Does Citibank Give Instant Approval? (2024)

Citibank gives instant approval on its credit cards, but only some of the time. Instant approval always is possible when applying for a Citibank credit card online, though getting approved for an account immediately is never guaranteed. Fortunately, there are several things that can increase your chances of getting approved right away, from having a high credit score to making sure you fill out the application accurately.

Factors That Increase the Odds of Instant Approval With Citibank

• High credit score: The more your credit score exceeds a card's requirements, the more likely you are to get approved right away.

• High income: The more money you make, the less risky you are as a borrower, and the easier it is for the issuer to make a decision. That's especially true if you have little or no existing debt.

• Online applications: Applying online is the most streamlined application method, so if you want a shot at instant approval, that's the route you should take.

• Pre-approval: Getting pre-approved for a credit card doesn't guarantee that you'll be approved, but it means your odds are very high. There's a good chance you'll get instantly approved, too.

• Accurate information: Having outdated or incorrect information on your credit card application can delay your approval, so always make sure to double check everything before submitting it.

• Unlocked credit reports: If your credit reports are frozen, Citibank will not be able to evaluate your credit history.

Keep in mind that instant approval isn't the same thing as instant use. There are very few credit cards that you can use right away after getting approved, rather than having to wait for the card to arrive by mail. You can learn more from WalletHub's instant credit cards guide.