A Guide to Applying for Citibank Credit Cards over the Internet

Finding and applying for the right kind of credit card is not a child’s play, especially in the present day financial setting, when so many banks are offering a plethora of enticing deals to customers. Considering the tough market competition, banks and service providers use every possible trick from the rulebook to expand their customer base. However, this does not mean that customers cannot avoid falling for these sales pitches and salesmen tactics. One just needs to proceed in a cautions manner, while believing in what Mark Twain quoted – “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain".

Of all the banks offering impressive credit card facilities to the interested customers, Citibank, with its long history and high-rated customer service, is one of the most popular banks among the masses. Citibank alone offers several luring options to customers when it comes to credit cards. Apart from jaw-dropping offers and superior customer services, the hassle-free option of Applying Citibank Credit Cards online is what makes Citibank the most preferred banker among potential credit card holders.

It’s fairly easy to apply for a credit card that appeals to the eyes the most, but do these cards actually match the personal spending needs and wants? It is the choice of the right plastic money instrument that helps one save hundreds, or even, thousands of bucks over a period of time. Therefore, before applying for the shiniest Citibank credit card, there are a few things that one must pay close attention to.

 Rewards and Benefits

Whether it is the Citibank Platinum Credit Card, IndianOil Citibank Platinum Credit Card, Citi Prestige Credit Card, Citibank Rewards Card, First Citizen Citibank Titanium Credit Card or any other popular card offered by the bank, you must always go for one that offers the maximum rewards and benefits matching your lifestyle and spending habits. Benefits might include promotional offers, additional reward points, air travel bonus miles, credit points for fuel, or virtually anything. It is only after weighing these rewards and benefits that one should select an ideal credit card.

 Fees and Hidden Charges

Once the type of credit card required is finalised, customers need to figure out whether there is any annual fee, joining fee, account service charge, late payment fee, over limit fee, cash withdrawal fee, or any other kind of miscellaneous charge. All such fees and charges should be taken well into account before filing the application form.

Repayment Cycle and Interest Rates

It is wise to ask for the standard repayment period/billing cycle of the product that one is planning to apply. Normally, the billing cycle of every credit card provider ranges between 5-6 weeks. Customers must clear every aspect regarding when the bank expects repayment of the money borrowed through the credit card and whether there is any penalty for not using the cards for that particular time period. Moreover, one must also inquire about how interest charges are levied on the transactions made, which will either be from the date of purchase or from the billing date.

Once all the required things are taken into consideration and the customers have made a final selection, applying for the chosen Citibank credit card is not a big deal. All it takes is replying to the promotional email from Citibank, or filling the application form at the Citibank online portal, or contacting the nearest branch office.