5/23/2023
Updated
Citibank is one of the most important banking institutions in the United States and the world, not in vain is within the big four, along with Chase Bank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
If you want to become a Citibank customer by opening a checking or savings account with the institution, you will need to know some information first, such as the requirements and the different bank accounts it offers.
How to open a Citibank account in 3 steps?
If you are wondering how to open a Citibank account in the United States, you should first consider what banking product you need. This assessment starts with what you want to do with your money.
You need to decide between a checking account to manage your daily income and expenses or a savings account to accumulate money for the future.
Either way, there are 3 basic steps to getting a Citibank account:
Gather your personal information
No matter if you're going to do the paperwork in person or online, you're going to be asked for:
- Social Security number
- Income and employment status
- Personal information: name, address and date of birth
- Contact information: phone number/cell phone number and email address
If you go to a branch near you, don't forget to bring your state/military ID and driver's license to comply with KYC policies.
Choose a Citibank account to open
This step requires you to calmly review the different options Citibank offers you. As you will see on their website or on Busconómico, their accounts do not ask for a minimum balance, but you must manage a certain amount of money monthly so that they do not charge you maintenance.
Among the current and savings alternatives, you will find:
Access Checking Account
This online checking account doesn't give you checks and avoids the hassles of overdraft plans. You can avoid the $5 monthly fee with a $250 direct deposit/bill pay each month.
Citibank Access account is a basic product with no checkbook that allows you to use a debit card and offers full functionality for everyday life
Regular Checking Account
This account is similar to the Access account, but it does allow you to have a checkbook and write checks for payments and purchases. The way to avoid the $15 a month maintenance fee is the same: direct deposit of at least $250 a month.
Citibank Access account is a basic product with no checkbook that allows you to use a debit card and offers full functionality for everyday life
Citibank's Regular Checking account is a fully operational checking account that offers you a checkbook and a debit card.
Citi Priority Account
This checking account offers premium rates, no initial deposit required, no fees for using your own/other banks' ATMs and free checks. You must maintain a balance of $50,000 (combined) to waive the $30 fee.
Citibank Access account is a basic product with no checkbook that allows you to use a debit card and offers full functionality for everyday life
Citibank's Regular Checking account is a fully operational checking account that offers you a checkbook and a debit card.
Citibank's Citi Priority checking account offers you different services and exclusive benefits within the Citi Priority package
Citigold Account
This financial instrument does not require an initial deposit, does not charge for using ATMs and does not have monthly commissions. It is indicated for those who manage more than $200,000, it gives you premium rates and different benefits.
Citibank Access account is a basic product with no checkbook that allows you to use a debit card and offers full functionality for everyday life
Citibank's Regular Checking account is a fully operational checking account that offers you a checkbook and a debit card.
Citibank's Citi Priority checking account offers you different services and exclusive benefits within the Citi Priority package
Citibank's Citigold checking account has no monthly fee and offers you a wide variety of services and exclusive advantages in your relationship with the entity
Citigold Private Client Account
This is the most exclusive of the options offered by Citibank to its private customers, but only accessible to those who have at least 1 million euros in combined balance in the bank. Of course, its advantages are greater than any other account of this bank.
Citi Savings Account
The Citibank savings account is offered as part of a package. It has up to 6 withdrawals per month, overdraft protection and automatic deposits. Yield is currently 12% APY and, if you don't link it to your checking account, it includes a $4.50 fee.
Citibank Access account is a basic product with no checkbook that allows you to use a debit card and offers full functionality for everyday life
Citibank's Regular Checking account is a fully operational checking account that offers you a checkbook and a debit card.
Citibank's Citi Priority checking account offers you different services and exclusive benefits within the Citi Priority package
Citibank's Citigold checking account has no monthly fee and offers you a wide variety of services and exclusive advantages in your relationship with the entity
Citi Savings account from Citibank allows you to obtain a return on your money with total availability to deposit it and withdraw it whenever you want
Apply to open an account with Citibank
This process can be done online, in person or by phone. It is a simple and quick process when you already have the requirements we mentioned above.
Applying by phone
We recommend that you call the customer service phone number: 888-248-4226 from 9 am to 11 pm (EST) to speak to a bank agent who will guide you through the process. Before the call, we suggest that you have your documents in hand so that you can provide what is requested without much delay.
Applying in person
If you prefer to visit a Citibank branch, you can do that too. The bank agent will guide you through the opening process.
This method is indicated for those who are opening their first account with this bank or who do not yet have this type of banking product. You can use the branch locator on the Citibank website to locate the nearest branch.
Online Application
The largest banks in the United States have been adapting to today's connectivity. That's why Citibank gives you the opportunity to open an account through the Internet from any of your mobile devices. It is a 4-step process:
- You go to the official website of this institution, which has a Spanish version if you wish.
- Navigate to the Checking or Savings Accounts section in the top right menu.
- Once there, choose the account you want to open.
- Finally, fill out the forms with the requested information.
As you can see, opening an account at Citibank is not complicated. Even so, if you think that this bank is not what you need, you can use the Busconomic database to find the ideal banking product.
Español: ¿Cómo abrir una cuenta en Citibank y qué requisitos tiene?