Citi has added the ability for cardholders to add a large purchase notice to your credit card. The idea is that you add this notice before making a large purchase and this will prevent the card from being declined due to fraud concerns.
Hat tip to dennis_the_menace253
I just got approved for the double cash card and plan to use it to fund my US Bank Business Checking with 3k. I assume this feature should help with that transaction…
How was experience?
Not sure if the feature actually made a difference, but I had no issues.
Where is this on the app? Not seeing it.
Update to the latest version
I did. Looking under all the sub-menus under “Services” and not seeing this option. Nothing under the Accounts or Profile “buttons” either. Where exactly in the app (i.e., what menu) can one find this?
On iOS it’s under Services -> Card Services -> Large Purchase Notices.
this helped so much when assisting a client
I don’t see it in android either even with last nights app update.
Can I buy a car with credit cards?
Generally yes, although some might cap the amount because they don’t want to pay the processing fees. Make sure you finalize the price before bringing it up and don’t let them try to push those fees to you. You should be able to split it too if you are working on a couple min spend requirements.
Is this for expensive purchases, or for purchases with large dimensions? Like if I am going to buy a big 11 seater couch, should I call Citi to let them know?
Only if it’s a double decker couch.
My Sears MasterCard has no app unfortunately
I am almost 100% sure this was added because of me, I had a horrible experience with my Citi card about a month ago after trying to check out in an absolutely PACKED Walmart with a line stretching back so far you couldn’t even know when it stopped. After the decline, I received a text message for verification, I texted back and authorized the purchase and was told to try again, but the declines kept coming in!
To make matters worse, after the repeated declines, I pulled out a Bank of America card and it was declined as well.
The repeated declines and the scornful remarks I received from the people behind me contributed to this being one of the most embarrassing moments in my life. I called Citi and I really dug into them for almost an hour.
There really should be another message that rings out for these type of situations than just “declined.” I have excellent credit, but situations like this put in a spot where not only the cashier, but the other customers think I am a broke bum.
That is just Citi being Citi. Seriously though, who cares what other people think — I do feel bad when this occurs for holding them up but if you spend your life worrying what some people behind you in a Walmart line think of you then you’re wasting your life.
Also when I’ve run into problems I just pull out an Amex — they’ve never let me down. Although they’re also used to me charging $2K at a clip.
LOL! This is adorable.
Citi is the most inept issuer of them all. One time I called ahead, told them I would be making a large purchase between $1,000 and $1,500 within the next couple hours, and the store name where I would be making the purchase. I was assured all would be fine.
Two hours later I’m at the checkout and my $1,200 charge was blocked.
And then your account is restricted and you are asked to call Citi Fraud Department. They want to send you a text to your phone but they cannot verify that phone number belongs to you. You have to wait for a letter, SSA for bla bla bla. I experienced that and many people did the same
Ah yes… The text that never comes. When they told me over the phone that they would send a letter via snail mail I couldn’t believe it. I told them I wasn’t getting off the call until the issue was resolved. Thankfully I got it worked out, but it took a long time and was a major pain.
Sadly, that issue has not been resolved as I just dealt with it today! Fraud department says anything over $500 will trigger an alert.
Where exactly is this option? I don’t see it for any of my Citi cards…
Update to latest version. On iOS it’s under Services -> Card Services -> Large Purchase Notices.
“The idea is that you add this notice before making a large purchase and this will prevent the card from being declined due to fraud concerns.”
Well, nice idea. But how is the actual experience in the real world? That’s what counts…
Like amex pre spending on charge cards. Same idea
I have an even better idea: Let the purchase go through to avoid me, the customer, embarrassment at the checkout, digging out a non-Citi card, and holding up the line. Citi can ask me about the purchase at a more convenient time. Whatever happened to the customer is always right?
Release Citi from fraud liability and they will do that for you
All the releases you don’t can’t override the Fair Credit Act.