What you need to open a Citibank account

You can open a Citibank checking or savings account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Citibank will ask for a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

If you're opening an account online, you'll need to upload photos of your ID and address proof. If you go to a branch, bring the physical documents with you. Either way, you'll also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account — this varies by account type, and some accounts have no minimum opening deposit.

You'll choose a username and password during the process, and Citibank will give you a debit card if you open a checking account. The card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of your address to open any Citibank account.
  • Opening online takes about 15 minutes and requires you to upload photos of your ID and address proof.
  • Some Citibank accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others require $100 to $500 depending on the account type.
  • Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days after your account opens.
  • You can also open an account in person at a Citibank branch or by calling their customer service line.

Opening an account online

Go to Citibank's website and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You'll be asked to choose between a checking account, savings account, or money market account. Select the one that fits what you need — if you're not sure, checking is the most common choice for everyday banking.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Citibank will ask you to create a username and password for online banking. Then you'll upload a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a photo of a document showing your current address, like a utility bill or lease.

Once Citibank verifies your documents, they'll ask you to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account, or if you don't have one yet, you can deposit money in person at a Citibank branch later. Your account will be active when ready, though your debit card will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

Opening an account at a branch

Find a Citibank branch near you using their branch locator on the website or by calling 1-800-CITIBANK. Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number (you can write it on a piece of paper if you don't have a card), and proof of your address. Go during business hours — most branches are open Monday through Friday and some on Saturday.

Tell the person at the desk you want to open an account. They'll walk you through the same questions you'd answer online: your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. They'll make copies of your ID and address proof. Then you'll choose how much money to deposit to open the account and how you want to fund it — you can bring cash, a check, or transfer from another account.

The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll get a temporary debit card on the spot if you open a checking account, and your permanent card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Your account is ready to use when ready.

Opening an account by phone

Call Citibank at 1-800-CITIBANK and tell them you want to open an account. Have your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of your address ready — you won't need to show them over the phone, but the representative will ask you to read the information from them.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online or in-person process. They'll explain the account options and help you choose one. You'll create a username and password over the phone. Then you'll need to mail or bring your ID and address proof to a Citibank branch within a certain number of days to complete the process — Citibank will tell you the important date when you call.

Once your documents are verified, your account will be fully active. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use when ready, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet. You can set up direct deposit of your paycheck, transfer money from another bank, or deposit cash at a Citibank branch or ATM. You can also pay bills and send money to other people through online banking or the Citibank mobile app.

When your debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Citibank app. Then you can use it to buy things in stores, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay online. Your account will have a monthly statement showing all your transactions — you can view it online or ask for paper statements by mail.

Choosing between checking and savings accounts

A checking account is for money you use regularly. It comes with a debit card, you can write checks, and you can make as many withdrawals as you want. Most checking accounts have no monthly fee if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit — ask about this when you open the account.

A savings account is for money you want to keep and grow. It earns interest, which means the bank pays you a small amount of money just for keeping your money there. You can withdraw money, but some accounts limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Savings accounts usually have lower monthly fees than checking accounts.

A money market account is a hybrid: it earns interest like a savings account but comes with a debit card like a checking account. It usually requires a higher opening deposit than checking or savings accounts.

Documents you'll need

Bring or upload one government-issued ID. Citibank accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired.

Bring or upload one document showing your current address. This can be a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your name and address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you don't have a Social Security card, you can write the number on a piece of paper or tell it to the bank representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Citibank account?

It depends on the account type. Some Citibank checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others require $100 or more. Savings accounts and money market accounts may have different minimums. Ask about this when you choose your account — the website or branch staff can tell you the current requirement for the specific account you want.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Citibank requires a Social Security number to open an account. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can open a bank account. You can start that process at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office.

Can I open an account if I'm under 18?

Citibank offers accounts for minors, but they usually require a parent or guardian to open the account with you or co-sign it. Go to a branch with the young person and a parent or guardian, or call 1-800-CITIBANK to ask about the process for your age.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online process takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready to photograph. Your account is active when ready, but your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If Citibank needs to verify your documents, it may take a few extra hours or a business day.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask Citibank what other documents they accept — some branches may accept a lease signed recently, a government letter, or a statement from another bank. Call 1-800-CITIBANK or visit a branch to ask what you can use.