If you’ve noticed Citicards CBNA on your credit report, you’re probably wondering what it means and how it got there. Here’s what you need to know—and how to remove it if the inquiry wasn’t authorized.
What Is Citicards CBNA?
Citicards CBNA is a code that shows up on your credit report when Citibank pulls your credit history. Citibank is one of the largest credit card issuers in the U.S., and they offer a wide range of credit cards, including many co-branded retail cards.
If you’ve applied for a Citibank credit card recently, that’s likely why you’re seeing Citicards CBNA listed on your credit report.
Why Citicards CBNA Appears on Your Credit Report
A hard inquiry from Citicards CBNA usually means you applied for a credit card through Citibank or one of their retail partners. Citibank works with several major retailers to offer store credit cards.
Here are some popular brands that partner with Citibank:
- Best Buy
- Big O Tires
- Bloomingdale’s
- Brand Source
- Brooks Brothers
- ExxonMobil
- Goodyear Tires
- Home Depot
- Macy’s
- Merchants Tire
- NTB Tire
- Office Depot
- Quick Lane
- Jewelers Reserve
- Ross-Simons
- Sears
- Shell
- Staples
- Tire Kingdom
- Tractor Supply Company
If you applied for a credit card from any of these companies, the hard inquiry would show as Citicards CBNA on your credit report.
How Hard Inquiries From Citicards CBNA Affect Your Credit Score
A hard inquiry from Citicards CBNA can cause your credit score to drop by a few points. This is normal with any credit application.
One hard inquiry usually isn’t a big deal. But several hard inquiries in a short timeframe can hurt your score more noticeably. Lenders may view multiple inquiries as a sign that you’re actively seeking credit, which can make you look like a higher-risk borrower.
How Long Citicards CBNA Stays on Your Credit Report
A hard inquiry from Citicards CBNA stays on your credit report for up to two years, whether your application was approved or denied.
The major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—will all show the inquiry. Its impact on your credit score fades over time, with the biggest effect happening in the first year. After two years, the inquiry automatically drops off your credit report.
How to Handle Unauthorized Citicards CBNA Inquiries
If you see a Citicards CBNA inquiry on your credit report and you didn’t apply for a credit card, take action right away. Start by contacting Citibank to verify the details of the inquiry.
If the inquiry was made without your consent, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureaus. Unauthorized hard inquiries can result from errors, misunderstandings, or identity theft. If proven inaccurate, the credit bureaus are required to remove them.
How to Remove Citicards CBNA and Other Inquiries From Your Credit Report
You can dispute inaccurate or unauthorized inquiries on your credit report by contacting the credit bureaus directly. They each have an official process for handling disputes, including those involving hard inquiries.
Some people handle this process themselves, but if you prefer expert help, working with a credit repair company can make it easier.
How Credit Saint Can Help With Inquiries and Negative Marks
Credit Saint is a trusted credit repair company that helps clients remove inaccurate hard inquiries and other negative information from their credit reports.
They can assist with disputing and potentially removing:
- Hard inquiries
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Foreclosures
- Repossessions
- Bankruptcies
If you want expert guidance to improve your credit, Credit Saint offers free consultations to review your situation. They even provide a 90-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in getting started.
Take control of your credit today—visit their website to learn more and schedule your free consultation.
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