Tiered checking account opening bonus

Citibank Regular Checking

Citi determines account eligibility, approval, and bonus qualification. Terms may change. Verify the latest terms on the official website before applying.

Official Website Last verified July 25, 2026

Verification ledger

Offer terms at a glance

We separate the headline from the conditions required to earn it.

Product name: Citibank Regular Checking
Financial institution: Citi
Offer type: Tiered checking account opening bonus
Current bonus: Up to $1,500
Required deposit or spending: Open and enroll through the offer by October 26, 2026, deposit new-to-Citibank funds within 45 days, then maintain the required balance for the next 45 days.
Direct deposit requirement: Not required for the bonus. Enhanced Direct Deposits may matter for the monthly fee under separate account rules.
Minimum balance: $30,000 for $500 or $200,000 for $1,500, measured and maintained as described in the offer.
Monthly or annual fee: Monthly service fee may apply under Citi’s current relationship-tier and deposit rules
How to waive the fee: The offer page states $250 or more in Enhanced Direct Deposits can avoid the Regular Checking monthly service fee; confirm current product disclosures.
Eligible states / geographic restrictions: Available to eligible new Citi checking customers through the official application channel.
Offer deadline: October 26, 2026
Estimated payout timing: Between the 90th and 120th calendar day after opening and completing the required activities.
Early closure considerations: The checking account must remain open and in good standing through payment.
Credit inquiry information: Citi does not state on the public offer page that this deposit-account application requires a hard credit inquiry.

Who it may suit

New Citi checking customers with substantial liquid funds from outside Citi.
People who can maintain the required balance without disrupting emergency or near-term needs.

Who it may not suit

People seeking a low-deposit payroll bonus.
People who need access to the deposited funds during the maintenance period.

Net value analysis

What the headline leaves out

The top bonus is large but ties up $200,000. Compare the bonus with interest that money could earn elsewhere, any account fees, liquidity needs, and taxes; the lower tier may have a different effective return.

Comparison context

How this offer differs

Unlike payroll-driven offers, Citi uses new-money balance tiers. It may suit liquid savers but is impractical for users whose main qualifying resource is direct deposit.

Important limitations

01Only new checking customers qualify.
02Enrollment must occur the same day the account opens.
03Funds must be new to Citibank under the offer definition.
04The account must remain open and in good standing.
05A linked new savings account may affect how qualifying balances are counted; read full terms.

Affiliate disclosure

This page currently uses an official, non-affiliate link. BonusMetric does not claim a partnership with Citi and does not receive compensation for this link.

Frequently asked questions

How much must I deposit for the Citi bonus?

The $500 tier requires at least $30,000 and the $1,500 tier requires at least $200,000 in qualifying new-to-Citibank funds.

Does Citi require direct deposit for this bonus?

No. This promotion is based on depositing and maintaining new-to-Citibank funds.

When does Citi pay?

The official page says payment occurs between days 90 and 120 after opening and completing the requirements.