Opening a Citibank Account: What You Need and How to Start

You can open a Citibank account online, by phone, or in person at a branch

Citibank offers several account types — checking, savings, and money market accounts — and you can start the process from home without visiting a branch. Most people open accounts online through Citibank's website, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). Citibank will also check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system banks use to review past account problems.

If you prefer to speak with someone or do not have internet access, you can call Citibank's phone line or walk into a local branch. Phone and in-person openings follow the same basic steps but take longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes by phone, or 30 to 45 minutes in a branch. The branch route is useful if you want to deposit cash when ready or have questions answered face-to-face.

Key Takeaways

You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address to open any Citibank account.
Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires an initial deposit, which can come from another bank account, a debit card, or a wire transfer.
Citibank checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so past overdrafts or fraud on other accounts may affect whether you can open an account.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), though some account types may have restrictions.
You can open an account online, by phone at 1-800-374-9500, or in person at any Citibank branch during business hours.

What documents and information you will need

Before you start, gather these items: a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent bill in your name, a bank statement from another institution or a letter from your employer will work.

You will also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. Citibank's minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some checking accounts require $0, while others ask for $100 or more. Check the specific account details before you start, because if you do not have enough to meet the minimum, the process will not go through. If you are opening the account online, have a debit card or another bank account number ready so you can transfer the opening deposit when ready.

Opening an account online through Citibank's website

Go to Citibank.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You will be asked to choose the type of account you want — checking, savings, or money market — and then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, address, phone number, and email. Citibank will ask for your driver's license or passport number so they can verify your identity. Have your ID in front of you when you do this.

Next, you will set up your login credentials — a username and password — and choose how to fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can transfer money from that account to your new Citibank account. If you have a debit card, you can use that instead. The transfer or charge usually goes through within one to two business days. Once your deposit is confirmed, your account is open and you can start using it right away, though your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account by phone

Call Citibank at 1-800-374-9500 and tell the representative you want to open a new account. They will walk you through the same questions you would answer online: your name, address, Social Security number or ITIN, and which type of account you want. Have your ID and proof of address nearby so you can read information directly from the documents if the representative asks for details.

The representative will also ask how you want to fund the account. If you give them another bank account number, they will set up a transfer. If you provide a debit card, they will charge it for the opening deposit. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes. After you hang up, you will receive a confirmation email with your new account number and login information. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Citibank branch using the branch locator on Citibank.com. Bring your government ID, proof of address, and the money you want to deposit — you can bring cash, a check, or a debit card to fund the account. Walk in during business hours and tell a representative you want to open a new account. They will take you to a desk and go through the process with you.

The in-person process is the slowest but the most straightforward if you are new to banking or uncomfortable with online forms. The representative can answer questions as you go, and if you bring cash, your deposit is when ready. You will leave with your account open, a temporary debit card (or instructions on when your permanent card will arrive), and login information for online banking. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What happens after you submit your process

Citibank will check your identity and your banking history. The identity check is usually when ready — they verify your ID number and Social Security number against government records. The banking history check uses ChexSystems, a database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and other problems at banks across the country. This check usually takes a few minutes, but Citibank may take up to one business day to complete it.

If ChexSystems shows problems on your record — such as unpaid overdrafts or a history of fraud — Citibank may deny your process or ask you to explain what happened. If your process is denied, Citibank will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what information they reviewed. You can dispute errors on that report directly with ChexSystems.

If you do not have a Social Security number

You can open a Citibank account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. If you have an ITIN, provide it where Citibank asks for a Social Security number.

Some account types or features may have restrictions if you use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number — for example, you might not be able to open certain investment accounts. Ask Citibank directly which accounts are available to you before you explore. You can call 1-800-374-9500 and ask, or visit a branch and speak with a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Citibank account if I have had problems with banks before?

It depends on what the problem was. Citibank checks ChexSystems, which tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees. If you owe money from a past account, you should pay it before explore — many banks will not open an account for someone with an outstanding debt. If the problem is old and you have since fixed it, Citibank may still open the account, but you should be prepared to explain.

How much money do I have to put in to open the account?

The minimum opening deposit depends on the account type. Some Citibank checking accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or $500. Check the account details on Citibank.com before you explore so you know what you need. If you do not have enough, you can wait until you do, or look at a different account type with a lower minimum.

Can I open an account if I do not have a permanent address?

Citibank requires proof of address, which usually means a recent bill or government mail in your name. If you do not have a permanent address, ask Citibank whether they will accept mail from a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a PO box. Call 1-800-374-9500 and explain your situation — they may have options you do not know about.

How long does it take to use my new account after I open it?

Your account is open when ready after approval, and you can use online banking right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened the account in person and the branch gave you a temporary card, you can use that at ATMs and stores while you wait for your permanent card.

What if my process is denied?

Citibank will send you a letter explaining why. The most common reasons are problems on your ChexSystems report or an issue with your identity verification. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what they saw, and you can dispute any errors directly with ChexSystems. You can also ask Citibank to reconsider if you can explain the problem.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.