Thank you to all the taxpayers who are footing the bill for this. As Citibank continues to receive money from the government of the United States, funded by investors in Treasury bills and citizens of the future who will be paying more to the government to support the interest payments on that debt, Citibank continues to reward me. Rather than making new loans to businesses or individuals in needs, Citi simply raises credit card limits.
The concept is somewhat sound; raise credit limits and people will spend more, helping Citi with interest fees and helping the economy through more consumer activity. But if they’re raising the limit for people like me, there is no effect other than using bailout money to prop up their balance sheet.
I have never spent anywhere close to my credit limit in any one month. Yet, they targeted me as a candidate for an increase. I won’t decline the increase; a higher limit results in a lower utilization ratio, which will most likely lead to a higher credit score.
Here is their personal announcement to me:
YOUR ACCOUNT: CREDIT LINE INCREASE
Congratulations on Your Recent Credit Line Increase.
Dear (Flexo),
Because you are one of our loyal customers, we wanted to give your Citi® Card even more value. So reward yourself with the spending power and flexibility that comes with a higher line of credit.
You’ve earned it. Now enjoy it.
Use your new line of credit to transfer balances: You may qualify for a great rate on a balance transfer. To see what offers may be available to you, visit balancetransfer.citicards.com.
Wow, I feel so special. I earned it!
Clearly, Citi is hoping I will transfer a balance from another card, taking advantage of a 3.99% APR and 3% balance transfer fee. Even if I had a balance to transfer, I would pass. This credit limit increase would have been better spent by Citigroup elsewhere.
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