Citizens Bank does charge monthly fees on most checking accounts, but the amount and whether you pay it depends on your account type and how you use it

Citizens Bank offers several checking account options, and most come with a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet specific conditions. The basic checking account typically carries a monthly fee (the exact amount varies by state and account type), but you can waive it by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or meeting other requirements that Citizens Bank sets. The specific fee structure and waiver options differ between their standard accounts and premium accounts like their checking products designed for higher balances.

The key is understanding which account you have and what triggers the fee. Citizens Bank does not charge the same fee across all checking accounts, and some accounts have no monthly fee at all if you meet their conditions. Before opening an account or if you already have one, you need to know your account's specific fee schedule and what actions prevent the charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Citizens Bank checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet a waiver condition such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
  • The fee amount and waiver options vary by account type and by state, so you must check your specific account's terms.
  • You can find your account's fee schedule in your account agreement, on the Citizens Bank website, or by calling customer service.
  • If you are being charged a fee you did not expect, contact Citizens Bank to confirm whether you may have access to for a waiver based on your current account activity.

How Citizens Bank checking account fees work

Citizens Bank charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts to cover the cost of account management and services. This fee is not automatic for everyone—it applies only if you do not meet the bank's waiver conditions. The most common ways to avoid the fee are to keep a minimum daily balance (often $500 to $1,500 depending on the account), set up direct deposit of your paycheck, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month.

The exact fee amount and waiver thresholds depend on which checking account you hold. Citizens Bank offers different account tiers, and each has its own fee structure. Some accounts are designed for customers who want no monthly fee and are willing to meet specific conditions; others are premium accounts with higher fees but more features. You need to know which account you have to understand what you owe.

Finding your account's specific fee and waiver conditions

The fastest way to learn your account's fee is to check your account agreement or the fee schedule Citizens Bank provided when you opened the account. This document lists the monthly maintenance fee, the exact amount, and every condition that waives it. If you do not have this document, you can request it from Citizens Bank or find it on their website under your account type.

You can also log into your Citizens Bank online account or mobile app and look for account details or fee information. Many banks display this information in the account settings or help section. If you cannot find it online, call Citizens Bank customer service with your account number and ask them to confirm your monthly fee and what you need to do to avoid it. They can also tell you whether you currently may have access to for a waiver based on your recent account activity.

What happens if you do not meet the waiver conditions

If you do not maintain the required minimum balance, do not set up direct deposit, or do not meet whatever other condition Citizens Bank sets for your account, the monthly fee will be charged to your account automatically. The fee is deducted from your balance, so it reduces the money available to you. This happens every month unless you change your account activity to meet a waiver condition.

The fee is not a penalty—it is a standard charge that Citizens Bank applies to accounts that do not meet their conditions. However, if you believe you should may have access to for a waiver and the fee was charged in error, you can contact Citizens Bank and ask them to review your account. Some banks will reverse one or two fees if you can show you met the conditions or if you are a long-standing customer, but this is not may provide.

Comparing Citizens Bank checking to accounts with no monthly fee

Not all banks charge monthly checking account fees. Many online banks and some credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. If you want to avoid monthly fees entirely, you have options outside of Citizens Bank. However, Citizens Bank accounts may offer features or branch access that matter to you, so the decision depends on what you value.

If you stay with Citizens Bank, the simplest way to avoid the fee is usually to set up direct deposit of your paycheck. This is often the easiest waiver condition to meet and requires no ongoing balance management. If you do not receive direct deposit, ask Citizens Bank which other waiver options are available for your account type and whether any of them fit your situation.

What to do if you are being charged a fee you did not expect

If you see a monthly fee on your Citizens Bank statement that you did not anticipate, the first step is to confirm what account you have and what the fee is for. Log into your account or call customer service and ask them to explain the charge. They can tell you whether it is a maintenance fee, an overdraft fee, or something else, and whether you may have access to for a waiver.

If you believe the fee was charged in error—for example, if you met the conditions to waive it—ask Citizens Bank to review your account activity. Bring documentation if you have it, such as proof of direct deposit or a record of your balance. If the fee was applied correctly but you do not want to pay it going forward, ask what changes you need to make to your account to avoid it in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Citizens Bank checking account with no monthly fee?

Citizens Bank offers some account options that have no monthly fee if you meet specific conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. However, most of their standard checking accounts do charge a fee unless you may have access to for a waiver. Check your account agreement or contact Citizens Bank to see whether your account has a no-fee option available.

How much is the monthly fee on a Citizens Bank checking account?

The fee amount varies by account type and state. It typically ranges from $5 to $15 per month, but you should check your specific account agreement or contact Citizens Bank to confirm the exact fee for your account. The fee schedule is included in the terms you received when you opened the account.

What is the easiest way to waive the Citizens Bank checking account fee?

Direct deposit is usually the easiest waiver condition to meet. If your employer deposits your paycheck directly into your Citizens Bank account, the monthly fee is typically waived automatically. If you do not receive direct deposit, ask Citizens Bank what other waiver options are available for your account type.

Will Citizens Bank refund a monthly fee if I ask?

Citizens Bank may reverse one or two fees if you contact them and explain your situation, but this is not may provide. If you met the conditions to waive the fee and it was charged in error, they are more likely to refund it. If the fee was applied correctly, ask what you need to do to avoid it in the future instead.

Can I switch to a different Citizens Bank checking account to avoid the fee?

Citizens Bank offers different account types with different fee structures. You may be able to switch to an account with lower fees or easier waiver conditions. Contact Citizens Bank and ask whether you can change your account type and what the fee and waiver conditions would be for the new account.