Datapoint update; 866-606-2961 worked perfectly today.

Citi Hilton personal card application on line yesterday, pending, no email yet. Called today. First called 866-606-2787 (Maryland), was told declined due to too many inquires in past 6 months, usual long explanation to rep with no joy, asked for supervisor, repeat story, again no joy, offered address for executive resolution. Immediately called 800-763-9795 (South Dakota) asked rep if she had the ability and authority to review and override, rep said no, asked for supervisor, none available, one would call me back in 24-48 hours. Immediately called 866-606-2961 (South Dakota), rep said he could look into it, explained things, he asked about single letter typo in address, hold for 3 minutes, “congratulations, approved with a $25,000 credit limit” (said that’s what the system generated automatically).

Gotta love it. From declined to 25K in a moment (after 10-15 minutes on the phone). Their “rules” must be written by politicians! Some things make no sense!

(No comment regarding 3 females saying “no” and one male saying “yes”.)

(BTW, Citi 18 month personal card policy may only apply to AA cards as I still have 3 Citi AA cards with the most recent prior approval about 6 months ago. In all 3 calls I offered to shift credit limits and/or close an existing account which ended up being unnecessary.)