Citi Bank
Checking Bonus
Soft credit pull • ChexSystems check
$3,000+
Total EDD Required
90
Days to Complete
2+
Minimum Deposits
$325
Bonus Amount
Steps to Complete
Follow these steps to earn your $325 bonus
Open Citi Checking Account
Day 0Apply online or in-branch. Soft credit pull, ChexSystems check required.
Set up Enhanced Direct Deposit
Days 1-90From qualifying sources: payroll, government benefits, or verified ACH pushes
Complete 2+ deposits totaling $3,000+
Days 1-90Any combination works. Track total within your 90-day window
Wait for bonus payout
90-120+ daysOfficial: 30 days after completion. Reality: expect 90-120+ days
Bonus Timeline
After meeting requirements within 90 days, bonus arrives within the following 30-day window. Set calendar reminders for 90 and 120 days from account opening.
What Counts as Enhanced Direct Deposit
Official Citi definition plus community-verified sources
Official Definition
Citi defines Enhanced DD as ACH deposits of payroll, pension, Social Security, and government benefits. However, banking systems often can't distinguish between different ACH source types, so in practice most legitimate ACH transfers from other banks end up qualifying.
Officially Qualifies
4Community Confirmed ✓
7Multiple datapoints confirm qualification
Recent datapoint: $325 posted Aug 2024
Recent datapoint: ~$3k worked
Usually Works ✓
2Officially Excluded ✗
7Important Note
Citi's coding can change. If not using official payroll, start with a small test ACH to verify it triggers Enhanced DD coding.
Monthly Service Fees
Account fees and waiver requirements for Citi checking accounts
New Account Grace Period
Fees are automatically waived for the opening month + 3 additional months
Citi Priority Account
Regular checking account
Access Account
Basic checking with lower requirements
Fee Waiver (Both Account Types)
Enhanced Direct Deposit
$250+ in qualifying direct deposits per month
Qualifying EDD includes:
- • Payroll deposits
- • Government benefits (Social Security, unemployment, etc.)
- • Pension payments
- • ACH transfers from other institutions
Relationship Tier
Qualify for Citi Priority or above relationship status
Pro Tips
Keep Account Active
Maintain any balance above $0 to avoid potential account closure after 90 days of zero balance.
Tips & Best Practices
Practical strategies based on community experience and official terms
Split deposits work perfectly
You can split the $3,000+ over multiple deposits. No individual minimums - total Enhanced DD within 90 days is what counts.
Test with small ACH first
If not using payroll, try a brokerage/bank ACH (Fidelity, SoFi) with a small test amount before sending the full $3,000.
Bonus timing: 90-120 days total
After meeting requirements within 90 days, bonus arrives within the following 30-day window. Set calendar reminders for 90 and 120 days from account opening.
Maintain $250+ EDD for fee waiver
Keep $250+ Enhanced DD monthly to auto-waive fees, or rely on the initial 3-month waiver period if temporary.
Fine Print
Important terms and conditions to review