Key takeaways
- Citi has one checking bonus right now. The Citibank Regular Checking account offers $325 when you open a new account and set up direct deposit.
- You’ll need $3,000 in direct deposits. At least two direct deposits totaling $3,000 or more must post within 90 days of opening the account.
- Watch the offer window. Open a new Regular Checking account by October 26, 2026 to qualify for the bonus.
Citibank, or just Citi, does offer bank account bonuses from time to time.
At the time of writing, Citibank only has one bank account bonus and it’s for a checking account.
All Citi bonuses at a glance
| Account | Bonus amount | Requirements | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citibank Regular Checking account | $325 | Open a new Regular Checking account by October 26, 2026 and set up direct deposit. You must have received at least two direct deposits within 90 days of account opening, and the direct deposits must total $3,000 or more. |
Citi’s best bonus offer
Considering the single bonus on offer, the Citibank Regular Checking account $325 offer is the best by default.
But the offer is what we’d consider middle of the road. It really only requires setting up direct deposit, but the total deposits must total $3,000 within 90 days of opening. Compared to other bonuses with similar payouts, the requirements are simple, but it will require $3,000 over the course of a few months to get $325. So not the worst we’ve seen, but it’s not the best bonus offer or the easiest one to earn, either.
What does Citi consider a qualifying direct deposit?
Citibank states that to earn the $325 bonus, you need to set up “Enhanced Direct Deposit (EDD)” of at least $250, and at the same time you apply for your new Regular Checking account.
What does Citi mean by enhanced direct deposit?
Short answer: Basically, it just means Citi wants you to have direct deposit through a legitimate source through the ACH network (which will include typical payroll or government benefits).
Long answer: Citi requires that your direct deposit is an electronic deposit through the ACH network and is of payroll, pension, Social Security, government benefits and other payments. Also, the “enhanced” direct deposit can include incoming Zelle payments or other peer-to-peer apps if transferred through the ACH network.
At the end of the day, Citi just doesn’t include ATM deposits or transfers between accounts as “direct deposit” for the purpose of waiving its account monthly fees or earning bonuses. To meet Citi’s requirements, your direct deposit just has to be legit.
Who is eligible for a Citibank bank account bonus?
Citibank’s current offer does eligible folks to have not owned a Citibank Regular Checking account or Access Checking account in the last 365 days, and that you’re 18 years old, and you sign up for the account and meet requirements in the offer period between April 14, 2026 to October 26, 2026.
Compare more bank account bonuses
Not a bad offer, but there’s only one from Citibank. Compare more bank account bonus offers.
- Earn a $250 bonus with fee-free 360 Checking
- 70,000+ fee-free ATMs
- 24/7 mobile banking with Capital One app
Earn a $250 bonus with 360 Checking. Open a new account on or after August 22nd, 2024 using the promo code CHECKING250 then set up and receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more within 75 days of account opening. Terms Apply.
- Earn $50 or $400 when you sign up and set up eligible direct deposit
- 0.50% APY on checking balance
- Up to 3.30% APY on savings
- $0 account or overdraft fees
- No credit check required to apply
- No monthly fees or minimum deposit
- Build credit plus earn up to 4% bonus
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