Learn this
very important acronym: HUCA!
HUCA = Hang Up, Call Again
In this case, if you want to try to call, call several different times and see if you get the same answer from each CSR. (Don't mention the previous call.)
A consistent answer from several CSRs still doesn't
guarantee it's a correct answer, but it increases the odds.
Keep in mind, though, that the CSRs are not in the business of protecting you from "wasted" pulls, since outside of the churning community, pulls are not even counted by most people. So don't be too surprised if all they can tell you is try it and see if it works.
Unlike some other banks,
Citi won't approve you for a card if they're not going to give you the bonus, so the only thing you can waste is a pull. If you do get approved for the card, you can confidently do the required spend and know that if you do it correctly and in time -- clock starts ticking the day you're approved, not the day you get the card -- then you certainly should get the bonus. So the only question is whether you'll be approved or not.
... In general, HUCA can be used any time you're not you're getting the right -- or at least official -- answer from a CSR, or if they're making things up. And CSRs in the credit, airline, and hotel program industries all too often seem to sometimes make things up!