Credit Score Needed for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Credit Card

Factors to consider when applying for a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® credit card

Here are some of the factors that may be considered if you apply for a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® credit card.

• Payment history: Payment history has a major impact on your credit. It can also give card issues an idea of whether you’re a reliable borrower.
• Credit utilization: Your credit utilization is the percentage of your total available credit you’re using. Keeping your utilization low can improve your creditworthiness and show lenders that you’re capable of managing debt.
• Credit mix: Credit cards aren’t the only debts that contribute to your creditworthiness. Having a varied credit mix – which can include things like mortgages, student loans, auto loans and personal loans – can show lenders that you’re capable of handling multiple debts at once.
• Income: You’ll likely be asked for your income as part of any credit card application. The card issuer may also consider your debt-to-income ratio (the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes to debt payments) when you apply for a card.
• Recent credit card applications: A card application usually triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower your credit score slightly. A hard credit inquiry can typically impact your credit for up to 1 year and stay on your credit report for up to 2 years. This shouldn’t affect your credit too much, but if you’re applying for multiple cards (or other types of debt) in a short period, this can be a red flag to lenders.

How to build credit

If you want to improve your credit before applying for a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® credit card (or any credit card) or if you have a limited credit history, here a few ways to build credit:

• Get a secured card: A secured credit card (which requires a security deposit typically equal to the credit limit) can be a great option for someone building or rebuilding their credit. The lender can use the security deposit to cover missed payments if needed, so the credit requirements are less stringent, and you’re more likely to be approved. 
• Become an authorized user: Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can allow you to benefit from their good credit habits. Just make sure the card issuer reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus. Remember, card activity like late or missed payments may show up on your credit history as well.
• Keep your utilization low: Your credit utilization can impact your credit score, so keeping it low consistently can improve your creditworthiness.
• Make on-time payments: Payment history is a major factor in your credit score. A history of consistent on-time payments can improve your credit over time and make you more attractive to lenders.
• Check your credit reports: You can request a credit report from each of the 3 major credit bureaus once every 12 months. Check your history to see where you can improve and report errors if you find them.