What are my Citi Simplicity approval odds?

It is fairly hard to get a Citibank credit card, as most Citibank cards require good credit or better for approval. Citibank does have options for people with limited credit, though, which means it’s not as hard to get a Citibank credit card as it is to get a card from some other issuers.... read full answer

The easiest credit card to get from Citibank is the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, which is available to people with limited credit. This card has an annual fee of $0.

Minimum Credit Score for Notable Citibank Credit Cards

• Citi® Secured Mastercard®: limited credit
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: good credit
• Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer: good credit
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: excellent credit

If you meet the credit score requirement and a few other requirements, it becomes easier to get a Citibank credit card. As with all credit cards, you’ll need to have a steady income and be at least 18 years old. You’ll also need to have an SSN, ITIN, or passport.

You need a credit score of at least 700 to get a Citi credit card in most cases. That means applicants for Citi credit cards need at least good credit to be approved. But it really depends on which card you’re after. Some Citi credit cards require higher scores, and one accepts applicants with limited credit history.... read full answer

Here are the Citi credit score requirements:

• Limited History: For those with little or no credit history, the Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a good option. A refundable security deposit of $200 is required. It doesn’t give any rewards, but it does come with a $0 annual fee and can help you build credit.
• Fair credit (640-699): With fair credit, you have a good shot at getting one of Citi’s various store cards. These cards can only be used at their associated store.
• Good credit (700-749): Good credit opens you up to some of Citi’s more attractive credit card offerings. You can get one of the best cashback cards on the market – the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer. Some other good options include the Citi Simplicity® Card, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card.
• Excellent credit (750 and up): You’ll be eligible for all of Citi’s cards with a score in this range, assuming your income and other information check out. But the only excellent-credit-only option is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (cash back oriented, offering 1 - 4% cash back on different spending categories).
• Other requirements: It takes more than just a good enough credit score to get Citi credit card approval. In particular, you need enough income to pay the monthly bills, along with your existing debts. You’ll also need a valid Social Security number (or ITIN) and a U.S. mailing address.

If you’re not sure which Citi credit card you’ll be able to qualify for, it’s easy to get pre-qualified for a credit card online. Citi might also send a pre-qualified credit card offer to potential customers. But while this increases your chances of approval, it does not guarantee it. If you have received such an offer, visit Citi’s web page and enter your invitation code and last name to apply.

Also, keep in mind that applying for a Citi or any other credit card triggers hard inquiries and can temporarily lower your score - the more inquiries over a short period of time, the more damage to your score. So, it’s best to know where you stand before applying for any credit card. You can check your credit score and track your progress for free, right here on WalletHub.

The Citi Simplicity® Card credit limit is at least $500, if you get approved. That’s the minimum limit listed in the card’s terms and conditions. However, your maximum credit line could be as high as $5,000, according to anecdotes from credit card holders. It all depends on your credit history, your income, and any potential debt or liabilities you might have. ... read full answer

Tips for Getting a Higher Citi Simplicity® Card Credit Limit

1. Watch your utilization. If you already have a credit card, try to use just a fraction of your available credit. You should keep your credit utilization ratio at 30% or less. This will show Citi you’re not desperate.
2. Make more & spend less. Income and assets are a high credit limit’s friends. Lots of existing debt is not.
3. Wait if you need to. This credit card requires excellent credit for approval, for one thing. So, if you need some time to get your financial house in order before applying, take it.

If you get the card but not the credit limit you want, don’t worry too much. You can always ask for an increase later on. I’d wait at least 6 months, assuming you pay your bills on time.