Citibank Review [2025]: Looking for a Relationship?

Citibank overview

Citibank is well-known for its credit cards, but it also offers many banking options, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, and banking IRAs. The bank does business in 180 countries and jurisdictions, offers local branches, and has a 65,000+ ATM network, but accounts come with fees, and customer reviews are poor.

Accounts/services	Checking, savings, CDs, small business banking, banking IRAs
FDIC insurance	Yes (Citibank, N.A., is a member FDIC)
Customer reviews	D- Better Business Bureau (BBB) grade, with 1.04/5 stars on customer reviews 1.1/5 stars on Trustpilot
Key benefits	Relationship banking unlocks more benefits Full-service online banking with some branch access Also offers competitive credit cards Larger ATM network than some competitors
In-person access	65,000+ ATM Network Around 670 domestic branches, mostly clustered in major metro areas

Who we recommend Citibank for

We would consider Citibank ideal for you if you can qualify for a Relationship Tier, which means having at least $30,000 across different Citibank accounts.

Relationship Tiers offer many extra banking benefits, including waived account fees, larger daily withdrawal limits, and interest rate discounts on other Citi products. At higher tiers, you can also unlock perks like ATM fee reimbursements.

If you live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, or Washington, D.C., Citibank could be a good choice because you'd be smack dab in the bank's physical branch footprint. Brick-and-mortar banks can offer more convenience than online banks and companies when you want to talk through complex issues in person or access features like safety deposit boxes.

Lastly, if you're interested in a banking IRA, Citi differs from many of its competitors by offering this account type. The account is FDIC-insured, and you can invest in both CDs and insured money market accounts, offering a safe and simple way to save for retirement.

When you should consider another bank

If you want truly fee-free banking, we wouldn't recommend Citi. The bank charges monthly fees on both its checking and savings accounts unless you qualify to have these waived. It also charges a host of other service fees like a $2.50 fee for using a non-Citi ATM. Many online competitors, like Ally and SoFi, don't impose many banking fees, and they often provide better benefits like higher APYs.

Check out other Citibank alternatives.

Citi banking accounts

Citibank provides a range of bank accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs, as well as unique offerings such as a banking IRA. Unfortunately, all Citi checking and savings accounts have monthly fees (but these are waivable).

Here's an overview of all bank accounts available with Citi.

Citibank checking accounts

Citibank offers two checking account options: Regular Checking and Access Checking.

Regular Checking is a very basic account that offers checks, ATM access, and no overdraft fees. It has a $15 monthly service fee you can waive if you're in a Relationship Tier or have a minimum of $250 per month in Enhanced Direct Deposits (Citi's slightly broader take on deposit requirements).

Access Checking is an even more stripped-down account that doesn't include checks and prevents overdrafts by declining transactions that would cause them. There's a $5 monthly service fee for Access checking (with the same requirements to waive it).

There is no minimum deposit required to open either Citibank checking account, and both offer the following benefits that many of the best checking accounts now provide, including:

• Access to funds through a network of 65,000+ ATMs
• Access to Zelle to transfer funds
• Free mobile check deposits
• No overdraft, returned item, or overdraft protection transfer fees

But both accounts charge a $2.50 fee when you use a non-Citi ATM, and neither account offers early direct deposit.

Citibank savings accounts

Citi offers one savings account called Accelerate Savings. As with Citi's checking accounts, no minimum deposit is required to open this account.

Some of its key benefits include:

• The option to open multiple savings accounts to save for different goals (some banks and companies, like SoFi and Chime, only allow one account of a certain type)
• An ATM card and access to funds through 65,000+ ATMs (a unique perk even among the best savings accounts)
• Round-up savings transfers, which round up transactions and transfer funds into savings

But this account isn't without downsides. It charges a $4.50 monthly fee unless you can waive it by opening a Citi checking account, maintaining a minimum average monthly balance of $500, or qualifying for a Relationship Tier. Its 3.70% (as of 04/04/25) APY, while decent, is also lower than many competitors.

Reach Your Savings Goals Faster

5.0

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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits

• Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY³ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement.&nbsp;Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.⁴ <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking &amp; Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member&nbsp;FDIC.</p>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees⁵ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
• Get your paycheck up to two days early⁶ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
• Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁷ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

5.0

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Open an account with SoFi® here

Citibank CDs

Citibank offers three CD options:

• Fixed-rate, standard CDs with terms ranging from three months to five years
• Penalty-free CDs with a 12-month term
• Step Up CDs with a 30-month term and an APY that increases in steps every 10 months

All three CDs have a $500 minimum deposit, and your APY depends on both your CD term/type and your Relationship Tier. Citi APYs range from 0.10%-4.00% (as of 10/07/25), with select terms being relatively competitive. But many are pretty average, and some are dismal. For comparison, the national average rate range for CDs is currently 0.23%-1.70% (as of 9/15/25).

Early withdrawal penalties apply to the Fixed Rate CDs and the Step Up CDs.

Other Citi products/services

In addition to checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs, Citibank also offers other financial products, including:

• Multiple Citi credit cards with options for travel cards, cash back cards, retail cards, and more
• Self-directed and guided investing options
• Home loans
• Personal loans
• Small business loans

Relationship Tiers apply to all Citi accounts, so you can count money in Citi Investment accounts toward qualifying for relationship status and for perks based on your Relationship status, including discounted interest rates on loan products.

Citi Relationship banking

Citi rewards customer loyalty with Relationship Tiers, which is effectively a loyalty program that offers more banking and other money benefits the more money you have with the bank.

Here are the balance requirements to qualify for each tier.

• Everyday Benefits: Requires a combined average monthly balance of $0 to $29,999.99.
• Citi Priority: Requires a combined average monthly balance of $30,000 to $199,999.99
• Citigold®: Requires a combined average monthly balance of $200,000 to $999,999.99
• Citigold® Private Client: Requires a combined average monthly balance of $1,000,000+

Higher tiers allow you to qualify for perks, including:

• Waived monthly fees, waived ATM fees, ATM fee reimbursement, and waived wire transfer fees
• Higher limits for mobile check deposits and ATM cash withdrawals
• Higher APYs on CDs
• Access to wealth planning services
• Discounted interest rates and fees on loans

The specific benefits you become eligible for with Citi Relationship banking depend on the tier. Citi is one of just a few banks that offer a comprehensive loyalty program with benefits across multiple financial product lines. The Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program is a similar alternative.

What we like about Citibank

Citi's Relationship Tiers are its best feature. While you'll need $30,000 to qualify for a Relationship Tier that offers perks, we appreciate that Citi lets you combine balances across accounts and even link up with other family members.

While a few other banks, like Bank of America, provide similar loyalty programs, there aren't a lot of banks that offer perks across so many financial products, including checking, savings, CDs, investment accounts, and loans.

Citi also offers a large ATM network, in-person support, and a wide array of financial products so you can do most or all of your banking with one institution. Even the savings account comes with a debit card, and there are a variety of different ways to manage money electronically, including Zelle and mobile deposit.

Alternatives to Citibank

It's worth considering alternatives to Citibank when choosing which bank is best for you. Here's how Citibank stacks up to two of its top competitors.

Citibank vs. Chase

Like Citibank, Chase Bank offers a range of financial products, including checking, savings, investment options, and credit cards. Chase also provides auto loans, which Citi doesn't, and has more products geared towards kids, which could make it a better choice for families.

Both Citi and Chase charge monthly fees for checking accounts unless you qualify for a waiver, although Chase offers three checking account choices compared to Citi's two.

Unfortunately, both banks also charge fees for savings accounts unless waived, although Chase's fee is much higher than Citi's. Chase's savings account rate is also very low compared to Citi's accounts, so if you're looking for a higher APY, Citi is the clear choice.

Lastly, Chase has a much larger branch network and better BBB ratings.

Visit Chase Total Checking | Read our full Chase Bank review.

4.3

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Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.⁸ <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 1/21/2026.

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Citibank vs. Capital One 360

Capital One 360 is similar to Citibank in that it is well-known for offering credit cards, and it provides a wide variety of financial products as well. Capital One has auto loans, which again Citi lacks, and it has more special accounts for kids and teens, too, making it more similar to Chase.

If you're looking for fee-free banking, Capital One is easily the better choice. Capital One's 360 Checking account charges no monthly fees, has no minimum balance requirements, and provides access to a larger network of fee-free ATMs than Citi. In-person support is also available from Capital One, including at Capital One Cafes, and has a similar branch network size to Citi's.

Visit Capital One 360 | Read our full Capital One 360 review.

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Overall Checking Account

CapitalOne 360 Checking — Earn a $250 bonus

Earn a $250 bonus with 360 Checking. No fees, no minimums. Terms Apply.⁹ <p>1. Open a 360 Checking account on or after August 22, 2024, using promotional code CHECKING250. 2. Set up and receive at least 2 Qualifying Direct Deposits each of $500 or more to your 360 Checking account within 75 days of account opening. 3. Capital One will deposit the bonus into your account after the first two requirements listed above are completed. See full offer details and when the bonus will be posted at <a href="https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking250/affiliate/">https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking250/affiliate/</a>.</p>

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FAQs

Bottom line

While Citi has a lot going for it, if you can't make a large enough deposit to qualify for a Relationship Tier, you may want to look elsewhere. Consider a bank that charges fewer fees, offers higher APYs, and has better customer service ratings.

Check out some of the best banks to explore your options and find the one that's right for you.

Top Checking Offer

Alliant High-Rate Digital Checking

Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with their Early Payday feature.¹⁰ <p>With Early Payday, Alliant Credit Union may make incoming electronic direct deposits made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) available for use up to two days before the scheduled payment date. Not all direct deposits are eligible for Early Payday. Early availability of direct deposits is not guaranteed and may vary from deposit to deposit. Early access to funds is dependent on submission of direct deposit by payor and standard fraud prevention restrictions. Whether we make funds available early depends on when we receive the payor’s payment instructions, any limitations we set on the amount of early availability, and standard fraud prevention screening. Available for personal accounts only. Eligible direct deposits are limited to electronic direct deposits of items such as your payroll, pension, and government benefit payments made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) to your personal account. Other deposits or credits to your account, such as deposits of funds from person-to-person payment services (e.g., Zelle®, Venmo, or PayPal transfers), check or mobile deposits, and other online transfers or electronic credits are not eligible for Early Payday.</p> <p>If Alliant makes funds available early through Early Payday and the payor reverses or requests a return of the deposit, or the funds are otherwise uncollected by Alliant, Alliant may debit your account for the deposit amount previously made available early, which may draw your account negative.</p>

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