Ok. I've heard all your complaints but never had an issue because I can't get a Citibank card right now. But I have a friend who asked my opinion on all her reports and accounts. She has perfect credit. As a matter of fact, Citibank wouldn't give the exact score but admitted it's over 810. She's had a Ciotibank Choice card since the early 90s. It was issued at 1500 when she was at her first job. She used the card until 99 or so then it's been sitting in a sock drawer. She uses her Amex and MBNA Quantum now. She carries no balances except mortgage. She makes well over 125+. She has over 100+ saved in the bank not including retirement assets or equity in her house. Total net worth has got to be between 300-400. all verifiable. She requested a line increase. They asked a LOT of information and she gave it. She also got a solicitation for a free upgrade to Plat Select at worse terms. She declined it but wanted a line increase so the card was usable. Otherwise, it'll sit in a sock drawer. Well, guess what. She got declined. I can't believe it but she did. She talked with a supervisor from my house and discussed the reasons. Citi admitted that it makes no sense but that their internal system was most important and that she only had 1 charge in 2 years so they had no data really to generate an internal score. She said they go to the external scores for line increases and then look to the bureau scores for a problem but that stellar bureau scores alone won't get you an increase. Her recommendation was to use the card for 6 mos to put info into their system. Even if it's for gas every month. Result: supervisor lowered the interest rate to a fixed 9.9 and the card is back in the sock drawer. I suggested she apply for a new card, she told me she didn't need Citi and their puny credit lines. She would just choose to not give them her business. Stupid really. She charges 10+ a month traveling and at least 2+ personally. Well, not on Citi. I wouldn't have believed a turndown if I hadn't seen it for myself! Are they smoking something in their credit offices??? So George, take heart. It's not just you buddy
She did state she didn't need the Citi Card, however the AA Silver and Gold BDD would seem like a really easy way to get the credit line increases she wanted. But I totally agree, what a bunch of BS.
Re: Citibank increases really are n As I recalled Choice Visa didn't have any rewards or cash back and the rate is 9.9% fixed. It is a good rate and it keep it open for credit history. Ron.