These credit cards are reward cards with free insurances. Platinum card has five insurances while Signature has six. Minimum income apply. These are the best fee free credit cards I can find to date: no annual fee + 0% BT offer + reward points(1.25/1.5 per $) + comprehensive insurances. Enjoy.
Edit: this has been extended to the end of March or July 2014.
Congrats mr paranoid ;)
Cheers, ilsan! I was getting very paranoid there for a while.
Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhttt!!!! I didnt get my SIG CARD …><
Applied for platinum last Thursdays. No contact from them till I check my application status online awhile ago.
I got " Unfortunately, your recent application for a Citibank Platinum Visa has been declined.
Citibank will contact you shortly."
Strange, I earn more than the minimum and this is the first credit card I am applying, no mortgage yet…
No contact from them at all since application. Disappointed.
I'd call them. There's a line for people to discuss recent decisions. Or head into a branch. I got much better information from branch staff than I ever did through their call centre.
this is the first credit card I am applying, no mortgage yet…
Sometimes it can work against you on credit applications if you don't have much of credit history, even if you easily meet the minimum income requirements. I second jimmyd in getting the decision reviewed, though.
Agree. Never having applied for any loan is probably worse than having a mortgage.
They put 'Citibank will contact you shortly." in every single communication, email and webpages… Call them back and ask for review 1800 807 138 goes straight to their call centre handling credit card applications
Has anyone that got the dual emails of 'please send your information' and 'you've been approved'- without actually sending any photocopies of payslips or drivers license etc through- actually received their cards yet?
Have received some info about the rewards program by post, and have been approved according to the website, but no actual card in the post. Keep missing the call centre's closing time due to stupid Perth's time difference.
How much credit limit did you put and what card did you apply for?
They are calling to probably get your ok.
I filled in $8k but they said $15k is min, I said yes and was approved right away
Signature, didn't specify a credit limit.
They aren't calling me I tried calling them, but 3pm in Perth = 6pm Eastern so I keep forgetting till after they close.
Have you received your card without sending in the additional paperwork?
I sent my documents. When did you apply. It takes upto a week
If you're calling after hours, ring and select the option to get to 'apply for a new card' and ask them. They're open much longer hours and they have access to application details too.
Over a week and counting, and when I called yesterday (again…) she told me it would be done within (another) week.
In reality, I believe my application is just getting passed around and ending up at the bottom of the queue each time. Im making daily calls now to help speed them up. All my co-workers applied after me and they have already started recieving their cards. I am the only one that applied for an additional card, not that should have anything to do with it.
FYI - For those that use BASE SALARY + ALLOWANCES + EXTRAS to give their total salary citibank only uses your BASE SALARY to approve you for their signature or platinum. So your base salary must be $75,000 or $35,000 respectively.
FRIGGIN HELL MY COMBINED SALARY FLUCTUATES TO 90-105K DEPENDING ON THE YEAR BUT MY BASE IS JUST SHY.
CITIBANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK!! >:(
Can't you provide them with your tax assessments to show you earn more than $75K in assessable income?
u sure?, the assessor told me will include the extra income to decide…….
but again, they called me 3 times to confirm….and still at conditional approved
This. Its baffling me.
yes, i got that too, but they ask me to send in extra…..
Afraid so, I rang up and asked them and they said "nup base only, sry lolz"
Going to fight this BS.
But even at the bottom range, 90K means >75K for 9.25% super right?
Really?
Citibank called me to ask me for statements to prove my "other income".
Does declined credit card applications make it into your credit history? LOL….
I vaguly remember some bank applications they asked for "have you been declined by any banks?"…….
If it does make it onto your credit history, that is pretty bad….
It already got listed on the credit file when you applied, but it won't say how much credit limit or whether it's approved or rejected.
I just checked my credit file from Dun & Bradstreet, it does show how much the credit limit was. However it won't show if it was approved or rejected.
some lenders show the limit, some do not.
If they only give you the platinum instead of the signature card, will they be able to upgrade you to it in the future for free, and still get no fee for life?
I signed up for the "no annual fee" Citbank Gold card a few years ago when it was posted to OzBargain. I was subsequently upgraded to Platinum for free, and then to Signature last year. Never had to pay an annual fee, and the letter notifying me of the upgrade also mentioned that I'd continue to have no annual fees.
So it's definitely possible they might upgrade you for free in the future, but I wouldn't bank on it, and if you want a Signature I'd try to get one now — even if it means attempting to get their decision reviewed.
I'm in the same boat, but no free upgrade to Signature. I've applied for it now, and been approved, but now need to work out how to close the Platinum card and have the CitiRewards balance transfer to the Sig card. If someone has done this successfully, I'd appreciate knowing what process you had to go through as nothing is 'simple' in the land of Citibank.
I'm pretty sure you just ask them to write you a cheque (for up to 80% of your limit), then use the cash however you wish.
but no free upgrade to Signature
I remember reading somewhere on OzBargain (or AFF?) that the offer was only extended to those Platinums with a credit limit of $15k or more (which is also the minimum credit limit for Signature).
So, to add to my last comment to tqf8h, you might also need to have a $15k+ credit limit on your Platinum card to put yourself in line for a free upgrade to Signature down the track. (But if they approve you for $15k, then you'd almost certainly be approved for Singature. :P)
Thanks, but it's been at or over $15K for a long time. They've actually made me move $15K of the credit limit from the Platinum card to the Signature card in order to continue. Nothing 'simple' Citibank. :)
I'm in a similar situation with virgin cc. They made me move my $6k limit and close the account… (I was going to do this anyway) … but now it Has been at this stage for the last 2 days….
my hope is slim too, they verified my income through calling me 3 times….. each time they told me will take another 3-5 days…..
Anyone knows about this? I tried to find out but can't seem to find any info on these two.
Does the insurance cover Rental Vehicle excess within Australia?
Payment to Tatts online … does it count as Cash Advance? (I know Commbank treats it as Cash Advance, but Westpac does not)
Thanks
Before activating my PriorityPass membership on my new Signature card I tried calling Citibank and pulling out everything I could think of to get a PriorityPass upgrade to something more than 2 annual passes.
No luck. It just resulted in them vigorously trying to upsell me to a Select Visa card. Unlikely at $700p.a.
I tried asking for a $0 annual fee on the Select Visa card, which actually made the operator laugh at me :-(
Well done for trying to get $0 annual fee on the Select Visa - true Ozbargain spirit!
I'm in same boat - like to get some additional priority passes for family .. still no easy solution.
Also, when I did the balance transfer the citibank person insisted it be paid into a credit card account. Anyone actually successfully got the balance transfer as a cheque to self?
got the balance transfer as a cheque to self many times over the years. for PriorityPass membership other options would be amex reserve or diners club card. not sure if the diners club no annual fee liquorland card works though?
Thanks Coolsteps. Guess I should have pushed harder when she said transfer only to credit card GRRRR !!
Anyway, for those like me not used to the Balance Transfer Option - the 0% balance transfer is a really good deal provided you pay it off at the end of 6 months.
Worth about $500 in the pocket for someone with a home loan and able to balance transfer $20,000, or $250 for $10,000. That's a free iPad :)
I was told the same thing re balance transfer. As far as I can see, plenty of people have said they would but no one has actually been able to get a cheque to self yet for this promotional rate offer.
+1 for Signature card… hohoohoho
Applied for Platinum, got it within a 3 days of applying. However, i've put in a "Request for Reassessment" to see if i can get the Signature card just be increasing my credit limit to 15k (At the moment, it's 10k). I doubt they'll approve it but i can hope :) In any case, hopefully i'll reach that 75k limit of salary one day or ask them for the free for life signature in a year's time.
FYI, i am happy with the Platinum; rewards, insurance and no annual fee. Pretty sweet.
Just a question on the Interstate Insurance/International flight insurance.
Is it better to pay the extra service/booking fee for Visa cards than travel insurance alone? And, are the insurance policies similar?
has to be decided by you.
With Priority Pass, can you register it in a different name to your Citibank card?
no
If you get approved and get your card can you opt into the Qantas Rewards program later on or does it need to be done at the time? additionally, can you swap between them every year?
thanks!
People who have received their cards already, did you get the letter with your PIN number yet?
I received the card on Monday along with another letter with the rewards brochure but I'm still yet to receive the PIN.
Same - got the card Friday last and haven't get received the PIN.
Haven't received my card yet, but was wondering whether you can you go into a branch show some ID and ask to change the pin to something you want?
I never stick to the pin they give me anyway.
Oh yes, sure; but, I'd have thought to change the PIN, I'd need the old one.
Hmm - interesting about the branch, maybe even on the phone - I'd give it a try.
You change it online. No other choice. And if your online account has other accounts, it won't let you. Never 'simple' Citibank. :)
You can, I've had the same problem before. You create a new Citibank online account using the credit card number and change the pin through that.
I received my pin essentially 5 business days after.
Unfortunately, they told me if it doesn't come in 3, i should request a reissue. It came on the day i asked for a reissue :/
For those that got a Platinum even after requesting a Signature, keep at it with sending emails to [email protected] requesting to correctly re-asses if your finances are in order and you do fit the criteria.
I have been at it since the 19 Nov and it seems that I may finally get them agree that I do fit their criteria since I had a $18K limit on each of my NAB and Westpac cards which I made sure they know that there were to be cancelled upon receiving their Signature card.
Yeah, I realised they may have been concerned as I have some credit cards which I no longer use, for interest free terms.
I have subsequently cancelled the card and will cancel my other primary card if they grant me the signature. I also sent in a bank account details, so hopefully I shouldn't have any issues with the reassess now.
Thanks for confirming all the effort is worth it in the long run.
Received card yesterday. All good. No dramas in calling up to drop the credit limit.
Signature with <$15k limit?
nope, got knocked back for sig, so dropped the plat limit right down.
I just got asked to provide an annual tax statement/Lic/Medicare as I am self employed and that was it. Didnt even ask if I had other debts/credit cards. Do they even vet thru a credit check company? Seems to be ticking the boxes and allowing people to freely rack up debt..
I was told by a branch person that a credit check on me was pending and thats why it took a week. Who knows? Maybe it depends on who you get assessing your application?
Before this, I have never actually been contacted for a credit card application, it's just beem approved automatically. This was an experience.
Yeah seems to be too easy. Guess this is what caused the start of the GFC with the toxic mortgages…CS ticking boxes and getting commissions. It will be interesting what will happen with my application, as the CS kept pushing for the Signature and I said I dont make that much.
I believe they have our details somewhere…as long as we keep our rating good as possible, they will approve it.
I did apply Signature on the 25th, checked on the website and got approved a day after, received my signature today, without sending any doco.
I have two other credit cards, though. So..
How dodgy/good deal this was. Got approved for Signature a 75k income CC….when I got knocked back a few months ago for a $0 Coles Mastercard with a 15k income. lol
Guys who got approved for platinum..don't worry.. Its still a good deal and you can reapply after 9 months. I don't think there is a huge difference between signature and platinum.
you can reapply after 9 months
I doubt the fee free Signature offer will be around in 9 months — these fee free offers have been pretty rare over the past few years. This particular offer is due to expire on 31/12/2013.
I don't think there is a huge difference between signature and platinum
The point earn can be significantly more on the Signature — if you redeem for KrisFlyer or Virgin Velocity, the Signature earns 60% more points/miles. Priority Pass and 2 free visits a year is also a nice bonus.
Its still a good deal
I agree; the Platinum offer is still pretty good. But Signature is certainly better if you can get it. :)
Well it looks like my plan for daily calls for "status updates" has paid off. 3 days of calling and finally got my approval email late this afternoon.
Just ran a credit check and it looks like my application for the signature card, caused Citibank to access my credit file 3 times lol.
Come on citibank get it together ;p
ALready have a platinum card but they seem to want more info…
PS was able to get them to agree to do my platinum free for life but want to get it in writing
Citibank spoke to me 3 times to verify the other source of income.
Even though documents and latest copy of tax assessment from ATO (To prove that taxable income above $75K) were already emailed.
It has been a week now and I am still conditionally approved for Signature. Already have Citibank Platinum.
Yup, I'm in exactly the same boat, and probably even longer than a week.
I think thats what caused the hold-up for me, first time I rang they said they wanted details on additional income, I told them to disregard it which they did, but I think it made my application bounce between departments, just as the entire ozbargain community jumped onboard.
Received the booklet detailing their rewards program but no card or pin yet. Great priorities, Citibank. Haha.
had the same problem. wondering if they forgot to enclose the card???
Question to those who got their card already - did the card come in the first letter pack after application, with a letter titled "Welcome to a more rewarding world" - or the card came later after this letter? Thanks!
I have received them both together today, except the additional card and pin. Registered for priority pass online right away and enrolled for QFF
From what I gather, they come separately. The rewards booklet. The card. The pin.
Received the rewards booklet on 25th. Additional card on 27th. No primary card yet…
Seems so hit and miss with them.
How does this compare to the Citibank Emirates Platinum Card, $229 pa?
come on dude.
I meant how does the overall benefits rate on this card vs the Emirates card (minus annual fees) :-) Ooops
I got my card today, no need to send anything. I just got one call to correct credit limit and confirm job title.
Hi guys,
I was advised the starting cycle is the 25th nov for 55 days interest free.
If I bout something say on the 23rd jan then I would have only 1 day to make payment before interest kicks in?
What's the best way to track to ensure no interest is payed?
Wait for the statement. It will tell you the due date to pay.
Then pay off your full balance on or before the due date.
ok thanks
If I bout something say on the 23rd jan then I would have only 1 day to make payment before interest kicks in?
no, you'll have 1 day + ~24 days. the statement will tell you when it must be paid by.
What's the best way to track to ensure no interest is payed?
best way? get them to direct debit your Ubank Ultra account. second best? on the day you get your statement, schedule a bpay for the due date (if it's on a weekday or public holiday, days before if it isn't).
thanks for your advise
I got my card today, took 7working days in total from when I submitted my application. I got my card, additional card and info on rewards in one day, waiting for pin in 3 working days
Hubby qualified for the signature card, but i forgot to ask for confirmation that the 0 annual fee for life has been applied.
Does this reflect in the letter you received with the card.
I have noticed that nowhere on their website does it say 0 annual fees.
I have sent an emaill off as well so will wait and see.
if you applied via the ozbargain link and the citibank family and friends promotion page it's automatic. No need to worry but check when card arrives with letter of credit limit etc.
The letter I got says "Annual Fee: $0 while you hold a Citibank Platinum Credit Card."
Thanks.
I got fully approved on Monday this week, Living in Melbourne, How long does it take for the welcome pack to get to me? Its already Friday.
Anybody know where is it sent out from?
Also in Melb, was approved on Thursday last week, received card on Monday this week, still waiting for my PIN package to arrive.
Has anyone successfully changed their credit limit lower than 15000 for signature card ? Can we lower the limit ?
the minimum credit limit for signature is $15,000…so no. (that's kinda what a minimum is…)
I heard some people said that the customer service told them that the minimum to open it is 15,000
However they can decrease the limit later…..
where did you hear/read that? first i've heard of it, and i very much doubt it…but hey, i could be wrong!
I think it was somebody who posted it in this thread earlier on. Too many posts though to look through to find it.
Anybody successful with reassessment? I applied for a Signature but got approved for Platinum with $13k limit ! Like seriously $2k, that's such a tease…
Go approved today. Exactly one week later from when I applied. Applied for sig, got approved for sig.