Question
I was considering applying for a new card from Citibank and was shocked at how long the online application is. They ask for the model year and make of car that one drives (among other pieces of information I found excessive). I don't think I've ever seen a credit card application ask for so much information. What are they doing with all that data and how does the type/year of car that I drive impact my creditworthiness?
Needless to say, I didn't fill out the application. Do they ask all that if you apply by phone too?
Answer
What card were you applying for???
I just applied for a Citi AA card online 6 weeks ago. Was approved instantly and have been using the card for a solid 4 weeks. No such questions - just a normal appl for me.
I do know that online applications tend to have a higher risk profile than those via other channels but haven't seen such questions.
How did you get to the appl? Directly via citi.com or from another link?
They won't ask such things over the phone.
Answer
I was looking at the AA/Citi Platinum Advantage card and followed the "apply now" button on a promotional page on AA's website. The link redirected to this new site:
https://www.accountonline.com/ACQ/Apply?app=UNSOL&sc=4XNIWA24&m=6JAWZBLWHWW&langId=EN&siteId=CB&B=A
I was also looking at other consumer CC products on Citi's own website yesterday and could have sworn that the apply button to other products also were asking for data such as car make/year. Interestingly, I just went back now to look at a different card (Platinum select card w/ cash rebate) and the application link does not ask as much information as for the AAdvantage card. The apply link to AAdv card on Citi's own site still looks the same as the one above.
So maybe this is some issue unique to AAdvantage? Regardless, I think I'll just call and apply over the phone (hopefully they will still honor all the benefits of the offer on aa.com)