How do I get a Citibank credit card limit increase?

You can increase your Citi Double Cash Card credit limit by making a request either through your online account or by phone at (800) 950-5114. Citibank reviews all credit limit increase requests on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, you may also get a Citi Double Cash Card credit limit increase without asking, if your account is in good standing.... read full answer

For phone requests, follow the automated voice prompts or state that you’d like to speak to a customer service representative. When instructed, provide your annual income and your monthly mortgage/rent payment.

How to Get a Citi Double Cash Card Credit Limit Increase Online

1. Log in to your Citi Double Cash Card online account and click the “Services” tab. From there, choose “Credit Card Services”.
2. Click “Request a Credit Limit Increase” under the “Card Management” menu.
3. Select the Citi Double Cash Card from the Citibank account if you have multiple cards.
4. Provide the required information (your annual income and your monthly housing payment).
5. Review and click “Continue” to submit your credit request.

You should receive an immediate decision approving or denying the request. If approved, the new credit limit will appear in your account and will be immediately available for you to use.

Citibank also periodically grants higher credit limits to select cardholders who meet certain criteria. There is no surefire way of being automatically granted a higher credit limit, though.

What to Know Before a Citi Double Cash Card Credit Limit Increase

You can improve your chances of getting a credit limit increase by keeping your account in good standing and making sure your account information is updated. You should also make sure you’re paying on-time, preferably in full, for at least 6 consecutive billing periods prior to requesting a higher limit. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your credit score to know whether it’s taken any dips that could benefit from some improvement.

Citibank typically conducts a soft pull of your credit history when increasing your credit limit automatically. This inquiry will not affect your credit score. But when you make a request for a credit limit increase, the issuer will ask for your permission to do a hard pull of your credit report. As a result, there will be a slight, but temporary, drop in your credit score.

The usual Citibank credit card limit is $500 to $2,000 to start, depending on the card. For example, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer has a $500 minimum credit limit. At the other end of the spectrum, the Citi Premier® Card has a minimum credit limit of $2,000. Citibank doesn’t publicly disclose any maximum credit limits.

Citibank Credit Cards Minimum Credit Limits

• Citi Premier® Card: $2,000
• Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: $500
• Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer: $500
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: $500
• Citi Rewards+® Card: $1,000
• Citi Simplicity® Card: $500
• Citi® Secured Mastercard®: $200

You won’t know your actual credit limit until you’re approved for your Citibank credit card. The limit you get depends on your credit standing, income and debt. However, you can always request a credit limit increase after you’ve made several months of on time payments.

A Citibank credit limit increase could either involve a soft pull or a hard pull. You can apply for an increase online or by phone at (800) 950-5114. Citibank will always notify you whether your request will trigger a soft or hard credit inquiry.

Citibank also evaluates existing accounts and may offer select customers automatic increases. This option isn’t something you can count on, but it always involves a soft pull. If you receive a credit limit increase offer, but decline it and ask for more, it’s more likely that a hard pull will be involved to determine if your credit is good enough.... read full answer

What you should know before requesting a credit limit increase with Citibank

When requesting a credit limit increase, Citibank will consider many factors that determine whether a soft pull or a hard pull will be used. Some of these include the age of your account and whether you have requested an increase in the recent past. But you’ll always be notified that a hard pull is coming, so you won’t be caught off guard.

Citibank will also periodically review your file with a soft pull to see if you’re eligible for an automatic credit limit increase. You’ll have a better chance of getting one if you’ve been using your available credit card responsibly, paying on time and not utilizing a large amount of your credit line. Also, to increase your odds of an automatic increase, make sure you keep your income and housing information updated on your Citibank account.

Here’s how to get a Citi credit limit increase:

• Online: Log in to your account and select the “Services” tab. Then, click on “Credit Card Services” and “Request A Credit Limit Increase”. You’ll be notified whether your request will trigger a soft pull or a hard pull. After that, enter your annual income and mortgage rent payment and Citi will display the amount you’re approved for or deny your request.
• Through the Citi Mobile App: Just log in to your account and follow the same steps as above.
• By phone: Just call (800) 950-5114, enter your card number, tell a customer service representative that you’d like a credit limit increase, and accept whatever they offer. If Citibank needs to do a hard pull, the customer service representative will inform you first.

However you go about it, getting a higher credit line can be well worth your while. It can improve your credit utilization without forcing you to decrease your spending. But if you’re in no rush, you can wait and see if Citi offers you an increase automatically.