In August 2026, Citi is advertising up to $1,500 for a new Regular Checking account after required activities. The nationally reported personal offer pays $325 for qualifying deposits, while a separate business promotion reaches $2,000. A bank bonus is cash paid for opening an account and meeting stated conditions. The headline amount matters less than the deposit method, deadlines, fees, and eligibility disclosures attached to it.
Table of Contents
- What personal checking bonus is currently documented?
- Which deposits count toward the $325 requirement?
- How does the monthly fee affect the bonus?
- Who can select a Citi Relationship Tier?
- How does the business offer compare?
What personal checking bonus is currently documented?
Citi's official Citigold offer page displays an "up to $1,500" Regular Checking promotion. However, the supplied evidence does not establish its individual reward tiers or show that every applicant can earn the maximum. The clearer nationally reported option pays $325.
Forbes Advisor says a new Regular Checking customer must receive at least two qualifying direct deposits totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days. The reported application deadline is October 26, 2026. Readers should not treat the $1,500 headline and $325 offer as interchangeable. Confirm the exact promotion shown during application and retain its terms, because the required activities may differ.
Which deposits count toward the $325 requirement?
Citi calls an eligible payment an "Enhanced direct deposit." This means the payment must arrive through an approved electronic route, not simply increase the account balance. According to Citi's account terms, qualifying routes include ACH payroll, pensions, Social Security, government benefits, qualifying Zelle payments, and certain ACH-based PayPal or Venmo-type payments.
Several common funding methods do not qualify: For example, depositing a $3,000 check would reach the dollar target but would not satisfy the Enhanced Direct Deposit definition. Both the payment route and the total amount must qualify.
- Cash deposited with a teller
- Checks or mobile-check deposits
- Wire transfers
- Transfers between Citi accounts
- ATM deposits
How does the monthly fee affect the bonus?
Regular Checking carries a $15 monthly service fee. Citi states that the fee is waived for a month receiving at least $250 in Enhanced Direct Deposits.
That waiver test is separate from the promotion's reported $3,000 requirement. A customer could satisfy the bonus early but still face later monthly fees if qualifying deposits stop. Before applying, distinguish between these two tasks:.
- Complete at least two qualifying deposits totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days for the reported bonus.
- Receive at least $250 in Enhanced Direct Deposits during each relevant month to use the stated fee waiver.
Who can select a Citi Relationship Tier?
Citi's Relationship Tiers depend on combined eligible balances. Its Consumer Deposit Account Agreement lists entry ranges of $30,000 to $199,999.99 for Citi Priority, $200,000 to $999,999.99 for Citigold, and at least $1 million for Citigold Private Client. The disclosed retention thresholds are lower: $180,000 for Citigold and $800,000 for Citigold Private Client.
An entry threshold and a retention threshold therefore serve different purposes. Tier selection also has a significant new-customer restriction. Only someone without a Citi checking, savings, CD, IRA, or CGMI investment account during the preceding 30 days may select a Relationship Tier when opening a deposit account. Existing customers cannot automatically choose a tier merely by opening another account.
How does the business offer compare?
The separate business-checking promotion uses deposited balances rather than the personal offer's direct-deposit test. Forbes Advisor's August 2026 promotion report documents rewards from $300 for $5,000 to $19,999 in new-to-Citi funds up to $2,000 for at least $200,000. Customers must fund the business account by day 45 and maintain the required balance through day 90.
Enrollment must occur through a Citi Business Specialist by the reported October 6, 2026 deadline. The top business reward requires far more capital than the $325 personal offer. Before enrolling, confirm the applicable tier and ensure the required funds can remain in the account through day 90.
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