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There are credit cards for every type of consumer, including those with bad credit, and at the other end of the spectrum, premium cards for customers with excellent credit.
Generally speaking, bonus credit cards tend to have some of the strictest credit requirements, and for good reason. The best credit cards allow consumers to earn points or miles for their spending, so it makes sense that only the most qualified candidates get approved.
You may be wondering what credit score you need to get approved for a Citi Custom Cash℠ card. Here’s what you need to know, and we’ve also included tips on how to improve your credit before you apply.
What credit score do I need for the Citi Custom Cash Card?
While Citi does not publish its credit rating requirements for its cards, there are some general guidelines to help you assess eligibility. For example, bonus credit cards are usually reserved for individuals with good, very good, or excellent credit. Since FICO credit scores are used by 90% of lenders, we will use this particular credit scoring method as an example.
Among FICO credit scores, you are considered to have “good” credit if your score is between 670 and 739. Meanwhile, people have “very good” credit with scores between 740 and 799 or “exceptional” credit if they are between 800 and 850, the highest possible FICO score.
You can qualify for a Citi Custom Cash Card with a credit score of as little as 670, but you’ll be more likely to be approved if your score is on the other end of the “good” range, or 720 or higher. . Your chances of getting approved are even better when your FICO score is over 740.
How do I check my credit score before applying for a Citi card?
If you’re thinking about applying for a Citi Custom Cash Card or any other cash back credit card, it’s a good idea to check your credit score to see where you’re at.
There are several ways to check your credit score for free:
No matter which service you choose, checking your credit score is the best way to find out if it’s good enough for the card you want.
Is the Citi Custom Cash Card suitable?
Why are consumers rushing to sign up for the Citi Custom Cash Card? Not only does it have no annual fees, but it allows cardholders to earn a favorable cashback rate across several categories of everyday spending.
New cardholders start with $200 in cash by spending $750 within three months of opening an account. In the meantime, you’ll get 5 percent back on up to $500 you spend in the highest eligible spending category in each billing cycle, and then 1 percent back.
Categories that can get 5 percent back include restaurants; gas stations; grocery stores; select travel, transit and streaming services; pharmacies; home goods stores; fitness clubs and entertainment programs.
The Citi Custom Cash Card also gives customers the opportunity to save money on interest for over a year. New cardholders are eligible for 0 percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by variable APRs of 16.24 to 26.24 percent.
When it comes to redeeming your cash, the Citi Custom Cash Card allows you to use rewards for statement credits, cash back, gift cards, travel, merchandise and more.
Improve Your Credit Before Applying for Citi Custom Cash Card
If you’re checking your credit score and it doesn’t qualify for a bonus credit card, there are a few steps you can take to improve it. Here are some of the easiest ways to quickly improve your credit score:
- Check your credit reportsA: Mistakes on your credit report can damage your credit history even if you don’t know it. Luckily, you can check all three of your credit reports with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for free through AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Challenge any errors in your credit reportA: If you find errors on your credit report, such as a false report of late payment or an incorrect balance, you can dispute those errors.
- Pay off your debts: For best results, most experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio below 10 or 30 percent of your available credit. If you pay off your revolving debts to fall within or below this range, you can improve your credit score.
- Pay bills on timeA: Since your payment history is the most important factor, accounting for 35 percent of your FICO, you should always avoid bill payment delays.
Use CardMatch to check credit card offers
With CardMatch, you enter basic information such as your name, home address, your income, the last four digits of your social security number, and your email address to see pre-screened credit card offers that match your profile.
If you use this tool, you may find that you are pre-qualified for the Citi Custom Cash Card, but you can also explore and compare other cards you may be eligible for. The best part about the CardMatch tool is that it is free to use and you can see your pre-approved card offers in minutes.
bottom line
Having an excellent credit history can make life a lot easier, but a good credit history can also help you qualify for the best financial products. This is true whether you’re applying for a mortgage, planning to finance a new car, or comparing rewards credit cards that can help you maximize your spending.
Luckily, good credit is something you can aim for if you’re not exactly where you want to be. With responsible use of credit and some time, you may qualify for better rewards credit cards sooner than you think.
Editorial disclaimer
The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective judgment of our contributors and is not based on advertising. It was not provided or ordered by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to our partners’ products.