How to Apply for a Citibank Credit Card (Plus Which Card to Get and Other FAQs)

Citibank is known for its fast credit card approval and delivery time. It usually takes a week or two to get a Citibank credit card application approved and receive your new card. In contrast, other banks make you wait a month or longer to process your application and another one to two weeks to deliver the card.

Furthermore, Citibank has one of the easiest credit card application processes in the Philippines. You can do a walk-in application deal with an authorized Citibank credit card agent. Still, the simplest and most convenient way to submit a Citibank credit card application is online.

Why Apply for a Citibank Credit Card?

You may wonder, “Why a Citibank credit card out of all the credit card options out there?” Here are some great reasons:

• Easy application process - Apply online and submit your application in minutes. Citibank also doesn’t have a long list of requirements.
• Many credit card options - Whether you want something simple and easy to manage or something that provides excellent benefits, Citibank has a credit card that’s right for your budget and lifestyle.
• Exciting gifts and freebies - Receive great welcome gifts when your Citibank credit card gets approved.
• Great deals and offers - Avail of many exclusive dining, shopping, travel, and lifestyle deals all year round.
• Rewards points program - Earn rewards points as you spend and even get 5x points on certain spending.
• Big savings through cashback and rebates - With a Citibank cashback credit card, you can enjoy rebates all year round.

Citibank Credit Card Online Application Steps

Ready to apply for a Citibank credit card? Here are the steps you need to follow so your application will move forward without a glitch.

1. Ensure You're Eligible for a Citi Credit Card

This is the first and most important step in any credit card application process. You can apply for a Citi credit card if you meet these eligibility requirements:

• Age 21 or older
• Have an annual income of at least ₱180,000 for existing cardholders or at least ₱250,000 for first-time credit card applicants
• Have an active landline or mobile phone number
• A valid TIN or SSS/GSIS number is also required

Note: The bank will accept your Citibank credit card application even if you don’t have a Citi deposit account.

2. Prepare the Citi Credit Card Requirements

If you have a credit card with Citibank or another bank, you only need a valid government ID to push through with your Citibank credit card online application. If you don't have a credit card yet, you need to submit a couple of documents.

Citibank Credit Card Requirements

• Valid government ID
• Payslip or income tax return
• Certificate of employment (with signature)
• Bank statement of your payroll account that shows your one-month salary

Scan or take photos of these Citibank credit card requirements. You'll have to upload the images later when you start your Citibank credit card application online.

3. Choose the Right Citibank Credit Card for You

Citibank offers seven credit card types that fit different budgets and spending habits. Take a look at their features and fees and apply for a card that best suits you.

📌 Citi Simplicity+ Card

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Features: No late payment fees and overlimit fees
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Ideal for: Individuals who want lower card fees

If you’re planning to apply for a Citi credit card that’s simple and fuss-free, check out Citi Simplicity+. There’s no annual fee and no late or overlimit fees. You also get 10% back on interest charges when you pay at least your minimum amount due on or before your due date.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Citi Rewards Card

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (No annual fee for life if you apply until November 30, 2022, get approved subsequently, and spend at least ₱20,000 using your new Citi Rewards Card.)
• Features: Get 3x points on shopping and dining purchases. Non-expiring points -- use your points anywhere, anytime!
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Ideal for: Individuals who frequently shop and dine

Want a credit card that will let you earn rewards points fast and redeem them for exciting items? Then the Citi Rewards card is perfect for you. Shop online and order from your favorite food delivery apps to earn one rewards point for every ₱30 you spend. You also earn 3x rewards points on your shopping and dining transactions. And the best thing is that there’s no cap and no expiry on the points you’ll earn.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Citi Cash Back Card

• Annual fee: ₱4,500
• Features: Get 6% cash back on supermarket purchases, 2% cash back on bills, and 0.20% cash back on everything else.
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Ideal for: Individuals looking to save money on essentials

The Citi Cash Back card is the best card to have if you’re big on savings and rebates. Get as much as a 6% rebate on supermarket purchases and up to a 2% rebate on bill payments via Citibank Online. Redeem your cashback easily, and use them anytime because they never expire!

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Citi PremierMiles Card

• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Features: Earn 1 PremierMile for every PHP 30 spend. Get free travel insurance coverage up to PHP 1 million.
• Minimum monthly income: ₱30,000
• Ideal for: Individuals who travel for leisure or business

The Citi PremierMiles card is ideal for the busy traveler. Earn one PremierMile with every ₱30 you spend and redeem them for airline miles or cash credits. Enjoy VIP lounge access anywhere in the world and enjoy as much as ₱1 million in travel insurance coverage. Purchase Protection also covers your purchases for free.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Mercury Drug Citi Card

• Annual fee: ₱2,000 (No annual fee for life if you apply until November 30, 2022, get approved subsequently, and spend at least ₱20,000 within 60 days of card approval.)
• Features: Earn 5x rewards points on Mercury Drug purchases and 3x rewards points on health, beauty, and wellness spend on clinics, spas, gyms, salons, and hospitals. Plus get 24/7 ambulance service worth ₱10,000 within Metro Manila once a year.
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Ideal for: Individuals who often spend on health and wellness

The Mercury Drug Citi Card lets you earn one rewards point for every ₱200 spend and up to 5x rewards points on purchases at Mercury Drug. Get one rewards point for all your hospital, clinic, salon, gym, and wellness spa transactions. You can also get free ambulance service (worth ₱10,000) once a year within Metro Manila.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Shell Citi Card

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (Gold) / ₱2,800 (Platinum)
• Features: Get up to a 5% rebate on Shell Fuel purchases, AutoSweep RFID and EasyTrip tollway load purchases, auto repairs, accessories, and car services nationwide.
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Ideal for: Motorists who want to save on fuel and transportation costs

Do you frequently fuel up at Shell gas stations? Make sure to get the Shell Citi Card that provides you with up to a 5% rebate on your Shell fuel purchases. You also get as much as a 5% rebate on Easytrip and Autosweep load purchases and auto services, repairs, and accessories nationwide.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Citi Prestige Card

• Annual fee: ₱12,000
• Features: Earn 5x rewards points on shopping, dining, and foreign currency spend. Get unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges worldwide.
• Minimum monthly income: ₱83,333
• Ideal for: individuals looking for more VIP perks

The Citi Prestige Card is the perfect companion to a prestigious and luxurious lifestyle. Earn one ThankYou Point for every ₱30 spend, as much as 5x points for online shopping, local and overseas dining, and foreign currency spending. You can also access Citi Prestige Concierge and Global Airport Lounge via Priority Pass.

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

Compare the benefits, rewards, annual fees, interest rates, and other features of these Citibank credit cards so that you'll know which one suits you best.

4. Fill Out the Online Citi Credit Card Application Form

Once you've decided on the Citi credit card to apply for and have all the requirements ready, you can proceed with the Citibank credit card online application.

How to Apply for a Citibank Credit Card Online

1. Visit the online credit card application page.^[1]
2. Click the "Apply Now" button next to your chosen Citi credit card. This will take you to the online application form for Citibank credit cards.
3. Tick in the appropriate responses to the questions from Citibank ("Do you have a principal credit card with another bank?").
4. Fill out the Citibank credit card application form. You'll be asked to provide your contact details, personal information, and employment data.

Concerned about the security of your personal data online? Worry not because Citibank uses 256-bit encryption^[2] for its online facility. This makes it hard for hackers to access your sensitive data.

After completing the form, you'll get your qualification result online based on your responses. Citibank will let you know right away whether you can or cannot go ahead with the next step of your credit card application process.

5. Submit Your Supporting Documents

If you’re qualified, the next step is uploading your income document images to Citi’s online application facility.

When you're done, all you have to do is to wait for up to 10 banking days after the submission of complete documents for Citibank to process and approve your application. You'll receive your Citi credit card within seven to 10 days after card approval.

How to Check Your Citibank Credit Card Application Status

To check the status of your Citi credit card application, you can call the Citibank credit card customer care hotline at (02) 8995-9999 and follow the prompts.

On the Citi website, you can also input your mobile number and 11-digit application reference number sent to you via SMS.

How to Activate Your Citibank Credit Card

Activate your new Citibank credit card on the Citi mobile app, via self-service phone banking, or through Citibank Online.

To do it over the phone, call 8995-9999. You’ll need to provide the relevant information for verification and card activation.

To activate your Citi credit card via the mobile app, do the following steps:

1. Launch the Citi Mobile App and tap “User Registration.”
2. Key in your 16-digit credit card number.
3. Tap "Continue."
4. Enter your CVV and date of birth.
5. Tick the box with the terms and conditions, and then tap 'Continue'.
6. Key in the one-time pin to proceed.
7. Tap "Activate Card Now."
8. You may tap on 'Continue' to proceed with your Citi Mobile App registration.

Follow these steps to activate your Citi credit card on Citibank Online:

1. On the Citibank Online website, click "Register."
2. Enter your 16-digit credit card number and tick the terms and conditions box.
3. Key in your date of birth, CVV, and tick the terms and conditions box.
   Click 'Continue'.
4. Enter the one-time password.
5. Click “Activate your card now.”
6. To continue your Citibank Online registration, click "Continue to Set Up."

Citibank Credit Card Application FAQs

1. What will happen to Citibank credit cards in the Philippines?

The recent takeover of UnionBank will not impact Citibank's accounts and holdings. In short, Citibank customers can continue using their Citi credit cards and still be able to fully access existing Citibank services and platforms such as Citiphone, Citi Mobile App, and Citibank Online.^[3]

2. How do I pay my Citibank credit card with UnionBank?

Pay your Citi credit card bills by logging in to your UnionBank mobile app and following these steps:

1. Select “Pay Bills.”
2. Tap “Select Biller.”
3. Look for Citibank credit card from the list of billers and key in the required information.
4. Choose which account to pay from.
5. Review your payment details.
6. Wait for the payment confirmation.

3. What else can Citibank credit cardholders expect in the coming days?

Big deals and exciting promotions are lined up exclusively for Citibank credit cardholders. You can get a chance to win ₱1 million in cash credits, miles, or rewards points, or one year’s worth of fuel. For more information and updates, check the Welcome2U page.^[4]

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Citibank credit card is fast and easy as long as you meet all requirements and follow the Citibank credit card application steps correctly. Make sure to compare credit cards and apply for a Citi credit card through Moneymax to enjoy exclusive rewards when you get approved! Good luck with your application, and always use your credit card wisely.

Note: These products are sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

Sources:

• ^[1] Citibank Credit Cards homepage
• ^[2] 256-Bit Encryption (Technopedia)
• ^[3] UnionBank Letter for Credit Clients (August 1, 2022)
• ^[4] WelcomeToU