7/12/2023
Having a credit card is important for building your credit score, making large purchases, earning rewards and supplementing your finances.
There are thousands of banks and financial institutions in the United States that provide this type of product that makes it easy for consumers to have cash available for their needs.
You may be interested in: How to Apply for a Chase Bank Credit Card?
Citibank is one of the largest institutions operating in the country and on this page we tell you how to apply for a Citibank credit card, what requirements it has and the options available to choose from.
Steps to apply for a credit card at Citibank.
Whether you are familiar with the procedure or it is your first card of this type, familiarizing yourself with applying for a plastic card is useful for future requests and with the requirements you may be asked to meet. As for how to apply for a credit card at Citibank, here are the basic steps:
Check your credit score
Credit scores are designed to give lenders and financial institutions an idea of the risk customers pose when it comes time to pay.
Your file shows your payment history, accounts, current/past debts, notes and other items. Depending on the bank and the type of card, there is a minimum good score to apply for.
For example, secured credit cards do not require a minimum credit score. It is always good to know your FICO or VantageScore before applying for a card at Citibank or another bank of your choice.
Once you have signed up for your card with Citibank, you can access your score once a month for free.
Choose your Citibank credit card
After reviewing your credit score, you can look for the credit card with requirements you can meet. There are 2 types of credit cards you can choose from:
- Secured. This is the case with most student cards, although there are many for any type of customer. They are widely used to improve or start your credit history, since they don't even require a minimum score. They do require a security deposit and their limits are lower than those of unsecured cards.
- Unsecured. These cards usually require a good-to-excellent credit score and most of them (with rewards) charge an annuity. If you want a credit card that rewards consumption, you can receive cashback or discounts in stores, restaurants, flights and much more.
- APR: 18.49%
- Annuity: $ 0
- Credit limit: Ask
- APR: 27.74%
- Annuity: Ask
- Credit limit: $ 2,500
- APR: 18.99%
- Annuity: $ 0
- Credit limit: Ask
- APR: 20.99%
- Annuity: Ask
- Credit limit: Ask
- APR: 18.99%
- Annuity: $ 0
- Credit limit: Ask
- APR: 20.24%
- Annuity: Ask
- Credit limit: Ask
- APR: 18.99%
- Annuity: Ask
- Credit limit: Ask
- Annuity: $ 0
- Free debit money in: All Citibank ATMs
Requirements to apply for a Citibank credit card
After deciding on a Citibank credit card, you need to collect the necessary documentation to apply. It's a standard process that usually includes:
- Identity verification. Usually, you'll be asked for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify that you are who you say you are.
- Proof of age. Often you will be asked for a second form of identification for security reasons and to prove that you are of legal age. In many states you must be at least 18 years old, so be sure to carry a current ID.
- Financial information. While some banks may not ask for proof of income, it's never a bad idea to have this information on hand. This will inform your gross earnings when you apply.
- Credit score. For unsecured cards, Citibank will ask you to have a minimum credit score in order to apply. The more exclusive cards will require an excellent credit score to qualify.
Understand the terms of the credit cards
When you apply for a credit card at Citibank or another financial institution, the contract contains a series of terms and conditions that are common within the industry.
We advise you to be very clear about the information it contains, especially the interest rates, default, repayment and any other issue that could affect your finances.
A good way to get informed and understand what is most important is to consult the Schumer Box that all credit card marketers are required to provide publicly.
Recommended Citibank credit cards
Here are some suggestions to make choosing a Citibank card easier:
- Citi Custom Cash. This annuity-free card offers you 5% cash back on the first $500 you spend in your favorite categories each billing cycle (1% thereafter). If you are a new customer, you can get $200 cash back when you spend $1500 within 6 months and includes a 0% APR for 15 months (purchases and balance transfer).
- Citi Simplicity Card. This card gives you 21 months of 0% APR for balance transfers within the first 4 months after you get it. It does not include rate increases, late fees or annuity fees. It also offers 12 months interest free for purchases.
- Citi Premier Card. Ideal for travel, it gives you 3x points per dollar spent in several high-traffic categories, such as hotels, restaurants, tickets, gas stations and supermarkets (1x point for the rest). The sign-up bonus is 80,000 ThankYou points if you spend $4000+ in the first 3 months.
Español: ¿Cómo solicitar una tarjeta de crédito en Citibank?