cash Card. However, Citi needs more information before approving you for an account (should you apply). Your odds of approval are slightly less than with a pre-approved offer.
• Pre-qualified offer: You may also check if you’re pre-qualified for the Citi Double Cash Card or any other Citi credit card directly through the Citibank’s website. Pre-qualification doesn’t guarantee approval, but it does give you around a 90% chance of approval if you choose to apply.

Keep in mind that a Citi Double Cash Card invitation to apply is just that, an invitation. While certain invitations (such as pre-approved offers) carry higher chances of approval, there’s still no guaranteed approval. Credit history, income, debt, and other factors crucial to credit card approval are not evaluated fully until you submit an application.

Applying for credit cards can temporarily hurt your credit score. So, be sure to know where you stand before responding to any invitation to apply. You can check your credit report and credit score right here on WalletHub to confirm you generally meet the card’s requirements. You’ll need good credit or better to have decent approval odds for the Citi Double Cash Card.