The main fees Citibank charges and how to stop them

Citibank charges four fees on checking accounts that most people can avoid entirely: a monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and wire transfer fees. The monthly maintenance fee (called the "Account Services Fee") is the one that hits automatically each month unless you meet one condition. The others only appear if you use your account in a specific way — and you can choose not to.

The simplest path is to meet Citibank's requirement to waive the monthly fee. If you do, the account costs nothing to hold open. The other three fees are optional: you control whether you overdraw, which ATM you use, and whether you send a wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank waives its monthly Account Services Fee if you keep a minimum balance of $1,500 in your checking account or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month.
  • Overdraft fees occur when you spend more than your balance; you can prevent them by turning off overdraft protection or by monitoring your balance before you spend.
  • Out-of-network ATM fees explore only when you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not owned by Citibank; using Citibank ATMs or getting cash back at a store checkout costs nothing.
  • Wire transfer fees explore to outgoing domestic and international wires; if you need to move money between accounts, a free transfer through your bank's website is usually faster and cheaper.

How to waive the monthly maintenance fee

Citibank's checking account charges a monthly Account Services Fee unless you meet one of two conditions. The first is to keep a minimum balance of $1,500 in the account at all times. The second is to set up a direct deposit of at least $500 in a single month. Either one waives the fee for that month and every month after, as long as you keep the condition active.

If you receive a paycheck by direct deposit, you almost certainly meet the $500 threshold already — most paychecks are larger than that. Ask your employer's payroll department to confirm your direct deposit is set up with Citibank. If you do not receive a paycheck, or if your paycheck is smaller than $500, the $1,500 balance requirement is your route. This means you cannot spend below $1,500, even temporarily.

If neither option works for you right now, you can still hold the account open and pay the fee month to month while you work toward one of these conditions. The fee amount varies by account type, so check your account statement or log into your Citibank account online to see what you are being charged.

Preventing overdraft fees

An overdraft fee occurs when you spend more money than you have in your account. Citibank charges this fee each time you overdraw, and the fee can stack up if you stay overdrawn for several days. The simplest way to avoid this fee is to turn off overdraft protection in your account settings.

Overdraft protection is a feature that allows transactions to go through even when your balance is zero or negative. If you turn it off, your debit card and checks will straightforward be declined when you run out of money — no fee, no debt. You can turn this setting on or off yourself through your Citibank online account or by calling customer service at the number on the back of your card.

If you prefer to keep overdraft protection on because you worry about a card being declined in public, the alternative is to check your balance before you spend. Most people check their balance by logging into their account online, using the Citibank mobile app, or calling the automated phone line. Checking takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.

Avoiding out-of-network ATM fees

Citibank charges a fee when you withdraw cash from an ATM that Citibank does not own. This fee appears on your statement as an out-of-network ATM fee. You avoid it by using only Citibank ATMs, or by getting cash a different way.

Find Citibank ATMs near you by using the ATM locator on Citibank's website or mobile app. If no Citibank ATM is nearby, you have two free alternatives. The first is to ask a store cashier for cash back when you buy something — most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores offer this at no charge. The second is to use a bank that is part of an ATM network that includes Citibank. Citibank participates in the Allpoint network, which means you can withdraw cash free at hundreds of thousands of ATMs worldwide that display the Allpoint logo.

If you travel frequently or live far from a Citibank ATM, the Allpoint network is worth learning about. You can find Allpoint ATMs the same way you find Citibank ATMs — through the Citibank app or the Allpoint website.

Understanding wire transfer fees

Citibank charges a fee to send money by wire transfer, both within the United States and to other countries. A domestic wire (money sent to another U.S. bank account) costs money. An international wire (money sent outside the U.S.) costs more. These fees appear on your statement after you initiate the wire.

Before you pay a wire fee, consider whether you actually need a wire. If you are sending money to another account you own, or to someone you trust, a free transfer through your bank's website is usually faster and just as safe. Citibank allows you to transfer money between your own accounts for free, and to set up free transfers to other people's accounts at other banks (though these take one to three business days instead of the same day).

Wires are useful when you need money to arrive the same day, or when you are sending money to someone you do not have an ongoing relationship with. If that is your situation, the wire fee is the cost of that speed and security. If it is not, use a free transfer instead.

Other fees to watch for

Citibank charges additional fees in specific situations. A returned deposit fee occurs if you deposit a check and it bounces — the bank charges you for processing the bad check. A stop payment fee applies if you ask Citibank to stop payment on a check you wrote. An expedited delivery fee applies if you ask for checks or a debit card to be mailed to you faster than standard delivery.

These fees are less common than the four main ones, but they follow the same logic: you control whether they appear. Do not deposit checks you are unsure about, do not ask to stop payment on checks unless absolutely necessary, and use standard delivery for checks and cards. If you do need one of these services, the fee is the cost of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot keep $1,500 in my account or set up direct deposit?

You can still use the account and pay the monthly fee. Some people do this temporarily while they work toward one of the fee-waiver conditions. If the fee is a permanent problem, you might explore whether a different bank's checking account would work better for your situation — some banks have no monthly fee at all, regardless of balance or direct deposit.

Can I turn off overdraft protection and still use my debit card?

Yes. With overdraft protection off, your debit card will straightforward be declined if you do not have enough money. This is safer than overdrafting because you cannot accidentally spend money you do not have. The only downside is that the card will not work in that moment — you will need to use a different payment method or come back later.

Does Citibank have a network of free ATMs I can use?

Citibank owns its own ATMs, and you can use those free. Citibank also participates in the Allpoint network, which includes hundreds of thousands of ATMs worldwide. Both are free to use with your Citibank debit card. You can find locations through the Citibank app or the Allpoint website.

Is there a way to avoid wire transfer fees?

If you are transferring money between your own accounts at different banks, use a free online transfer through Citibank instead of a wire — it takes one to three business days but costs nothing. If you are sending money to someone else and do not need it the same day, a free transfer also works. Wires are only necessary when you need same-day delivery or are sending to someone you have no banking relationship with.

What happens if I do not meet the fee-waiver requirement one month?

The Account Services Fee will appear on your statement that month. You can meet the requirement the next month (either by building your balance back to $1,500 or by receiving a direct deposit of $500 or more) and the fee will stop. There is no penalty for missing a month — you straightforward pay the fee that one time.