Here’s the credit score needed for the Citi Custom Cash Card

Credit cards cater to every type of consumer, ranging from those with bad credit to premium cards for those with excellent credit. Here’s the credit score needed.

Generally speaking, rewards credit cards tend to have some of the strictest credit requirements, and for good reason. Only the most qualified applicants receive approval for the best credit cards, which allow consumers to earn points or miles on their spending.

You might be wondering what kind of credit score you need to get approved for the 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. Here’s the credit score needed.

What credit score do I need for the Citi Custom Cash Card?

While Citi doesn’t publish its credit score requirements for its cards, there are some general guidelines that can help you gauge eligibility. For example, rewards credit cards are typically for individuals with good, very good or excellent credit scores. Since FICO credit scores are used by 90% of lenders, we’ll use this specific credit scoring method as an example. Here’s the credit score needed.

Among FICO credit scores, you’re considered to have “good” credit if your score is between 670 and 739. Meanwhile, individuals have “very good” credit with scores from 740 to 799, or “exceptional” scores if they fall between 800 and 850, the highest possible FICO score. Here’s the credit score needed.

You may be able to qualify for the Citi Custom Cash Card with a credit score as low as 670, but you’ll have a better shot at approval if your score is on the other end of the “good” range, or 720 and higher. Your chances of approval are even better once your FICO score is over 740. Here’s the credit score needed.

How do I check my credit score before applying for a Citi card?

If you’re thinking of applying for the Citi Custom Cash Card—or any other cashback credit card — it helps to check your credit score to see where you stand. Here’s the credit score needed.

There are quite a few ways to check your credit score for free:

• Experian’s Free Credit Report tool
• AnnualCreditReport.com
• Capital One’s CreditWise

Regardless of the service you choose, checking your credit score is the best way to know whether it’s good enough for the card you want. Here’s the credit score needed.

Is the Citi Custom Cash Card good?

Why are consumers rushing out to sign up for the Citi Custom Cash Card? Not only does it come with no annual fee, it also lets cardholders earn a lucrative cashback rate in several everyday spending categories. Here’s the credit score needed.

New cardholders start off by earning $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 within six months of account opening. In the meantime, you’ll earn 5 per cent back on up to $500 you spend in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, then 1 per percent back.

Categories that can earn 5 per cent back include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, transit and streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

The Citi Custom Cash Card also gives customers the chance to save money on interest for more than a year. New cardholders are eligible for 0 per cent APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49 per cent to 28.49 per percent. Here’s the credit score needed.

When it comes to redeeming your cashback, the Citi Custom Cash Card lets you use rewards for statement credits, cashback, gift cards, travel, merchandise and more. Here’s the credit score needed.

Improve your credit before applying for Citi Custom Cash Card

If your credit score is too low to qualify for a rewards card, you can improve it in several ways. Here are some quick and easy methods to enhance your credit score: Here’s the credit score needed.

• Check your credit reports: Mistakes on your credit report can damage your credit score without you even knowing it. Fortunately, you can check all three of your credit reports with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for free through AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Dispute any errors in your credit report: If you find mistakes on your credit report, such as a falsely reported late payment or an incorrect balance, you can dispute these mistakes.
• Pay off your debts: For the best results, most experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio less than 10 per cent or 30 per cent of your available credit. If you pay down your revolving debts to get in this range or below it, you can help boost your credit score.
• Pay your bills on time: Since your payment history is the most important factor that makes up your FICO score at 35 per cent, you should always avoid paying bills late. Here’s the credit score needed.

Use CardMatch to check for credit card offers

With CardMatch, you enter basic information like your name, your home address, your income, the last four digits of your Social Security number and your email address to see prequalified credit card offers that fit your profile. Here’s the credit score needed.

You may find you’re prequalified for the Citi Custom Cash Card if you use this tool, but you can also explore and compare other cards you may be eligible for. The best part about the CardMatch tool is that it’s free to use, and you can see your preapproved card offers in minutes. Here’s the credit score needed.

Bottom line

Having excellent credit can make life considerably easier, but good credit can also help you qualify for better 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. Here’s the credit score needed.

Fortunately, good credit is something you can work toward if you’re not quite where you want to be. With responsible credit use and some time, you could qualify for the top rewards credit cards sooner than you think. Here’s the credit score needed.