The three ways to transfer money from Citi savings

You can move money out of a Citi savings account through online transfer, mobile app transfer, or in-person withdrawal at a branch. The method you choose depends on where the money is going, how much you need to move, and how quickly you need it done. Online and mobile transfers are fastest for moving money to another bank account. In-person withdrawal works if you need cash or want to hand money directly to someone.

Most transfers between accounts complete within one to two business days. Same-day transfers are possible in some cases, but they depend on the receiving bank and the time of day you initiate the transfer. Withdrawals at a Citi branch or ATM are when ready — you get the cash right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mobile transfers to another bank account usually take one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.
  • Transfers to another Citi account you own can happen the same day if you initiate them before the daily cutoff time, typically around 5 p.m. Eastern.
  • Withdrawals at a Citi ATM or branch are when ready, but ATMs have daily limits that vary by account type and card.
  • Transfers to accounts at other banks require the receiving account's routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or ask the bank directly.
  • If you need to move a large amount, contact Citi directly to confirm there are no daily transfer limits that would block the transaction.

Transferring to another bank account online

Log into your Citi online banking account, select your savings account, and look for a link labeled "Transfer Money" or "Send Money." You will be asked to enter the receiving bank's routing number and the account number where you want the money to go. If this is the first time you are sending money to that account, Citi will verify it by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) into the account, then asking you to confirm those amounts. This verification step takes one to two business days.

Once the account is verified, you can transfer money to it when ready. The money itself typically arrives at the receiving bank within one to two business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving bank's processing schedule — some banks post transfers the same day they receive them, others wait until the next business day. Citi does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers to other banks.

If you are transferring a large amount and the transfer does not go through, check whether Citi has a daily transfer limit on your account. These limits vary by account type. You can increase or remove the limit by calling Citi at the number on the back of your card or through your online account settings.

Using the Citi mobile app to transfer money

Open the Citi mobile app, tap your savings account, and select "Transfer Money" or "Send Money." The process is the same as online banking — you enter the receiving account's routing and account numbers, and Citi verifies new accounts with test deposits. Transfers initiated through the app follow the same one- to two-business-day timeline as online transfers.

The mobile app also lets you set up recurring transfers if you move money to the same account regularly. You can schedule a transfer for a specific date or set it to repeat weekly, biweekly, or monthly. This is useful if you are moving money to a savings goal account or paying someone on a fixed schedule.

Transferring between your own Citi accounts

If you have multiple accounts at Citi — for example, a savings account and a checking account — you can transfer between them when ready. Log into online banking or the mobile app, select "Transfer Money," and choose the other Citi account from the list of available destinations. The money moves the same day if you initiate the transfer before the daily cutoff, usually around 5 p.m. Eastern Time on business days.

Transfers between your own Citi accounts do not require verification and do not count against daily transfer limits. You can move money back and forth as often as you need to.

Withdrawing cash at a Citi ATM or branch

You can withdraw money from your savings account at any Citi ATM using your debit card, or visit a Citi branch and ask a teller to withdraw cash for you. ATM withdrawals are when ready — the money comes out right away. Most Citi debit cards have a daily ATM withdrawal limit, often $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type and card. If you need to withdraw more than your daily limit, you can visit a branch and withdraw any amount (the teller may ask for identification).

Branch withdrawals also let you get a cashier's check or money order if you need to send money by mail or hand it to someone in person. Ask the teller about the fee — Citi typically charges $10 to $15 for a cashier's check, though some account types waive this fee.

Timing and cutoff times for transfers

Citi processes transfers on business days only — Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer after the daily cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Eastern) or on a weekend, it will be processed the next business day. This means a transfer initiated on Friday evening will not begin processing until Monday morning.

The receiving bank then processes the transfer on its own schedule. Some banks post transfers the same day they receive them. Others hold transfers overnight and post them the next morning. A few smaller banks or credit unions may take an additional day. If your transfer has not arrived after two business days, contact Citi to confirm it was sent, then contact the receiving bank to confirm they received it.

Transfers to accounts outside the United States

Citi can send money to bank accounts in other countries, but the process is different from domestic transfers. You will need the receiving bank's SWIFT code (an international routing identifier) and the account holder's full name and address. International transfers typically take three to five business days and may include a currency conversion fee if you are sending money in a different currency than your account is held in.

International transfers also cost more than domestic ones. Citi charges a flat fee (typically $15 to $25) plus any currency conversion markup. Ask Citi for the exact fee before you initiate the transfer. Some international transfers require you to call Citi directly rather than initiate them online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from my Citi savings account to a friend's account?

Yes, if you have your friend's routing number and account number. You will need to verify the account with test deposits the first time, which takes one to two business days. After that, transfers to that account take one to two business days to arrive. Citi does not charge a fee.

What happens if I try to transfer more than my daily limit?

The transfer will be rejected. You can increase or remove your daily transfer limit through your online account settings or by calling Citi. If you need to move a large amount when ready, visit a branch and withdraw cash, or ask Citi whether you can temporarily raise your limit.

How do I find the routing number and account number I need to give someone?

Your routing number and account number appear at the bottom of any check from your Citi account. You can also find them in your online banking profile under account details. The routing number is the same for all Citi customers in your region; the account number is unique to your account.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

If the transfer has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, Citi may be able to cancel it. Contact Citi when ready — the sooner you call, the better your chances. Once the receiving bank has posted the transfer to the destination account, you cannot cancel it through Citi; you would need to contact the receiving bank or the account holder directly.

Do I lose interest if I transfer money out of my savings account?

No. Interest accrues daily on your balance, and you earn interest on the money until the day it leaves your account. The receiving bank will begin earning interest on the money once it arrives and posts to their account.