Citibank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
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- Savings
- Checking
- CD rates
- Banking experience
- Overdraft fees
Overall institution rating
4.0
Citibank has many perks you can expect from a big, national bank, including a wide range of product offerings and a massive ATM network. But it has fewer branches than some of its peers, like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, and its most competitive savings account is not available in all regions.
Best for: Customers who want access to a huge network of free ATMs and a variety of banking products and live in one of the regions that’s eligible for Citi’s high-yield savings account.
Pros
- Many customer service options.
- More than 65,000 fee-free ATMs.
- Approximately 4,000 branches in over 40 countries.
- CD rates high compared to those at other national banks.
Cons
- Most savings rates are low; better rates available elsewhere.
- Fewer U.S. branches (about 600) than similar-sized peers.
Full review
Savings
3.5
/5 NerdWallet ratingCiti Savings can be a good place to keep your money safe and accessible, but its rates are generally low. You’ll find better rates — generally above 1.70% — at online-only banks or credit unions.
» Want to see more options? Check out NerdWallet’s best savings accounts
Checking
4.0
/5 NerdWallet ratingAt $12, the monthly fee for Simple Checking is on the high side, but you can get it waived by setting up at least one direct deposit and one bill payment per statement period. And you can make free withdrawals from your account at more than 65,000 ATMs, which is many more than some other national banks offer.
The checking account in the basic banking package has the best balance of options to avoid the monthly fee and to access services such as check writing.
» Looking for a sign-up promotion? Check out current Citibank bonus offers
CD
4.0
/5 NerdWallet ratingCitibank’s CD rates are much higher than those of other national banks, and even national average CD yields, but you can still find online banks and credit unions with better rates.
» Find high yields with our list of best CD rates for the month
Banking experience
4.0
NerdWallet ratingUsers can contact the bank 24 hours a day, and its customer service channels include phone, live chat and Twitter. The Android and iOS apps earn high user ratings.
Branches are plentiful in New York and California, but less so in other states. Citi offers more than 65,000 fee-free ATMs — more than the three largest national banks combined. And if you’re traveling abroad, it’s helpful to know that you can get service at the bank’s thousands of overseas branches.
» Looking for more Citi products? Check out Citi credit cards with cash-back, balance transfer and travel rewards features
Overdraft fees
4.5
NerdWallet ratingIn June 2022, Citibank joined the league of other banks that don’t charge overdraft fees. If you don’t have enough funds in your account, your ATM and other debit card transactions will be declined. Optional overdraft protection transfers are still available from another linked Citi account, but they're also now free.
How does Citibank, N.A. compare?
 SoFi Checking and Savings Member FDIC |  CIT Bank Platinum Savings Member FDIC |  Citizens Online Savings Account Member FDIC |
|---|---|---|
NerdWallet rating 5.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 |
APY 4.20% With $0 min. balance for APY | APY 4.85% With $5,000 min. balance for APY | APY 4.50% With $0.01 min. balance for APY |
Bonus $250 Earn up to $250 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Bonus N/A | Bonus N/A |
Learn more at SoFi | Learn more at CIT Bank | Learn more at Citizens |
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. How we rate banks, credit unions and other financial service providers.
