Citi Regular Checking: Earn $325 Bonus with $3,000 Direct Deposits

Get $325 when you open a new Citi Regular Checking account and complete two direct deposits totaling $3,000+ within 90 days.

You're scrolling through your banking app, frustrated by another month of $12 maintenance fees eating into your balance. Meanwhile, Citibank wants to pay you $325 to switch — if you can move $3,000 in direct deposits within 90 days.

The Numbers

Citi's Regular Checking bonus pays $325 cash when you:

The math: $325 bonus ÷ $3,000 required deposits = 10.8% return on your money.

What Counts as Enhanced Direct Deposit

Citi defines Enhanced Direct Deposits (marketing speak for "qualifying deposits") as ACH transfers from:

Transfers between your own accounts or wire transfers don't count toward the $3,000 requirement.

The Monthly Fee Structure

Regular Checking charges $15/month unless you maintain:

For someone depositing a $2,000 monthly paycheck, you'd easily avoid the fee. Miss the requirement? That's $180/year in fees.

Account Features Beyond the Bonus

What the marketing doesn't tell you: The $3,000 deposit requirement for the bonus is separate from the ongoing $250/month needed to waive fees. You could deposit $3,000 in month one for the bonus, then need just $250/month afterward — but many assume they need $3,000 monthly.

Historical Context

Citi's checking bonuses have ranged from $200-$500 over the past three years:

Today's offer requires $3,000 in deposits for $325 — middle of the pack for effort versus reward.

Who This Works For

Good fit if you:

Skip if you:

The Numbers Recap


This article provides information about bank account bonuses. Banking relationships involve various fees and requirements. Consider your financial situation before opening new accounts.

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