Me too. The downtown Madison store seems to do this pretty consistently and I always thank them for being thorough.

I'd start out slow and build up if it's a brand new card. Say 500 today, 1K on Wed, then 2K next week. In my experience, citi is really sensitive about big charges right out of the gate. Of course, this depends on your CL. If it's north of 10K, then 500 or 1K is nothing but a blip on their screen.

Ditto to lad2. I would also add a call to the Citi Fraud Protection Division (1-866-470-5331); and let them know you will be making some large purchases up front. The wife and I tell them we are looking to purchase electronics, office supplies, and medical related stuff. They might ask if you'll be making some purchases at CVS (they did ask Mrs. Traveler); if they do just be honest. Trust me, Citi knows you're going to CVS to buy Gift Cards and VRs.

Have a great shopping experience. :)

Not a chance.

thanks for the advise...
i've been spending small eveyr day items the last few days since i got it...but need the 2500 for minimum spend.

CL they gave me is 12k...so i guess i'll start slowly and see what happens. statement closes on 19 so i need to get the spend done several days before that.

good tip about calling frauad department to give them heads up...so should i tell them office supplies even though i a not buyin anything at office supplies? its just CVS for me for VR. i am actually thinking of buying a storage backup devise at best buy so maybe that'll be my 'big electronic' purchase.

good tips - thanks

Jordan, good plan. I join others in having Citi's phone number handy if you buy higher VR amounts and Citi isn't used to that spending level. Do not panic if the transaction doesn't go through! Call Citi, verify some information, and stay on the line as you re-try the transaction.

By the way, enjoy your Hilton HHonor two weekend night certificates! As Citi/HHonors says, "you've earned them!". Hehe. :D:):cool:

Sure there is a tiny 0.0001% chance. :)

funny about HH quote lol BTW def worth it, two nights for hawaii at 500 dollars a night, i'll take that :)

ya never had a card declined so am nervous if that happens and whether there is a line behind me to check out. i guess i 'll have like you and others mention to have them on speed dial lol. i will def do 500 today and and 1k wednesday and 1k friday ..i am out of town on a conf on the weekend so can't get a way to buy VR. and monday might be too late since my statement closes on the 19th. My transactions from the 7th still hasn't even posted yet...:/ ...i know its off topic ( again) to ensure my spend is met before statement, does the transaction need to POST before closing ? or as long as i made it before the statement cut off?

Is there any reason a VR purchase would be pending on my credit card for more than 24 hours? I bought 2 last week week from 2 different gas stations and they are still pending. I've already unloaded them into BB and withdraw the funds into my bank. I was going to use my bank bill pay so that I could add additional funds to the payment for fees, ect.

Some are very slow to post. I find that the USBank Club Carlson card is one of these.

Some purchases can take up to 5 business days to go from pending to posted.

Are you using the WF card? That thing takes forever to post both purchases and payments.

Jordan - Not to worry; as others have stated have the Citi number in hand and give them a call in case the transaction doesn't initially go through. They (Citi) will simply verify some details (like the answer to your secret question?); and then will "reset" the card for the transaction to get through the next time. Have the clerk run it again and its done. :)

Also, if you make your last purchase on Friday (14th), it should clear before the 19th. :p

I use "Citi Cards," so it seems like it doesn't really matter. Citi will take their money however they can get it.

I've used this one too without problems.