Citibank review 2025: A full-service bank with competitive rates

But Citi’s got some blind spots, too. Here’s what you need to know about Citibank. 

All rates and fees are current as of Aug. 15, 2025, and are subject to change. 

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Citibank at a glance 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Who is Citi good for? 

Citi is a full-service bank, so it’s good for those who want to keep all their banking under one roof—from personal loans to checking to credit cards to IRAs. 

It’s also good for those looking for a bank with competitive rates and rewards for keeping higher balances or owning multiple accounts within a bank. 

Who shouldn’t use Citi? 

A few things about Citi are location-specific. 

For example, its physical branches are less-than-ubiquitous. You’ll find them mostly in large metropolitan areas, so if you’re in a less populous area, don’t count on doing your banking in-person. Also, Citi’s savings accounts aren’t available nationwide; you must live in certain states to be eligible. 

Citibank rates and products 

Again, Citi offers multiple checking, savings, and CD options. The higher your combined monthly average balance with Citi, the better your benefits will be thanks to its various relationship tiers: 

• Citi Priority: Combined average monthly balance of $30,000-$199,999.99 
• Citigold: Combined average monthly balance of $180,000-$999,999.99 (must have at least $200,000 to get started) 
• Citigold Private Client: Combined average monthly balance of $800,000+ (must have at least $1,000,000 to get started). 

Achieving a relationship tier with Citi will get you increased limits for ATM cash withdrawals, various waived fees, etc. 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Checking accounts  

Citi offers two checking account options: Regular Checking and Access Checking. As of this writing, Citi is offering a $325 bonus when opening a Regular Checking account (terms apply). 

Although Citi doesn’t offer free checking accounts, service fees are waived if you meet specified requirements. 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Regular checking:  

• Monthly service fee: $15, waived the first three months ($0 for monthly direct deposit of $250 or more and relationship tiers) 
• Overdraft protection: None 
• Overdraft fee: None 
• Use of non-Citi ATMs: $2.50 (waived for monthly direct deposits of $250 or more and relationship tiers)  
• Paper checks: For a fee 
• Stop payment fee: $30 
• Official check fee: $10 

Access Checking 

• Monthly service fee: $5 (waived for monthly direct deposit of $250 or more) 
• Overdraft protection: None 
• Overdraft fee: None 
• Use of non-Citi ATMs: $2.50 
• Paper checks: None 
• Stop payment request fee: $30 
• Official check fee: $10 

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Savings accounts 

Citi offers two savings account options depending on your location. Citi determines your location by checking your physical branch location or the residential address provided when opening an account online. Monthly fees are waived for certain activities, one of which is owning a Citi checking account. 

Most widely available is the Citi Accelerate high-yield savings account, available in over 40 states and U.S. territories. Customers with this account earn a 3.50% APY as of this writing. 

The less common (and less APY-generous) option found in select markets is the Citi Savings account. Its return rate is lower at up to 1.18% APY (though there’s a promotional three-month APY of 4.25% when depositing at least $25,000 in new funds). It’s only available in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and select markets in Florida and Illinois. However, it comes with check-writing privileges—something the Citi Accelerate does not. 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

CDs 

Citi offers a healthy number of certificate of deposit (CD) options, from standard fixed-rate CDs to no-penalty CDs to step-up CDs. Between all account types, you’ve got a whopping 19 term lengths to choose from, between three months and five years. All CDs enforce a $500 minimum opening deposit. 

Fixed-rate CDs offer the highest return for your money—up to 4.25%, depending on the size of your deposit. Not that while some terms offer generous rates, others are lackluster. 

Step-up CDs, which incrementally increases APY throughout the lifetime of the account, average just 0.10% APY. And no-penalty CDs, which don’t charge a fee for early withdrawal, earn a paltry 0.05% APY. 

CDs are another account option that Citi also offers for small businesses. But again, Citi plays close to the vest and requires you to call for specific details like APY, minimum opening deposits, etc.

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Citibank Fixed CD rates 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

No-penalty CDs 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Step Up CDs 

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

IRA CDs 

Citi also offers IRA CDs with fewer term options—but a higher return for many of those terms. There’s also a lower minimum opening deposit of just $250 for this CD type. 

Citibank Fixed CD rates

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

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MMAs  

Citi does not offer personal money market accounts (though a Citi Savings account operates similarly, giving you check-writing privileges). That said, Citi offers a business-flavored MMA. It also comes with unlimited deposits and withdrawals and “competitive” APY—though you’ll have to call Citi to find out what your exact rate will be. 

Other services from Citi 

Citi offers plenty more banking services, from personal loans and mortgages to retirement planning. For example:  

• Credit cards: Citi provides over a dozen credit card options for individuals and businesses. You’ll find options such as cash back, travel rewards, and balance transfer cards. 
• Personal loans: You may be able to borrow as much as $30,000 to pay back within 60 months. Citi personal loans start at $2,000, and charge no origination fee or prepayment penalty. Enrolling in automatic payments also offers a 0.5% reduction in interest rates.  
• Mortgages: Citi issues loans for customers to buy a new home or refinance existing mortgages. 
• Retirement planning: Citi helps you prepare for retirement by collecting your traditional individual retirement account (IRA) or Roth IRA contributions without charging annual fees.  
• Insurance: Citi offers life insurance, long-term care insurance, and more.  
• Small business loans: The bank supports small businesses with loans for large projects and lines of credit for short-term priorities.  

The Citi platform and customer support  

You can access Citi customer service 24 hours a day by calling 888-248-4226. Agents (or automation) can help you make deposits, pay bills, receive money, and more. The ability to reach a human being any day at any hour is a definite perk that comes with banking with a large financial institution like Citi. 

Citi’s platform (online or in-app) allows you to manage your account, budget and track your finances, pay bills, and more. You can send and receive money in-app via Zelle and view your account balance and activities. 

Is Citi secure? 

Citi utilizes security measures, including advanced encryption technology, secure firewalls, single sign-on, multiple authentication, and session timeout, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your accounts safe. However, this bank has had to pay massive fines for misconduct, such as discriminating against credit card applicants because of their origin and making non-compliant securities recommendations.  

Citibank user reviews 

Online reviews are often left by those who were most galvanized in one direction or the other—typically frustration due to a complication. That’s worth keeping in mind when viewing Citi’s less-than-impressive reviews online. 

Citi receives an average 1.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from 171 reviews. From tied-up money to declined credit cards at checkout to poor customer service, Citi gets dinged for a lot in the comments. 

But, many people on Reddit have positive things to say about Citi, especially regarding its credit cards. 

Compare Citibank alternatives

Citibank	Bank of America	Capital One
Minimum opening deposit for checking	Minimum opening deposit for checking	Minimum opening deposit for checking
$0	$25-$100	$0
Savings account top APY	Savings account top APY	Savings account top APY
Up to 3.50%	Up to 0.04%	3.50%
Number of CD terms available	Number of CD terms available	Number of CD terms available
19	120	9
CD rates	CD rates	CD rates
Up to 4.25%	Up to 4.25%	Up to 4.20%
Learn more	Learn more	Learn more
View offer at Citibank	View offer at MoneyLion	View offer at MoneyLion

Bank details checked Aug. 15, 2025. 

Is Citibank right for you? 

Citi is likely right for you if you want a bank that offers every type of account you’ll ever need—from mortgages to credit cards to checking accounts. It’s also great for 24-hour customer service. 

Some of its CDs offer excellent yields, though be choosy about which term you select. There are several that are unimpressive.  

While its pesky maintenance fees are completely avoidable for customers who meet the requirements, it could be work to make sure you jump through the necessary hoops. If you don’t mind that, Citi’s got a lot to offer. 

Frequently asked questions 

What bank owns Citibank? 

Citi is the main U.S. banking subsidiary of Citigroup, a financial services multinational.  

How do I log in to my Citi card account online? 

To log in, go to Citibank.com. A pop-up box will appear at the top right corner. Enter your user ID and password.

How much does Citi require to open an account? 

You don’t need a minimum deposit to open your account with Citi. However, remember that you can only move up relationship tiers with specific minimum balances, so maintain the stipulated balance to avoid retiering. Also, your Citi account is subject to closure if you keep a zero balance for 90 days.

Does Citibank have good branch access?

Citibank branches are most commonly found in big cities, meaning if you live in smalltown, USA, your closest Citi location may be hundreds of miles away.

What is Citibank’s minimum deposit requirement to open an account? 

The minimum deposit required to open a Citibank account depends on the type of account you’re opening. Checking and savings accounts have no required minimum deposit, while CDs require between $250 and $500.