Unfortunately all of the Citi Hilton application links are currently resulting in an error ‘A system error has caused a delay in processing your application.’ It doesn’t seem to matter what links, browser or device you use they are all erroring out. We warned readers that this might happen after Citi & Hilton pulled the cards from their respective websites so hopefully you signed up for a card if you were interesting.
This is likely a result of American Express becoming the sole issuer of Hilton cards from 2018 onwards. It might still be possible to apply by phone (1-800-514-5614) if anybody tries this and has any success (or failure) then let us know in the comments below. I was told that applications for this card are no longer being accepted. This is the end of an era, churning Citi Hilton cards used to be a rite of passage.
The next question that needs to be answered is what will happen to existing cardholders? We discuss some of the possible options in this post.
Hat tip to reader Anna H
It’s strange that I receive an email saying I got approved for this card, 9K CL today. I applied around June 17 and received the letter asking for SSN verification a week later, and I replied by mail. Defenitely passed the deadline (according to the posts above) but got approved. Lucky but a little weird.
Made a mistake: June 10 instead of 17.
Hey Doc, haven’t seen you answer or mention it, but do you think this means the Hilton Reserve will now be an option as an Amex card?
Doubtful
Applied on 6/12, went to pending. Called 6/14, was told application being processed. I offered more info, verification, credit shifts but was told nothing needed on their end. Called today 6/16 and was told that my (and all recent) applications were being denied because the product is no longer available for new customers. They also asked whether I applied through a link on a blog, or through Citi’s site itself, Despite arguing that I applied while the product was still available, and have confirmation e-mail from Citi about the application (specific to the HHonors Reserve card), got nowhere. Spoke with a supervisor too.
Saw a suggestion above to complain to CFPB, but not sure I see where Citi has an obligation to process an application. It’s not like they’re approving the card without the sign-up bonus – they’re outright denying approval for the card altogether. Which I assume is their right as a business. Please correct me if I’m wrong and I’ll gladly go the CFPB route.
Not a lawyer but I don’t think Citi should have had an application page available and run your credit for a card they have no intention of approving.
Agree, but I don’t see an inquiry or hard pull when I check my credit karma page.
Keep in mind CK only tracks two out of three bureaus: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/whats-best-cheapest-way-monitor-credit/
So if I meet the $10K minimum spend on my Hilton card will I still get the free night certificate next year?
That is the big question. I don’t want to keep putting $$$ on the card if we don’t get the free night, as for me that adds another 2.5% in value to my charges. Otherwise, it’s a worse return return than an 2% cashback.
My wife was approved on June 4th but still hasn’t received her card. We better get it. I applied on the 8th, got a response asking for proof of income (not the first time Citi has asked for this) which I mailed on the 9th. I suspect it hasn’t been processed yet and I won’t get the card.
I have the Citi Hilton Preferred and the Amex Hilton Reserve. Annoying. So what happens now? They just cancel my card?
What’s going on with these hotel cards anyway? My Chase Fairmont card will be discontinued on 8/14. The Amex SPG is probably going soon. Depressing.
u must be really cool. you have CCs that dont exist…
OK, Citi Hilton Reserve, and Amex Hilton Surpass.
So, I mixed ’em up. LOL!
Stupid names anyway.
Hey DoC, Thanks for the heads up last week on the end of Citi Hilton cards! I got one final Citi Hilton card approved last week. No more churning Citi Hilton. So sad to see this era end.
Thanks for letting us know all the links are dead!
You’re welcome! I enjoy your blog!
I was the one who yelled wolf on Reddit and told people to apply because the card was coming down today (6/15).
Per the Executive that specifically called me to tell me to apply over the phone because the apps were down, “the card will be converted to an Amex.”
I have two thoughts:
1) Why were the apps working on some browsers and not others?
My thinking is this – Citi IT being Citi IT, programmed all the links to redirect to the generic CC page. This worked for Chrome which I’m guessing is their primary test browser. Citi IT being Citi IT once again, probably didn’t realize it didn’t work on Safari/Mobile. I can see how this slipped. I work in web software dev and probably for a change this dramatic they rushed and missed some things. Cross browser testing in Chrome can/is spotty sometimes.
2) Why take the app down if the portfolio going to Amex anyways?
Only logical reason I can think of is Amex made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Maybe to buy the rest of their Hilton points stash along with their portfolio, BUT only up to a certain date of applications. They get the points at a discount which they can use, and Citi makes the best out of the hand they’re dealt. Instead of getting left with nothing, they get something to soften the blow.
Last note: I would advise anyone that applied, had a hard pull made, and no reply yet, contact the executive office TOMORROW. Citi IT being Citi IT, the longer you wait the more impossible it might be to get approved even if you have a fighting chance, once the system is down, it’s down, they’re not bringing it up to process 1 application.
The number for the exec office is: 432-477-6858
Hope you don’t mind me posting this DoC. Feel free to modify/take down whatever 🙂
P.S. I have no affiliation with Citi, I was/am just a frustrated person who fell victim to Citi’s crappy IT department. After reading countless stories over the past few months and thinking “it can’t be that bad!” I know it really is THAT bad. I’m just glad my mess/sage is over and my app is approved. Now to wait for the card to come in the mail…hopefully…
Fun while it lasted!!! I think I finished with 8 Citi Hiltons for about 400k points and 2 free nights over the years!!
I knew I should have applied when the 50k link was posted. Kicking myself! Ugh
Go for the new amex blue business with 20k bonus points before thats gone.