John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
Citi uses all three major credit bureaus to evaluate credit card applications. That doesn’t mean it will pull all three of your credit reports, though. Rather, there’s no telling which bureau(s) Citi will pull from when you apply.
But that shouldn’t be a big deal. Your major credit reports contain nearly identical information. So if one includes negative information, the other two probably will as well. And if there’s a mistake on any of your credit reports, you’ll want to dispute that right away.
Besides, it’s pretty much impossible to predict a credit card company’s opinion of your financial past. Each uses its own customized credit score, for one thing, which explains why there is no one “real” credit score.

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Compare CardsShadow Banker, Account Manager
@shadowbanker4
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.
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.
Carlos Solis, Real Estate Mortgage Professional
@Mr.Homelender
I applied, i had all my credit reports locke at the time. I got a letter in the mail, ask me to remove the lock on Equifax report. However, this is the 2nd time i apply. first time they pulled Transunion. good luck.
Bill Tadesse, Member
@t_bill
They keep that secret, sorry.
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