Citibank business credit card requirements

Citibank looks at both your business and personal financials to decide if you qualify. Your business should be legally registered with a clear structure. You should also be able to show steady revenue and proof of ongoing operations and provide documentation like your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business formation paperwork, and financial statements.

Citibank may also review your time in business, industry type, and how your business manages debt. If your company is less than two years old or operates in a high-risk industry, you will need stronger financials to qualify.

Personal vs. business credit cards offered by Citibank

Personal credit cards from Citibank are designed for everyday use. You can use them for groceries, business travel, entertainment, or monthly bills. The focus is on consumer rewards, like cash back or travel rewards. On the other hand, business credit cards are built to manage company expenses. They come with tools that help you separate your business and personal finances, set employee spending limits, and keep better records for tax time.

Key financial requirements for a Citibank business credit card

Citibank asks for financial information to assess your business's stability and reliability. These details help the bank understand whether you can handle credit responsibly and repay what you borrow. Your financial documents show how your business earns, spends, and manages money, directly impacting your approval and credit limit.

Revenue expectations

Citibank doesn’t publish a minimum revenue requirement, but you should be able to show consistent business income. You may qualify for basic business credit cards if your company earns at least $10,000 to $50,000 annually. Higher-tier cards may require stronger revenue, especially if you're requesting a larger credit limit.

You will need to report your business’s annual revenue during the application process. To confirm this, Citibank may request supporting documentation like tax returns, bank statements, or profit-and-loss reports.

If your business is new or not yet profitable, Citibank may rely more on your personal financial history. In that case, a strong credit score and low personal debt can help offset low business income.

Credit score benchmarks

Your personal credit score is one of the first things Citibank checks. Most Citi business credit cards require a minimum FICO score of 700, though you may qualify with a slightly lower score if other parts of your application are strong.

A higher score helps you qualify for better terms and higher limits. It also signals to Citibank that you manage debt responsibly. If your score falls below 670, focus on improving it before applying. Late payments, high credit utilization, or recent delinquencies can reduce your chances of approval.

Citibank may also check your business credit if you have an established credit file. A strong Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX score (80 or higher) can work in your favor, especially for larger credit lines.

Debt-to-income ratio and cash flow

Citibank also looks at how you manage your money. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio tells Citibank how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. A lower DTI shows that your business or personal finances are not overextended.

In addition, Citibank may review your cash flow to see if your business can handle regular card payments. Strong cash flow proves you can pay off your balance without debt. However, your business may be seen as a higher risk if it has inconsistent income or frequent cash shortages.

To prepare and review your expenses, loan obligations, and recurring payments. A clean and stable cash flow record increases your chances of approval and helps support a higher credit limit.

Business profile factors that influence approval

Business profile factors help Citibank understand how your company operates, how stable it is, and how much risk it carries. These include details like how long you've been in business, what industry you work in, and whether your business has a credit history.

Citibank uses this information to gauge whether your business can responsibly handle credit. A strong profile shows that your business is established, reliable, and likely to make on-time payments.

Time in business

Your time in business shows how established and stable your company is. Citibank typically prefers to work with businesses that have at least two years of operating history, though startups can still qualify depending on their financials and owner’s credit profile.

A longer operating history gives Citibank more data to evaluate. It shows that your business has weathered early challenges and is more likely to stay solvent. If you are a newer business, Citibank may rely more heavily on your personal credit and income when making a decision.

Before applying, gather documents that confirm when your business was formed. These might include articles of incorporation, a business license, or tax filings.

Industry type

Some industries carry higher risk based on factors like market volatility, failure rates, or regulatory challenges. For example, construction, hospitality, or adult entertainment businesses may face more scrutiny than those in professional services or healthcare.

About 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and failure rates vary widely by industry. Citibank considers this risk when approving applications and setting credit limits.

If you are in a high-risk category, you may need to show stronger revenue or cash flow to offset the risk. Clear documentation and a solid business plan can improve your standing.

Comparing specific Citibank business card requirements

Each Citibank business credit card is designed for a different type of business, which means the requirements can vary based on how the card is used, what benefits it offers, and the level of risk Citibank takes on.

For example, travel-focused cards often expect higher credit scores and stronger revenue since they tend to come with premium perks and larger credit limits. Cash-back cards may have broader approval criteria, especially if they target everyday business spending.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is designed for business owners who travel frequently with American Airlines. It offers strong travel perks and preferred boardings, but you will need to meet specific credit and business requirements to qualify.

You should have a personal credit score of 700 or higher to be considered. Citibank also evaluates your business revenue, legal structure, and time in operation. While there’s no published income minimum, applicants with steady revenue and at least two years in business tend to see better approval odds.

During the application, you will need to provide your EIN, business name, and formation documents. Citibank may also request recent bank statements or tax returns to verify business income.

This card comes with a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year) and currently offers 75,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $5,000 in the first five months. You will earn 2 bonus miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases, gas station, car rentals, and telecom services.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi is built for businesses that spend heavily on gas, travel, dining, and Costco purchases. It’s a strong fit if you regularly buy inventory or supplies from Costco and want to earn cash back on everyday business expenses.

To apply, you need a valid Costco business membership. Citibank will also check your personal credit score, which should be at least 700, for the best chance of approval. You'll need to submit your business name, structure, and EIN, along with financial details like annual revenue.

This card offers 4% cash back on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 per year), 3% on travel and dining, 2% at Costco and Costco.com, and 1% on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee beyond the required Costco membership.

Citibank may ask for additional documentation if your business is new or operates in a high-risk industry. If your company has a limited credit history, your personal credit will carry more weight in the decision.

CitiBusiness® ThankYou® Card

The CitiBusiness® ThankYou® Card is a lesser-known option that’s only available through select Citi branches in the U.S. If you want to apply, you will need to visit a branch in person. This limited time access makes it a niche choice but still offers solid value for everyday business spending.

You will need an excellent credit score, typically 700 or higher, to qualify. Citibank will also ask for your EIN, business name, revenue, and basic business documentation. Since this card isn’t publicly promoted, approval often depends on your relationship with Citi and the branch’s discretion.

The card offers 3x ThankYou® Points on purchases in key categories like travel, office supplies, and professional services, which can help offset common business expenses. There’s no annual fee or a foreign transaction fee, making it a practical option if you're looking for rewards without added cost.

New cardholders may receive a welcome bonus of up to 40,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Rewards can be redeemed through Citi’s ThankYou® program for things like gift cards, travel, or statement credits.

How to apply for Citibank business credit card

The Citibank business credit card application process is quick if you're prepared. Submitting the application takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. In most cases, you will get a decision within a few minutes. If your application needs additional review, it can take up to 7 business days.

• Step 1: Identify the right card for your needs. Before you begin the application, choose the card that matches your business's spending patterns. Citibank offers options geared toward travel, everyday business purchases, and vendor-specific spending. Since each card has different terms and requirements, aligning your choice with your actual expenses improves your chances of approval and long-term value.
• Step 2: Prepare your application details. You will need to enter both business and personal information during the application. This includes your business structure, time in operation, and estimated revenue. You will also need to provide your personal details, including income and Social Security number, since Citibank reviews both profiles together. Double-check everything against your business records before you apply. Inconsistent or incomplete information can lead to processing delays or denials.
• Step 3: Apply online or in person. Most Citibank business cards are available through an online application. You will complete a form with your personal and business details and submit it directly through the Citi website. The application typically triggers a hard credit check. Be prepared for Citibank to follow up with requests for documentation, especially if your business is new or your financials raise questions.
• Step 4: Track your application status. After you apply, Citibank may make an instant decision or take a few days to review. If more information is needed, you will receive updates by email. If approved, your account opening will be completed, and your card will be mailed to you. If denied, Citibank will send a notice explaining the decision.
• Step 5: Set up your credit card account and begin using the card. Once you receive your card, activate it and register your business account online. This gives you access to digital account management, transaction tracking, and spending controls. From there, you can integrate the card into your business operations and begin using it for qualified purchases.

Why scaling companies choose Ramp for smarter spend management

Managing spending across departments often becomes a challenge for businesses that rely on traditional small business credit cards like those offered by Citibank. Manual processes and limited visibility can slow down operations and increase risk.

AIRCO, a supplier of industrial and specialty gases, faced this exact problem. The finance team struggled with decentralized purchasing and scattered card usage, making controlling spending and tracking data across teams difficult. “We used different tools for card management, procurement, and expenses,” said Procurement Manager Michael Natsch. That fragmentation left little room for speed or transparency.

To fix it, AIRCO adopted Ramp. The setup took less than a week. They centralized all business spending on a single platform, from corporate cards to procurement. Ramp’s system lets them issue cards with controls, automate approval workflows, and track purchases in real time.

The impact was immediate. AIRCO reached 90% PO-backed spending and cut down weekly accounts payable processing time. “I was shocked at how easy it was to set up Ramp and get our end users to adopt it,” said Michael. “Our prior procurement platform took six months to implement. Ramp was so easy it was almost scary.”

For companies using legacy card programs that require manual oversight and offer limited visibility, Ramp offers a faster, more efficient alternative. It gives you control over spending without the lag.

How informed decisions help you unlock better credit options

Getting approved for a Citibank business credit card depends on more than just a good credit score. Your business structure, revenue, industry, and financial history all play a role. When you understand what Citibank looks for before you apply, you avoid delays, reduce your risk of denial, and increase your chances of securing a card that fits your needs. The right business credit card can support your cash flow, build your business credit, and streamline your expenses.

If you're looking for a faster, more flexible alternative with no personal guarantee, consider Ramp’s corporate card. It doesn’t require a personal credit check or personal guarantee. Instead, it bases approval on your business's cash flow, not your credit score. You get instant access to virtual and physical cards, automated expense tracking, and real-time visibility, all from one platform.