The main ways Citi charges checking account fees

Citi's checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of their waiver conditions. The most common fee is $10 per month on the Citibank Basic Checking account, though some accounts charge $15. You can avoid this fee by keeping a minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance.

Beyond the monthly fee, Citi also charges for specific actions: overdraft fees (typically $35 per transaction), out-of-network ATM fees ($2.50 per withdrawal), and fees for stopping payment on a check ($30). Some of these are avoidable through your own behavior; others depend on your account type and settings.

Key Takeaways

  • The $10 monthly maintenance fee on Citi Basic Checking waives if you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or keep $5,000 in a linked Citi savings account.
  • Overdraft fees of $35 per transaction can be prevented by opting out of overdraft protection or by monitoring your balance before transactions.
  • Out-of-network ATM fees ($2.50 each) are avoidable by using Citi's ATM network or choosing a bank with surcharge-free ATM access.
  • Citi offers some accounts with no monthly fee if you meet specific conditions, so comparing account types before opening can save you money long-term.

Meeting the minimum balance requirement

The simplest way to waive Citi's monthly fee is to keep $1,500 in your checking account at all times. This is a daily minimum, meaning your balance cannot drop below that amount on any single day of the month. If it does, you will be charged the full monthly fee for that statement cycle.

This method works if you have steady income and predictable expenses, but it ties up money that could otherwise earn interest or be used elsewhere. For people living paycheck to paycheck, maintaining a $1,500 cushion may not be realistic. In that case, one of the other waiver methods is a better fit.

Setting up direct deposit to waive the fee

Citi waives the monthly maintenance fee if you receive at least one direct deposit per month into your checking account. Direct deposit means your employer (or another source like Social Security or a pension) transfers money electronically into your account on a regular schedule.

This waiver applies even if the direct deposit amount is small—there is no minimum deposit size. If you receive a paycheck, Social Security, disability benefits, or unemployment benefits by direct deposit, you already meet this condition. You will need to set up the direct deposit through your employer's payroll system or benefits portal; Citi cannot initiate it on your end.

If you do not currently receive direct deposit, you can ask your employer to switch you from a paper check or card. Some gig workers and self-employed people cannot use this method, in which case the balance or savings account waiver is the alternative.

Linking a savings account to waive checking fees

Citi will waive the checking account fee if you maintain a $5,000 minimum daily balance in a linked Citi savings account. Like the checking balance requirement, this is a daily minimum—the savings account balance cannot drop below $5,000 on any day of the month.

This option is useful if you already have savings set aside and want to keep it at Citi. However, it requires you to have $5,000 available, which is more than the $1,500 checking minimum. If you do not have that much saved, this method is not practical.

Avoiding overdraft and ATM fees

Overdraft fees are charged when you spend more money than you have in your account. Citi's overdraft fee is $35 per transaction. You can prevent this by opting out of overdraft protection, which stops transactions from going through if you do not have enough funds. Without overdraft protection, your debit card will be declined rather than charged a fee.

To opt out, log into your Citi account online or call Citi customer service and request that overdraft protection be disabled. This is a one-time change and will remain in effect unless you turn it back on.

Out-of-network ATM fees ($2.50 per withdrawal) are avoidable by using Citi's own ATM network. Citi has thousands of ATMs across the United States. If you do not have a Citi ATM nearby, you can also use ATMs from partner networks—Citi participates in the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks, which offer surcharge-free withdrawals at participating locations. Check Citi's ATM locator tool on their website to find free options near you.

Comparing Citi checking account types

Citi offers more than one checking account, and some have different fee structures. Citibank Basic Checking is the standard account with a $10 monthly fee (waivable as described above). Citi Priority Checking has a higher monthly fee ($15) but may offer additional benefits like higher interest rates or waived fees on certain services.

Before opening an account, review the fee schedule and waiver conditions for each type. If you know you cannot meet any of the waiver conditions for Basic Checking, a different account type or bank may be a better choice. Citi's website lists the full fee schedule for each account under their Pricing and Disclosures section.

What to do if you are charged a fee by mistake

If you believe you met the waiver conditions but were still charged a fee, contact Citi customer service by phone or through your online account. Explain which condition you met (direct deposit, minimum balance, or linked savings account) and ask them to review your account.

Citi may reverse a single fee as a courtesy, especially if it is your first time being charged. Keep records of your direct deposits or screenshots of your balance to support your case. If the fee is not reversed, you can escalate the complaint to Citi's customer service supervisor or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe the fee was charged in error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the direct deposit have to come from my job?

No. Citi counts any recurring electronic transfer into your account as direct deposit, including Social Security, pension payments, disability benefits, and unemployment benefits. The source does not matter—only that it is deposited electronically at least once per month.

What if my balance drops below $1,500 for just one day?

You will be charged the full monthly fee for that statement cycle. Citi checks your balance daily, so even a single day below the minimum triggers the fee. If you use the balance waiver, you need to keep the money there consistently.

Can I use a savings account at a different bank to waive the fee?

No. The $5,000 savings account must be held at Citi and linked to your Citi checking account. Savings accounts at other banks do not count toward this waiver.

Are there Citi checking accounts with no monthly fee at all?

Citi's standard checking accounts all have a monthly fee, but it is waivable through the methods listed above. Some online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no waiver conditions, so if you cannot meet Citi's requirements, comparing other banks may save you money.

If I opt out of overdraft protection, will my transactions be declined?

Yes. Without overdraft protection, transactions will be declined if you do not have enough funds in your account. This prevents the $35 overdraft fee but may be inconvenient if you rely on overdraft as a safety net. You can turn overdraft protection back on at any time by contacting Citi.