Periodically throughout the year Citibank will have new checking, savings and business account promotions for bonus cash.
The typical bonus amounts include $200, $300, $400, $500, $600, $700, $1000, $1500, $2000 and sometimes up to $5,000. While the Chase Bank bonuses are typically more popular, these offers from Citi are very competitive for people with the cash available to qualify for the bonus. This is because Direct Deposit is oftentimes not required.
You’ll find Citibank branches across the following states: CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NV, NY, PA, SD, TX and VA. Personal Checking and Savings offers appear to be available nationwide.
Citi Checking accounts have reportedly been some of the best for low-fee ATM usage overseas.
See the offers below.
Best Citi Banking Promotions & Offers
Citi Personal Wealth Management Bonus: Up To $5,000 Cash Offer – Ends 9/30/2025
Enjoy a $5,000 Citi Personal Wealth Management bonus when you open an account today. Start building your wealth with Citibank!...
Read more
Citibank Certificate of Deposit (CD) Rates
Citibank has a wide range of terms for its certificates of deposit that you won't find at many other banks....
Read more
Citibank Business Checking $300 to $2,000 Bonus [In-Branch] – Ends 7/7/2025
Earn a $300 to $2,000 bonus with a new Citibank Business Checking account with this offer from Citi. Offer available...
Read more
Citibank Checking Promotion: Earn a $325 Cash Bonus
Citi® is offering an attractive $325 bonus for new checking customers. By opening a new eligible checking account and setting...
Read more
Citibank Personal Checking $750 to $1,500 Bonus Offer
Open a new checking account in an eligible account package and earn a cash bonus of up to $1,500 with...
Read more
Citi® Checking Account Bonuses: $325 Direct Deposit , Up to $1,500 Checking, And Referral Program
Looking to maximize your rewards while opening a new checking account? Citi® has you covered with generous bonus offers for...
Read more
Citi Self Invest Up To $500 Bonus Offer
Earn up to a $500 bonus for a new Citi Self Invest account with this offer. The minimum deposit for...
Read more
Best Int’l Banks With Branches Worldwide | Digital Nomads & Expats
In this post we'll go over the best international banks with branches worldwide. If you're living and working abroad, or...
Read more
More About Citi
-
Citibank’s Origins: Started back in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, it’s now the consumer-facing part of Citigroup, the U.S.’s third-largest financial powerhouse.
-
Branch Distribution: While they boast nearly 1,000 branches in the U.S., most are in big cities like New York, Chicago, LA, D.C., Miami, and San Fran.
-
Banking Strategy: Unlike the usual stand-alone checking and savings accounts, Citi bundles them. There’s a monthly fee, but it can be waived and covers both accounts.
-
Comparison with Other Banks: Citi doesn’t really stand out in the crowd. They’ve got fewer branches than other national banks, and their rates are pretty standard.
-
High-Yield Savings: An exception is their Citi Accelerate Savings. It offers an APY that’s a cut above most big-name banks.
-
Pro Tip: To really get the most bang for your buck with Citi (or any big bank), keep an eye out for their frequent bonus offers.
Be Sure To Avoid The Monthly Fees
-
Maintenance Fees: Citi’s checking and savings accounts often come with monthly fees. However, ways to waive these charges are available, and the specifics differ per account.
-
Evaluate The Real Bonus Value: Always factor in these monthly fees when gauging the true worth of a Citi promotion or special offer.
-
Be Sure The Account Works For You: If you find it tough to meet the criteria to sidestep the fees, the Citi product might not be your best long-term choice.
Understanding Citibank Offers: Is There A Catch?
-
Don’t Rush: Spotting bonus cash for a new Citibank account might make you eager to jump in, but it’s crucial to take a step back and fully understand the terms.
-
Promotion Limitations: Like most banks, Citi has certain restrictions on their offers that might make you ineligible.
-
Eligibility Rules: For instance, Citi Priority, Citigold, and Citibank “New to Citi Checking” bonuses are not open to those who’ve had a Citi checking account within the last 6 months. Plus, you need to be at least 18 years old.
-
Understanding The Fee Structure: It’s also crucial to get a handle on the account’s fee structure. A sign-up bonus of $300 can quickly be offset by a $30 monthly fee.
-
Waiving Maintenance Fees: The good news is that many of these fees can be avoided if you meet certain conditions.
-
Digging Deeper: By clicking “full details” on any active offers, you can get the complete breakdown of the terms and fees for each promotion. Be sure to read this info before proceeding.
Citi Bonuses Tips & Tricks
When aiming for that tempting “free” cash from Citi, make sure you’re playing by the rules. Here’s a quick breakdown:
-
Citi Promo Offers:
- Always initiate by clicking “Apply Now” from the specific offer’s landing page on Citi’s site.
- If opening an account via phone, ensure you ask to be included in the offer; it’s not automatic.
- A crucial reminder: signing up without following the proper procedure won’t get you the bonus, even if all other conditions are met.
-
Tiered Rewards:
- The more you deposit, the bigger the reward.
- It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation with Citi.
- You usually have 20-30 days to reach your deposit target but watch out; dropping below your tier during the holding period (typically 60 days) reduces your bonus.
-
Customer Eligibility:
- Most offers are for new accounts only.
- Eligibility is based on “product categories” like “consumer checking account”. So, a Citigold Checking Account holder could still get bonuses for a CitiBusiness Streamlined Checking account, but not for another type of personal Citi checking account.
-
The Two-Year Rule:
- Citi restricts welcome bonuses to once every two years per product category.
-
Watch Out for Clawbacks:
- No early termination fees, but if you close your account before getting the bonus, it’s forfeited.
- Expect to stay with Citi roughly 6 months: 30 days to deposit, 60 days holding the balance, and a 90-day wait to get paid.
-
Tax Reminders:
- Bonuses are taxable. Expect a 1099-INT form from Citi at year-end.
Bottom Line
Citi’s main office is in New York, and they’ve got around 2,600 branches globally, with about 1,000 of those in the U.S.
Plus, they’ve got over 72,000 ATMs where you don’t pay fees. So, accessing your money’s pretty straightforward.
While most people recognize Citi for their credit cards, they actually have a wide range of services, from regular banking to wealth management.
One great thing about Citibank is their frequent promotions. When you open a new account or get a credit card, there’s a good chance you’ll snag some bonus cash.
READ MORE: COMPARE ALL THE BEST BANK PROMOTIONS HERE
Discover more from MoneysMyLife
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I applied for a Citi Priority account in April 2021, and deposited 50,000 on 4/29/2021. They told me after the 60 day holding period, it takes another 90 days for my bonus to deposit. So it was false advertisement on their part from the get go, but okay, fine. The 60+90 days holding period brings us to 9/29/2021, and I still haven’t received my bonus. I called several times in October and finally a representative told me Citi is missing my W9 form. So I filled one out and mailed it to them which after calling again I find out they received and verified 10/20/2021. As of today, 11/9/2021, I still haven’t received any bonuses. I’ve been on the call with many representatives, and my current one as I type this has me holding for 30 minutes already and I’m not sure what’s going on.
Stay away from Citi Bank. The little bit of money is not worth your time and frustration. I cannot stress this enough.
If I still can’t get a definitive answer when I’m getting my bonus today, I’m cutting my losses and closing my account. I will for sure file a complaint with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
I was thinking of opening a citibank checking and savings to get the 1500. Bonus but glad I read these comments. I don’t think I will be doing any business with Citibank
Actually that’s the best policy. I also deposited $50K into a new account – clicking through their link and getting screenshots – only to be told that my account was not eligible – no explanation why. I followed everything to the letter.
I complained to the CFPB and NOW, after complaining to them, it seems my account is eligible. Citibank is a headache and these accounts are scams. We’ll see if I actually get my $700 in a few months.
What’s more, their customer (dis-)service is beyond useless and is a good source for incorrect information and untruths. I called them and the sweet lady with the southeast Asian accent confidently assured me that I was eligible and that I would get the bonus: all false when I attempted to verify this higher up the food chain.
What a crock. Citi is a mess. My money’s still there but we’ll see what happens. At least I have written proof in Citi’s reply to the CFPB that I will get the $700. Last time I try this, however.
The promotion is a scam!! I clicked the link to apply for the 700 bonus and filled out the application. They sent several emails to get me to deposit money, but when I clicked on them it took me to my Costco Citi credit card, so I called them to deposit the money only to learn that the link had opened a checking account–not the checking and savings accounts, as advertised in the link–and now 3-4 representatives told me I was not eligible for the bonus because I had only the checking account and not the savings account. I told them it wasn’t my fault that their link did not open the accounts, as advertised. No where in the pages did it tell me I needed to open a separate account. The representatives said they could not now open a savings account to make it whole and that I was not eligible since I now had an account. What? So they make an offer, but you become ineligible for the offer by applying for it?? This is BS! I will be reporting to the Consumer Protection Agency noted above–thanks!–but we probably need a lawyer for fraud!!
I opened my account before March 31, 2020 in anticipation of earning the $700 bonus after depositing $50,000 into savings within 2 weeks and opening a checking account with debit card at the same time. I was willing to wait for the bonus after 60 days ( was told it could be up to 90 days after that 60 day period) I was patient . After 60 days, $400 showed up in my account..not $700. After many calls including one to a supervisor named Adam, I was told that the offer I was on (a 10 digit code) wasn’t for Citi Priority so I was downgraded. Frustrating that I tied up $51,000 for 4 months when the bonus was for only a $15,000 deposit into Savings. I applied online clicking on the 700 offer not know they would put me in a lower tier. I still don’t get it but I hope this warns you about the banks greed over what is obviously not a justified reason …a technicality in the account type…in name only. Wish I could go to the better business bureau or somewhere to complain.
So, was your account opened as a Citibank Account package not Citi Priority Account package?
Alert: This is SCAM by Citi Priority: Bonus $700 if deposit 50K maintain for 60 days. I opened Checking and Saving accounts on 12/30/2019. On 01/21/2020 deposited $50,025 (Checking $25, Saving $50,000). 3/23/2020 called Citi Priority requiring when the bonus $700 will deposit to account? Citi Rep. said that my account was satisfied the 60 days requirement and the $700 will be deposit in 30 – 60 days or earlier and I can withdraw my $50,025 any time. On 3/24/2020 I withdrew $50,000. On 4/30/2020 Call Citi Priority requiring again when the bonus $700 will be deposited?. The Citi Priority rep. was angry and said after first 60 days, I need maintain $50,000 for another 90 days before can qualify to earn $700. I asked to speak with manager and the rep. hangup the phone.
I’m cancelling my Citi credit card and will never do any business with Citi again. Citi can contact me any time to confirm this. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, or ENERGY with CITI !!!
I did receive my $1500 bonus but have so little trust of Citi that I didn’t take out my money until it was credited. I got it 78 days AFTER the 60 days…
I signed up for the $700 promotion for the priority package on March 31st. Be aware that this opens a Citi Savings account with standard interest of 0.10% and not the Accelerate Savings account (1.55%). I learned this today after seeing the much less than expected interest for the first month hit my account. It is really not that clear in the terms and conditions that the Accelerate account is not eligible for the promotion. The terms just say to you need to open a “Citi Savings Account” which is generic and seems to encompass all savings accounts at Citi but it is a specific account with low interest. It is also not obvious during the account opening process that you are opening a standard savings account with the lower interest. I may have thought twice about opening an account package if I understood that at the time.
If you decide to go with this promotion you can transfer the balance from the Citi Savings to an Accelerate Savings once you met the bonus requirements (maintain minimum balance for 60 days). The other bonus programs likely work the same way in that the savings account will be a Citi Savings and not an Accelerate Savings. I should have known better and in the future I will take a screenshot of every screen during the application process.
Note: The difference between 1.55% and 0.10% on 50k over 60 days is about $120.
I ended up receiving the $700 on the 74th day after opening the account or the 14th day after I met the promotional requirement of maintaining a minimum balance for 60 days.
Did you downgrade or close the checking account to avoid fees after the 60 days when you moved the 50k? I opened/deposited on 6/23 so I’m on day 65. Would be fine if bonus actually posts in 9 more days but since terms state payout is 90 days after qualification met which would translate to another 85 days…I wanted to downgrade to basic pkg now & leave 1500 to avoid fees & release 48.5k to work for me somewhere else but concerned that citi will payout the $200 basic bonus instead
I made no withdrawals nor did I make any other changes To the accounts. When I received the bonus the accounts were exactly as they were when I opened and funded them plus a little interest. Their customer service seems knowledgeable so it might be worth checking with them about your changes and their effect on the bonus.
I tried calling & the rep I spoke to couldn’t answer the question & transferred me to the promotions line. That rep was insistent to leave as is because he has seen “many” others not get their bonus. I’ll probably keep it as is just to be safe & avoid risk of missing the bonus. The T&C explicitly state:
“if you change your package type to one with a lower Minimum Deposit and Minimum Balance during the 60 day maintenance period, you will not fulfill Required Activities. For instance, you may not convert your Citigold Account Package to the Citi Priority Account, Citibank Account, or Basic Banking Packages and still be eligible for the Cash Bonus. You may not convert your Citi Priority Account Package to the Citibank Account or Basic Banking Package, nor can you convert from your Citibank Account Package to the Basic Banking Package and still be eligible for the Cash Bonus.
I know it says during the 60 day maintenance period but it’s still potentially open to interpretation by their reps/legal dept.
I can’t believe I just opened a Citi account in light of these comments but it’s an experiment to see if I actually do get the bonus!
The reason it’s unbelievable is that I just lived a 5 month nightmare trying to get a $1600 fraudulent charge off my Citi credit card. I sent plane tickets, rental car receipts and a notarized letter from friends that I was in California at the time my card was used in the Apple store in Chicago. I went through SEVENTEEN phone calls – with the very sweet and helpful people in the Philippines – but was not able to get it resolved. But everyone, take note of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau! I logged a complaint with them – very easy, online – and within two weeks had a letter from Citibank’s “Office of the President” to say they had reversed the charge and the five months of financial charges. It’s like that John Grisham book about the insurance industry – keep refusing until someone brings in the big guns and then scramble to do what they should have done at the beginning. I would have cancelled my card immediately except that I’ve had it 18 years and it would have killed my credit rating. As it is, it’s staying in a drawer for emergencies only and I’m using my other cards instead.
“NEVER TRUST CITI BANK”…Shame on you citi bank!!!
I opened an account online in June and also made ACH deposit during online application. ACH transfer as well as other online money transfers didn’t work as Citi bank locked my account claiming my ID verification is in progress. Looks like they made sure that my account is locked for 30 days so that the required money would not be deposited to be eligible for promotional offer. Later when I talked to Citi customer care, they gave me the LAME excuses saying I didn’t deposit money within required timeline. I closed my account after hearing their lame excuses multiple times. So never trust citi bank. There are many other better banks out there.
Dear Citi, you cannot win customers trust with your CHEAP tricks.
Never trust Citibank, they will take your money, promising bonus, but when 150 days passed since requirements have been met, they say “we don’t see promotions on your account” even thought I called them every month just to make sure that the account is set up correctly and I am am getting the bonus.
I suggest to take your money and bank somewhere else
Shame, CITI!
P.S. their costumer service is outsource to India, be ready to talk to people who don’t put customers FIRST.
The fine print says ‘New to citi’ customers. That is also a requirement. Unless there is a misunderstanding of what ‘New to citi” actually means. You want to make the article clear.
see https://banking.citi.com/cbol/staticf/offerdetails/default.pdf. Definition is “New–to–Citibank Customers” are customers who have not been an owner of a Citibank checking account within
the last 180 calendar days.
Hi Tony, Personal checking/savings bonuses appear valid nationwide. I had a question prior to applying, which I submitted on Facebook. Quick response, I’m about to apply. Steve
Oh, nice. Thanks!
Echoing the comments here, they are deliberately delaying responses. I was told I would receive a response in five business days by email or the mail. It’s been fifteen business days, nothing. When I called to follow up, the rep could only put in a request to re-send the letter, which I presume means my application was rejected, but might just be a request for more information, thereby delaying my funding of the account and making me miss the window. I had an account with citi a long time ago and this is reminding me why I left.