Citi Priority Checking Account Review 2024
The Citi Priority Checking account comes with a variety of benefits, such as a generous signup bonus, waived fees, and special deals on other products and services.
Take a closer look at the Citi Priority Checking account to decide if it makes sense for your finances.
Citi Priority Checking Account At-a-Glance
Pros and Cons of the Citi Priority Checking Account
Find the Best Checking Accounts
Hundreds of banks offer checking accounts, and there’s fierce competition among them to offer the best perks and the lowest fees. Use the tool below to sort through the list to find a checking account that fits your financial goals.
Compare to Other Checking Accounts
When you’re choosing a checking account, it’s always a good idea to compare it with the competition.
See how the Citi Priority Checking account stacks up against some of the best checking accounts.
American Express®, Member FDIC
While you can’t manage the American Express®, member FDIC, checking account in person like you can with the Citi Priority Checking account, you may earn a competitive APY on balances.
Just like many checking accounts, the Citi Priority Checking account doesn’t offer any interest to help your money grow.
Chime
Chime isn’t a bank like Citi, but it offers a checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
However, it lags behind in the mobile banking department because it doesn’t let you deposit checks through the app like you can with the Citi Priority Checking account. Chime also limits deposits to $1,000 every 24 hours and up to $10,000 per month.
Aspiration
Aspiration stands out in that it lets you support the environment. While it doesn’t offer a signup bonus like the Citi Priority Checking account, its single checking and savings account does come with a significant APY on up to $10,000 worth of savings.
Who Is a Citi Priority Checking Account For?
If any of the following apply to you, the Citi Priority Checking account should be on your radar.
- You’re already a Citi customer
- You frequently travel or send money abroad
- You tend to keep large amounts of cash in your checking account
- You’re looking for a large bonus
- You live near a Citi branch and prefer in-person banking
If you don’t hold a lot of money in your checking account or want to earn at least a bit of interest on the funds you store there, you might want to explore other options.
Top Features of the Citi Priority Checking Account
Here’s an overview of a few of the most noteworthy features of the Citi Priority Checking account.
Signup Bonus
Citi doesn’t skimp on the signup bonus for the Citi Priority Checking account. While the amount you can earn depends on your balance, you have the potential to score hundreds or even up to $2,000 with minimal effort.
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to maintain a certain minimum balance for a set time period to qualify, and this offer is subject to change.
Fraud Monitoring
When you open a Citi Priority Checking account, you’ll be able to use a debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash. Rest assured, Citi will monitor transactions and help you detect and prevent fraud before it becomes a serious inconvenience.
Travel Perks
If you’re an avid traveler, you’re sure to appreciate the travel perks offered by the Citi Priority Checking checking account.
Citi won’t charge you fees when you make international ATM withdrawals or foreign exchange fees when you use your debit card abroad. This can save you a lot of cash as these fees can add up quickly.
Special Product Pricing
Once you take the plunge and opt for a Citi Priority Checking account, you’ll be eligible for discounts and perks on certain products. For example, you may land an interest rate discount on a Citi mortgage.
Investment Benefits
You’ll receive access to investment benefits from Citi Personal Wealth Management. This includes on-demand financial advice by Citi Priority Advisors. You can reach out to them via phone or in person at a local branch.
How to Get Started
You can sign up for a Citi Priority Checking account online. All you have to do is go to Citi’s website and navigate to the checking account section. There, you’ll see the Citi Priority Checking account and the Apply Now button.
Once you click Apply Now, you’ll need to confirm your identity and share your personal information. Be prepared to reveal your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. You’ll also need to submit a copy of a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
Then, you’ll be asked to read and accept the disclosures and enter external account details so you can fund your new account. To be eligible for a Citi Priority Checking account, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident and at least 18 years old.
Rating the Features
Let’s dive deeper into the many features of the Citi Priority Checking account so you can make the most informed decision.
User Experience
It couldn’t be easier to sign up for a Citi Priority Checking account. As long as you have access to the intuitive Citi website on your desktop or mobile device, you should be able to complete it quickly.
Once you actually have the account, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your balance, make deposits, transfer funds, pay bills, and more online, on your phone or tablet, or in person at a local branch.
Fees
The Citi Priority Checking account does charge a $30 monthly maintenance fee, which is quite high for a bank account. However, if you keep at least $30,000 in deposits and/or retirement and investment funds with Citi, you can waive it.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about ATM fees, even if you use a non-Citi ATM. Also, you’ll be able to make purchases and withdraw funds with your debit card without incurring any extra fees.
Rates
Don’t expect to earn interest with the Citi Priority Checking account. Just like most checking accounts, its APY is 0%. You’ll have to park your cash in a savings account, money market account, or another interest-bearing account if you’d like to earn interest on your hard-earned money.
Variety
The Citi Priority Checking account is just one of Citi’s checking account options. You can choose a more basic, affordable account or upgrade to the Citigold checking account. For example, as it offers premier banking services, advanced wealth planning, and other premium benefits you won’t get with the Citi Priority Checking account.
Customer Support
If you have questions or need assistance, you can connect to a Citi customer service representative via phone from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. The number is 800-374-9500.
Another option is to send an email or schedule an appointment at a nearby Citi branch. If you prefer, you can also send questions by snail mail.
Access
Citi’s Priority Checking account is available to customers in all 50 states. You can manage your account on its website through your desktop or via the mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
Citi also has more than 2,600 branches and a huge network of over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, so you may also perform your banking needs in person if you prefer.
Bottom Line
The Citi Priority Checking account is a solid pick if you have a lot of cash and want a large signup bonus.
You’ll also get professional financial guidance, the chance to bank in-person, online, or via a mobile app, great deals on other Citi products, and many other perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Citi is a reputable bank that insures checking accounts up to $250,000 per person through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This can give you some extra peace of mind.
The Citi Priority Checking account doesn’t require you to open another account. However, if you do, you might find it easier to meet the $30,000 and avoid the monthly service fee. You’ll also be able to manage all your accounts in one spot.
If you consider yourself a high net-worth individual and want to reap the benefits of advanced financial planning, access to the Citigold Concierge, and other great perks, the Citigold Checking account can be a good option. Just make sure you can maintain at least $200,000 in combined balances.
