What's the Citi Simplicity credit score requirement?

Citi uses all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Citi tends to use at least two of the three credit bureaus when it reviews credit card applications, according to reports from cardholders. People who applied over the past two years also suggest that Citi pulls from Experian most frequently. Where you live may factor into which credit bureau Citi uses, too. … read full answer

When Citi checks an applicant’s credit report through one of the credit bureaus, it makes a “hard inquiry” or “hard pull.” A hard inquiry may cause your credit score to drop a few points. And it will stay on your credit report for two years, though it only affects your score for the first year.

The easiest Citi card to get is the Citi® Secured Mastercard® because it is the only one that will accept applicants with limited credit history. This card requires a $200 refundable security deposit but has a $0 annual fee. It also helps build credit history with monthly reporting to the credit bureaus.… read full answer

Aside from the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, which is designed for people with limited or no credit, nearly all other Citi personal and business credit cards aren’t as easy to get. It takes either good credit or excellent credit in order to get approved for cards such as the Citi Double Cash Card or the Citi Premier® Card.

However, there are a number of store cards that are among the easiest Citi cards to get. Some of the best include the Best Buy® Store Card and the Shell Gas Card.

Citi store cards require at least fair credit for approval. But purchases are limited to the affiliated merchant or its website. The Best Buy® Store Card and the Shell Gas Card are among the many store cards that also have a full-fledged version on either the Visa or Mastercard network, which can be used anywhere the network is accepted. Those cards aren’t as easy to get as the store versions, as they require at least good credit.

Here are some of the easiest Citi cards to get:

• Citi® Secured Mastercard® – Limited History required
• Best Buy® Store Card – Fair credit required
• Shell Gas Card – Fair credit required

The Best Buy® Store Card is only usable at Best Buy, but it’s one of the easiest Citi cards to get because it requires fair credit. It has a $0 annual fee and offers 0% deferred interest for 6 to 24 months on purchases of $299 and up (length depends on price) OR 5% back in rewards on purchases (6% for spending $3,500 on card in a year). Deferred interest means that if you pay in full by the end of the 0% period, you owe no interest. If you carry any balance after that, though, you owe interest all the way back from the purchase date at the card’s regular APR of 25.24% (V).

The Shell Gas Card has a $0 annual fee and offers savings of 30¢/gallon (up to 20 gallons) on the first 5 Shell fuel purchases made by 6/30/2022. Plus, save 10¢/gallon (up to 20 gallons) at the pump every time. There’s a 10% rebate on non-fuel purchases, up to $1,200 per year. The card can only be used at Shell and requires fair credit.

The easiest Citi cards to get come with limitations. They offer low minimum credit limits, high interest rates and few rewards and benefits. And with the Citi store cards, beware of deferred interest promotions. Deferred interest means that there’s 0% interest as long as the balance gets paid in full by the end of the promotion. If it’s not paid in full, the Citi charges interest on the original purchase amount from the date of purchase, at the card’s regular APR.

It may also be beneficial to look outside of Citi to some of the easiest cards to get from other issuers. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card card is just as easy to get as the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, and it even offers rewards.

You need a credit score of at least 700 for 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 has no minimum score at all.… read full answer

Below, you can see what Citi cards your credit score will allow you to pursue, along with other information about approval.

Here’s what else you should know about the credit score you need for a Citi credit card:

• Limited History: For those with little or no credit history, the Citi Secured is a good option. A refundable security deposit of $200 is required. It doesn’t give any rewards, but it does offer a $0 annual fee and can help you rebuild your 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. Some examples of store cards issued by Citi that require at least fair credit are Staples® Credit Card, Best Buy® Store Card and Goodyear Credit Card.
• 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, Citi Double Cash Card, if you have at least good credit. Other cards that require at least good include Citi Simplicity Card, Citi Diamond Preferred and the Citi Rewards+ Card. And if you’re a frequent American Airlines flyer, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® also requires at least good credit while offering 2 miles / $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants and on America Airlines purchases (1 mile / $1 on all other purchases).
• 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. Some excellent-credit-only offerings include Citi Prestige (5 points / $1 spent on purchases at airlines, travel agencies and restaurants and 50,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months) and Costco Credit Card (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 U.S. mailing address.

Citi might send a pre-qualified credit card offer to potential customers, but while this increases your chances for 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.