Storme said:got the card today. i applied online. its 5% on everything.

Did you get instantly approval or wait for days?

coolpizza said:any number we can call to check status?
you can call the # in the ad. One of the option is to check status. You neet to "tell" automated sytem that you've applied more than 2(4?) weeks ago, otherwise it'll "tell" you to "wait at least 3 weeks"

Edit: After you select the appropriate option, the system tells you to call (888) 201-4523 to check the status.
applied on April 9th (applied for universal card by phone, for driver's edge on line)
just checked my status: both apps approved on April 11 for $3600 each.
not bad, condidering that I already have another citi card with $18K+ CL

I called and spoke to 2 different CSR's (from their accent or lack thereof, seems like these CSRs were located in 2 different countries). My first question to both was "Does this 5% rebate apply to ALL purchases?". Both responded Yes. Then I said something like "So if I go to a restaurant like McDonald's or Burger King, I'll get 5%". The one without the accent spent a few minutes reading the terms, and concluded that this offer applies only to everyday purchases at supermarkets, etc., just like is stated in the ad. The one with the accent spent several minutes, consulted with her sup, and finally came to the same conclusion (after much confusion). So I did not apply.

I called 1-800-475-0617, gave them my zip code (wisconsin) and asked the rep to read the terms and conditions. She said 7% supermarket for first 3 month. after that standard 5% for grocery/drug/gas, 1% all others.
Like the previous posters said, the reps are reading the terms&conditions off their screen, it's fairly detailed, starts off with the 0% balance transfer offer, blah, then goes into cash rebate details.
For those of you on the fence, call one of the 800#s listed in this thread, give them your zip code, then ask the rep to read you the term&conditions.

simonyu1 said:How do you track your annual rebate$ total? I don't want to exceed the annual $300 ceiling. I logged on to Citicards.com. I got the following Dividend Summary on the statement. But none of them is year-to-date rebate total. If I remember it right, the $300 is base on calendar year. Thank you in advance.

****Dividend Dollars Summary****
Previous Statement Div Dollar Total 8X.XX
Base Div Dollars Earned 2X.XX
Card Member Bonus Div Dollars Earned 3X.XX
Total Div Dollars Earned this period 5X.XX
Total Div Dollars Available 14X.XX
Lifetime Div Dollars Earned 25X.XX



All you have to do is call the 1-800 number on the back of the card. That is the only way I know how to do it.

There seems to be a lot of concern. My wife applied online, received her card, and we called to activate and confirm details of offer. They did try to say it was 5% on EVERYDAY PURCH., but I asked them to look again because I have an offer that says it was on EVERYTHING. The CSR came back and said I was right, 5% on everything for 3 months. To protect myself, I'm keeping the ad, the CSR's name and ID#. I'm ready for a battle if they want to give me one.

There is definitely two ways to look at this. Is it better to get in on this ambiguous offer now when CSRs are still admitting mistakes or later when they iron out their story and change the terms?

Lugs said:I'm a little confused too... I applied back in November, so I'm not sure how much applies to 2004, and how much is for 2005. I guess I'll call and see if they can offer any guidance. I'm not one of the big boys who spends $6k the first day I received the card.
time to grow up
be creative. There are lot's of ways to max out the rebate fast.
here are some easy one's
Prepay your utility bills (phone/i-net/electricity/wireless) for a year
buy giftcards for your faworite grocery/clothing store (make sure they don't expire soon and don't have any inactivity fees)
renew your gym membership early
pay for car insurance with CC

fotomaniak said:Lugs said:I'm a little confused too... I applied back in November, so I'm not sure how much applies to 2004, and how much is for 2005. I guess I'll call and see if they can offer any guidance. I'm not one of the big boys who spends $6k the first day I received the card.
time to grow up
be creative. There are lot's of ways to max out the rebate fast.
here are some easy one's
Prepay your utility bills (phone/i-net/electricity/wireless) for a year
buy giftcards for your faworite grocery/clothing store (make sure they don't expire soon and don't have any inactivity fees)
renew your gym membership early
pay for car insurance with CC

You forgot the easiest: Open bank accounts that let you open-deposit w/ a card-charge & flagged as a mere purchase (BofA,...) ...

chuzzlewit said:

You really have an ad that says "5% on everything"? Could you please scan and post? Not even the ads from last fall said that, they were ambiguoug "5% on Purchases". I've never seen a clear-cut ad from Citi that says 5% on everything. If you have one, I'd really like to see it. Thanks!

No my ad says 5% on PURCHASES, but when talking to the CSR, I have to be a bit more dramatic. Sorry for the confusion.

Boiler said:Here is the online application with more details:
www.applynow8.universalcard.com

Just filled out online app. and was approved instantly. Will receive card within 2 weeks. Offered to let me use now for online purchase or balance transfer if I accept electronic statements by email.

Hope they honor the 3-month 5% reward on EVERYTHING.

Thanks!