Citi Preapproval And Pre-qualification: What You Need To Know (2024)

Citibank has historically offered “prescreening” on some of its credit cards to select customers. If you’re offered prescreening, that means you conditionally meet the approval criteria for the credit card when you formally apply. These prescreens can arrive via email or through the mail. Keep in mind that these prescreens often include limited-time offers meant to entice you to sign up.

Since everyone has a different credit profile, not everyone will get prescreened. Generally speaking, if you have a good credit score, no delinquent payments or bankruptcies and a stable income, Citibank may prescreen you.

Banks typically have two methods when seeking out individuals who meet prescreening conditions. First, banks will look at their own customers. If those customers meet certain criteria, a prescreen may be sent. Alternatively, if a bank is looking to attract new customers, it could request a list of individuals who meet certain requirements from one of the three major credit reporting bureaus.

Even though Citibank is checking your credit profile during the prescreening process, there’s no hit to your credit score because this is a soft inquiry. However, if you accept the offer, a hard inquiry will be done. This will lower your credit score a bit, but it’s one final check to ensure nothing has changed with your credit profile.

While there’s no public information available about what exactly is needed to get prescreened for a Citi credit card, you’ll likely need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have a Social Security number
• Your personal information must match what’s listed with the credit bureaus
• You have a good credit score (usually 670-plus)

It’s worth noting that some credit cards also require personal or household income. These numbers aren’t typically published, but financial institutions can set their own minimum standards.

Even if you meet all the requirements above, you may not automatically be prescreened. That’s because prescreening happens when Citi is proactively looking for new business. If you’re not an existing customer, or your information isn’t available through one of the credit reporting bureaus, you may not get prescreened.

What Credit Score Do You Need To Get Approved for a Citi Card?

Most cards offered by Citi require a good to excellent credit score—670 to over 800. The cards with such requirements are some of the most rewarding cards offered, but there are options if your score is not quite at that level. With at least a fair credit score—starting at 580—you might be able to get the Citi Double Cash® Card or the Citi Custom Cash® Card.

Pros

• Financial institutions may give you a targeted incentive, such as an increased welcome bonus.
• You may potentially lock in better rates, lower annual fees and other options that are not normally offered publicly.

Cons

• The product you’re being prescreened for by Citi may have little value to you.
• Accepting every prescreened offer may encourage you to spend more since you’ll have more access to credit.

Since Citi credit card prescreenings are initiated by Citi, there’s really no set formula to determine when you might receive one. You can, however, increase your odds by building a solid credit score, making sure you pay other bills on time and maintaining a steady income.

If you catch wind of an increased welcome bonus or new offer from Citi, that’s the time to keep your eyes open for a prescreened offer that might be sent your way.

If you’re not prescreened for a specific Citi credit card, don’t worry. Citi may be missing some information, so calling or heading to a branch may help your approval process. However, if you haven’t been prescreened due to your credit profile, you may want to focus on improving your credit score first.

Citi offers the Citi® Secured Mastercard®* that helps you build your credit history. In general, secured credit cards require a security deposit. This amount would serve as your credit limit. As you make everyday purchases and pay your bills on time, your credit history will be reported to the credit bureaus. This will slowly increase your credit score. Once your credit score is in good standing, you’ll be in a better position to start getting prescreened offers.

Besides getting a secured credit card, there are a few ways to improve your chances of getting prescreened for a Citi credit card, including:

• Reduce your debt load
• Pay your bills on time
• Avoid applying for new credit, including loans
• Limit the amount of credit you’re using
• Monitor your credit report

Essentially, you want to try your best to keep your credit score in good standing since it can have a major impact on the review process. A credit score of 740 and up is considered very good and is a goal to strive for.

Oftentimes a credit card company will send out prescreens when they want to promote a limited-time offer or elevated bonus. Don’t throw away that mailer or delete an email like this without assessing whether the offer is right for you.

You might meet certain requirements for a unique offer and that’s the reason Citi sent you a prescreen. These offers usually come with an expiration date, so make sure to note that if you plan to apply.