Citi's Big Checking Bonus: How to Snag Up to $1,500 (But Read This First)

Alright, let's talk about a serious chunk of change. Citibank is dangling a cash bonus of up to $1,500 for opening a new checking account, and the deadline to get in on it is April 13, 2026. That's a headline that gets anyone's attention. But as with any bank bonus, the devil is in the details—and the requirements here are pretty specific. I've dug into the fine print so you can figure out if this offer makes sense for your financial situation, or if it's more hassle than it's worth. Let's break it down.

Two Paths to a Payout

Citi is actually running two distinct promotions side-by-side. You need to choose one path when you enroll, so understanding the difference is crucial.

The first is the big headline grabber: a tiered bonus based on how much money you can park in the account. The second is a smaller, more accessible bonus that relies on setting up direct deposits.

• The Balance Path: Aim for $750 or $1,500. To qualify for the $750 bonus, you need to deposit and maintain a $30,000 balance. For the full $1,500, you'll need a whopping $200,000. These funds must be 'New-to-Citibank' money—so you can't just shuffle cash from an existing Citi savings account.
• The Direct Deposit Path: Aim for $325. This requires setting up at least two qualifying 'Enhanced Direct Deposits' (think payroll, pension, or government benefits) totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days of opening the account.

The Timeline is Everything

This isn't a 'get your money next week' deal. Both bonuses have a holding period you must navigate successfully.

For the big balance bonus, the clock starts ticking as soon as you open the account. You have 45 days to get your funds in place. The balance on that 45th day locks in your bonus tier. Then, you must maintain that minimum balance for another 45 consecutive days. Only after that 90-day marathon do you enter the waiting period for your cash to actually land in your account.

• Day 1: Open account and enroll in the offer.
• Day 45: Your account balance on this day determines your bonus tier ($30k for $750, $200k for $1,500).
• Days 46-90: You must maintain the required minimum balance without dipping below.
• Days 90-120: Your bonus should be credited to your account during this window.

Practical Advice and Pitfalls to Avoid

A four-figure bonus is tempting, but you have to go in with your eyes wide open. Here's what I'd be thinking about if I were considering this offer.

• The Opportunity Cost of $200,000: Parking that much cash in a checking account for 90+ days is a major commitment. You have to ask yourself: could that money be working harder for you elsewhere, like in a high-yield savings account or investments? The effective 'return' from the bonus might not outweigh what you're giving up in interest.
• Mind the Fees: Citi's Regular Checking account has monthly service fees that can be waived, but you must meet specific requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposits. Don't let a fee eat into your bonus. Check the latest fee schedule on their site before applying.
• Enroll Correctly: You must use the specific offer link when you apply and enroll in the promotion on the same day you open the account. If you just wander into a branch or apply through the general website, you will almost certainly not get the bonus. No exceptions.
• Document Everything: Take screenshots of the offer terms when you apply. Note your account opening date and set calendar reminders for the 45-day and 90-day marks. Keep records of your transfers and direct deposits. If there's any issue with the bonus payout, you'll need this paper trail.

Who This Offer Is Actually Good For

So, is this for you? It might be a fantastic deal in a couple of specific scenarios.

If you have a large lump sum sitting in a low-interest account (like an old savings account at another bank or even cash from a home sale) that you don't need to touch for a few months, moving it to grab $1,500 is a smart, low-risk play.

The $325 direct deposit bonus is a much more standard offer and could be a good fit if you're looking for a new primary checking account and can easily switch your payroll deposits. The $3,000 total requirement over 90 days is fairly reasonable for many salaried workers.

Bottom Line

• The $1,500 tier requires a massive $200,000 balance—calculate if the bonus outweighs potential lost interest.
• You must enroll via the offer link on the same day you open the account, or you forfeit the bonus.
• The process takes patience: expect to wait 3-4 months from start to finish before seeing the cash.
• The $325 direct deposit offer is more accessible but requires setting up qualifying payroll or benefit deposits.

Common Questions