Not all Citi checking accounts charge a monthly fee, but most do unless you meet specific requirements
Citibank offers several checking accounts with different fee structures. Some accounts have no monthly fee at all, while others charge between $10 and $15 per month — but you can often waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account. The fee you pay (or don't pay) depends entirely on which Citi checking product you choose and whether you meet the conditions to avoid it.
Understanding the difference between accounts matters because the wrong choice can cost you $120 to $180 a year in fees you could have avoided by picking a different account or meeting one straightforward requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Citi offers checking accounts with no monthly fee and others with monthly fees that can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
- The Citibank Basic Checking account typically has no monthly fee regardless of your balance.
- Premium accounts like Citibank Checking and Citibank Priority Checking charge monthly fees but waive them if you meet balance or deposit requirements.
- You can avoid monthly fees by comparing what each account requires and choosing one that matches your banking habits.
Citi checking accounts with no monthly fee
Citibank Basic Checking has no monthly maintenance fee. This account is designed for people who want a straightforward checking account without conditions attached. You get a debit card, online banking, and access to Citi ATMs and branches. There are no balance requirements to keep the account open or to avoid a fee.
This account is the right choice if you want to avoid fees entirely and do not need the extra features that come with premium accounts, such as higher interest rates on linked savings or cash back on purchases.
Citi checking accounts with monthly fees you can waive
Citibank Checking typically charges a monthly fee, but you can waive it by meeting one of these conditions: maintaining a minimum daily balance (the amount varies), setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or maintaining a linked Citi savings account with a minimum balance. The exact requirements change, so you should confirm the current terms when you open the account or log into your online banking.
Citibank Priority Checking is a premium account that charges a higher monthly fee but offers benefits like higher interest rates, cash back on debit card purchases, and fee waivers at other banks' ATMs. The monthly fee can be waived if you maintain a higher minimum balance or meet other requirements specific to that account tier.
How to find out which account you have and what fee applies
Log into your Citi online banking account or mobile app and look at your account details. The account name will tell you which product you hold — Basic Checking, Checking, or Priority Checking. Your account statement will show any monthly maintenance fee charged, and your account details page will list the conditions to waive it.
If you are unsure whether you are meeting the waiver requirements, call Citibank customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They can tell you exactly what you need to do to avoid the next fee or confirm that your account has no fee.
What happens if you do not meet the waiver requirements
If your account charges a monthly fee and you do not meet any of the waiver conditions, the fee will be deducted from your checking account balance each month. This happens automatically on a set date — usually the last day of the month or the first day of the next month, depending on your account type.
You can avoid this by switching to Citibank Basic Checking (which has no fee) or by meeting one of the waiver requirements for your current account. Switching accounts is free and takes a few minutes through your online banking portal or by calling customer service.
Comparing Citi checking to other banks
Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. If you are paying a monthly fee at Citi and cannot meet the waiver conditions, it may be worth comparing what other banks charge. Some accounts also offer higher interest rates on checking balances, which can offset the value of Citi's branch network if you rarely visit a physical location.
The choice depends on what matters to you: access to branches and ATMs, interest rates, customer service, or straightforward the lowest cost. Write down what you use your checking account for each month, then compare what different banks would charge you for that same usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a checking account with a fee to one without a fee?
Yes. You can open Citibank Basic Checking through your online banking portal or by visiting a branch. Your old account will close once you transfer your money out, and there is no fee to switch. Your debit card and account number will change, so update any automatic payments or direct deposits.
What if I have a fee waived but then stop meeting the requirement?
The monthly fee will start being charged again the month after you stop meeting the waiver condition. For example, if your waiver requires direct deposit and you miss a month, you will be charged the fee on your next statement. You can avoid this by meeting the requirement again or by switching to an account with no fee.
Does Citi charge fees for other things besides the monthly maintenance fee?
Yes. Citi may charge fees for overdrafts, wire transfers, cashier's checks, and using ATMs outside the Citi network (though many partner banks are included). Your account details page lists all possible fees. The monthly maintenance fee is separate from these.
If I have multiple Citi checking accounts, do I pay a fee on each one?
Yes, unless each account meets its own waiver requirements or is a no-fee account like Basic Checking. If you have two Citibank Checking accounts and neither meets the waiver conditions, you will be charged the monthly fee on both accounts. Most people need only one checking account.