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

To respond to a Citi Double Cash invitation to apply, either complete and return the application included with the offer you received in the mail or reply online using the web address and invitation code provided in the invitation. Responding online is the quicker method and could generate an immediate decision. Just input your invitation code, type your last name, and click “Proceed to Application.”

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.

What a Citi Double Cash Invitation to Apply Means:

Invitation to apply - Citi thinks you’d be interested in the Double Cash Card based on specific demographic information (e.g. age and zip code) and other criteria. Your credit standing is not a factor, so odds of approval for the Double Cash Card are much lower with an invitation to apply than with a pre-approved or pre-selected offer.

Pre-approved offer - Citi thinks you would be a good candidate for the Double Cash Card, based on a high-level review of data from the major credit bureaus. Pre-approved offers have the highest odds of approval.

Pre-selected offer - You’ve met Citi’s basic guidelines to qualify for the Double Cash Card, but 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.

The bottom line is that a Citi Double Cash invitation to apply is just that, an invitation. If you apply, there’s a strong likelihood your application will be rejected, since the offer was not based on any credit data. Credit history, income, debt and other factors crucial to credit card approval are not evaluated fully until you submit an application.

So make sure to check your credit report and credit score to confirm you generally meet the card’s requirements before responding to any invitation to apply. You’ll need good credit or better to have decent approval odds for Double Cash.