Citi checking accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, but you can waive them by meeting one simple requirement

Citi's basic checking account, called Citibank Checking, charges a $10 monthly service fee. However, you can waive this fee entirely by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or by setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If you do neither, the $10 charge appears on your statement every month.

Citi also offers Citibank Basic Checking, which has no monthly maintenance fee at all. This account is designed for customers who want to avoid fees but don't need the features of a premium account. The tradeoff is fewer perks: no interest on your balance, limited check writing, and no ATM fee reimbursement.

Beyond the monthly fee, Citi checking accounts carry other charges you should know about. Overdraft fees run $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 per transaction unless you use Citi's ATM network or partner banks. Wire transfers, stop payments, and expedited check delivery each carry separate fees ranging from $15 to $30.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank Checking charges $10 per month but waives the fee if you keep $1,500 in your account or set up direct deposit of $500 or more monthly.
  • Citibank Basic Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it free if you avoid overdrafts and out-of-network ATM use.
  • Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction, and using ATMs outside Citi's network costs $2.50 each time.
  • Wire transfers, stop payments, and other services carry individual fees that can add up if you use them regularly.

How to waive the $10 monthly fee on Citibank Checking

The easiest path is setting up direct deposit. If your employer or a government agency deposits money into your Citi account automatically, the $10 fee disappears. You need at least $500 per deposit, but there is no limit on how many deposits you can receive. Once direct deposit is active, the waiver applies every month going forward.

If direct deposit is not an option, maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500. This means your account balance must stay at or above $1,500 every single day of the month. Even one day below that threshold means you pay the full $10 fee for that month. This method works but requires discipline if you live paycheck to paycheck.

You can also combine both methods. If your direct deposit is smaller than $500, you can make up the difference by keeping extra money in the account. The fee waiver applies as long as one of the two conditions is met.

Overdraft and ATM fees add up quickly

An overdraft fee of $35 hits your account every time you spend money you do not have. If you overdraft multiple times in one day, Citi may charge you for each transaction, so a single shopping trip could cost $70 or $105 in fees alone. The bank does not automatically decline transactions to prevent overdrafts; you have to opt in to overdraft protection or monitor your balance yourself.

ATM fees are smaller but frequent. Using a non-Citi ATM costs $2.50 per withdrawal. If you withdraw cash twice a week at a convenience store ATM, that is $20 per month in fees alone. Citi has a large ATM network, but if you travel or live far from a branch, out-of-network fees add up fast. Some banks reimburse these fees; Citi does not, except on premium accounts.

To avoid ATM fees, use Citi's own ATM network or partner banks. Citi has thousands of ATMs nationwide, and you can find them through the Citi mobile app or website. Partner networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass also let you withdraw cash for free at participating locations.

Wire transfers, checks, and other service fees

Sending a domestic wire transfer costs $15. An international wire costs $45. If you need to cancel a wire after sending it, that costs an additional $15. Stop payments on checks run $30 each. Ordering expedited checks costs $15 for a book of 25.

These fees are standard across most banks, but they add up if you use these services regularly. For example, if you send two wire transfers per month and stop one check, you are paying $60 in fees that month on top of your monthly maintenance fee.

Some of these services may be free or cheaper through your employer's payroll system or through bill pay features. Before paying for a wire transfer, check whether you can send money through your bank's bill pay system for free or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or Zelle.

Comparing Citi checking to other banks

Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have zero-fee checking with no strings attached. Credit unions often waive fees for members, though membership requirements vary.

The advantage of Citi is branch access and ATM availability. If you live in an area with many Citi branches or need in-person banking, the $10 fee may be worth it. If you bank mostly online and rarely need cash, a no-fee online bank is usually the better choice.

If you already have a Citi account and can meet the direct deposit or balance requirement, the fee is effectively free. If you cannot meet either condition, switching to Citibank Basic Checking or moving to another bank saves you $120 per year.

What happens if you overdraft your Citi checking account

When you spend more than your balance, Citi charges $35 per transaction that overdrafts your account. The transaction still goes through, so you end up with a negative balance plus the fee. If you do not deposit money to cover the overdraft within a set time, Citi may close your account and report you to ChexSystems, a banking history database that makes it harder to open accounts elsewhere.

You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit card to your checking account. If you overdraft, money transfers automatically from the linked account to cover it. This prevents the $35 fee, but your linked account may charge its own transfer fee, so check the terms first.

If you overdraft by accident, contact Citi customer service right away. The bank sometimes reverses one overdraft fee per year as a courtesy, though this is not may provide. Asking is free, and the worst they can say is no.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the monthly fee waived without direct deposit or a minimum balance?

No. Citi Checking requires one of those two conditions. Your only other option is to switch to Citibank Basic Checking, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, though it also has fewer features and no ATM fee reimbursement.

Does Citi refund overdraft fees?

Citi may reverse one overdraft fee per year as a courtesy if you call and ask, but this is not may provide. Setting up overdraft protection with a linked savings account prevents the fee from occurring in the first place.

Are there any Citi checking accounts with no fees at all?

Yes. Citibank Basic Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees if you opt out of overdraft protection. You also get no interest, limited check writing, and no ATM fee reimbursement, but the account itself is completely free.

What is the cheapest way to avoid Citi checking fees?

If your employer offers direct deposit, use it. That waives the $10 monthly fee on Citibank Checking with no effort. If direct deposit is not available, switch to Citibank Basic Checking or move to an online bank with no monthly fee.

Do I pay fees if I keep my Citi checking account inactive?

Citi does not charge a monthly fee for inactivity, but if your account sits unused for 12 months, the bank may close it. If you want to keep the account open but inactive, contact Citi to confirm the account will not be closed.