Citi is offering $325 to new checking customers who set up direct deposit. The requirement is two qualifying deposits totalling $3,000 — higher than some competing offers, but the payout is strong and the steps are simple.
Offer details verified July 25, 2026. Terms change and availability varies by ZIP code — confirm on Citi’s site before applying. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
📋 Citi $325 Bonus at a Glance
- Bonus amount: $325
- Account type: Citi Regular Checking, opened with Enhanced Direct Deposit
- What you must do: Two or more Enhanced Direct Deposits totalling $3,000 or more within 90 days of opening
- When you get paid: Within 30 calendar days of completing the requirements
- Must open by: October 26, 2026
- Eligibility: No Citi checking account in the past 365 days
- Availability: Varies by ZIP code
✅ How to Qualify
1. Open the account before the deadline
- Open a new Citi Regular Checking account before October 26, 2026.
- You must be at least 18 and not have owned a Citi checking account in the previous 365 days.
2. Set up two Enhanced Direct Deposits
- Complete two or more qualifying direct deposits within 90 calendar days of opening.
- Their combined total must reach $3,000 or more.
- Note the wording: Citi wants at least two separate deposits. One large $3,000 deposit will not satisfy the requirement on its own.
3. Keep the account in good standing
- The account must stay open and in good condition until the bonus posts.
- Expect the $325 within 30 calendar days of meeting the requirements.
⚠️ Terms Worth Knowing
- Two deposits, not one. This is the requirement people most often trip over.
- ZIP code matters. Citi runs different promotions in different markets. What you see may differ from what a friend in another state sees.
- It is taxable. The bonus is reported as interest income on a 1099-INT.
- Check the monthly fee for the package you are offered, and how to waive it — this varies by account tier.
💡 Pro Tips
- Two paychecks is the easy path. If you are paid twice monthly and earn $1,500 or more per cheque, redirecting a single month of pay clears the whole requirement.
- Check your ZIP first. Before you spend time on the application, confirm the $325 offer actually shows for your address.
- Do not close it immediately. Give it a few months past the payout to avoid clawback or early-closure fees.
🎯 Why This Bonus Is Worth Considering
- ✅ Strong payout. $325 is competitive against most nationwide checking offers.
- 🔄 Simple mechanics. No balance minimum to maintain, no debit card transaction quota, no bill-pay requirement.
- 📅 Generous window. Ninety days is comfortable if your pay cycle is monthly.
🔗 Ready to Apply?
👉 Open your Citi checking account and claim the $325 bonus
🧠 Final Thoughts
Citi’s $325 offer sits in a sensible middle ground. The $3,000 deposit threshold is higher than Chase’s $1,000, but lower than the $8,000 US Bank wants for its top tier — and unlike BMO, there is no state restriction to work around.
If you are running several bank bonuses through the year, this is a reasonable second or third stop. Just remember the two-deposit rule; it is the single most common reason people miss out on this one.
