Originally Posted by
Churnman
Wife just applied for the 75000 offer since she currently doesn't have a personal AA citi, but does have a business AA citi. She was denied (automatically) on the basis that "this is for first time card members". The online app status simply stated she would be notified of the status. She called and spoke to rep and was told the app was not processed (they have an auto program in place to block those they can see have had a Citi AA personal before. How far that record goes back I'm not sure. She did have a MC Citi AA personal earlier this year, so it was obviously too close even though the new app was for a Visa. If you get an instant approval count your blessings because you'll probably get the bonus.
It can still be a false positive. A couple months ago a friend got instant approvals and only found 2 denial emails on the same reason in his inbox after he returned from a trip to Europe.
There are instances that someone's name can sneak through the screen and still gets the cards despite having had the AA cards before. (This happened in our household until the luck ran out in June.) However, there are also instances reported that despite having either instant approval or deferred approval over the phone, and still got denied later based on the "first customer only".
Only when you receive a Congrat email after getting approval - that this is for real because the email would have the last 4 digits of your new card and the credit line info - a new card is indeed issued. Until then, if you have Citi AA cards before, dont count your miles yet even if you get instant approval!