Understanding Citi's 8/65 Rule and 48-Month Rule for Card Applications
November 14, 2025
When applying for a new credit card from any issuer, it's essential to know their internal application rules. Chase has the 5/24 rule, Amex has the once-per-lifetime rule, and Citi has specific rules regarding how often you can open new accounts and receive welcome bonuses.
Understanding Citi's application "rules" can prevent an automatic application denial and wasted effort.
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Disclaimer: These Are Unofficial Rules
It's important to note that Citi does not officially publish these rules in their terms and conditions. They are widely reported by the credit card community and data points from thousands of applicants over the years. Citi may change them at any time.The Citi 8/65 Rule (New Account Velocity)
The 8/65 rule refers to the frequency of applications:If you try to apply for a third card within that 65-day window, your application will almost certainly be automatically denied. This rule applies across both consumer and business cards from Citi.
The Citi 48-Month Rule (Welcome Bonus Frequency)
This rule is more focused on ensuring that applicants are new customers and don't receive welcome bonuses too frequently. The terms on the application page usually state something like:This rule applies to most Citi cards, including the Strata family and the Costco Anywhere Visa card. It prevents someone from opening the same card, closing it later, and reopening it immediately for another bonus. The 48-month clock starts from when you received the bonus, not when you applied for the card.
Why Do These Rules Exist?
Citi uses these rules to manage risk and prevent "churning"—the practice of continuously opening credit cards just to get the welcome bonuses. Following these rules shows Citi you are a serious, long-term customer.Summary: Plan Your Applications
To successfully apply for a Citi card, it's vital to know where you stand in relation to these rules. Check the date of your last application before submitting a new one.For a full step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Citi card, including credit score expectations and the application process, view our main guide: How to Apply for a Citi Card: Step-by-Step Application Guide.
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