Citi Priority is a tiered banking program that gives you different perks based on how much money you keep with Citibank
Citi Priority is not a single account—it is a membership structure that sits on top of your existing Citibank checking or savings account. The program has three levels: Citi Priority, Citi Priority Select, and Citi Priority Preferred. Which level you land in depends on your combined balance across all your Citibank accounts. The higher your balance, the more benefits you unlock.
The program is free to join if you meet the minimum balance requirement for the entry level. You do not pay a monthly fee to be in Citi Priority itself, though the underlying checking account may have its own fee structure depending on which account type you choose. The real value comes from the perks: fee waivers, higher interest rates on savings, travel credits, and access to dedicated customer service lines.
Citibank uses Citi Priority to reward customers who keep larger balances with them. If your balance drops below the threshold for your tier, you move down to the next level. If it rises above the next tier's requirement, you move up. The program recalculates your tier status regularly, so your benefits can change throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Citi Priority has three tiers based on your combined Citibank account balance, and your tier determines which perks you receive.
- Entry-level Citi Priority typically requires a lower minimum balance than the higher tiers, and the program itself carries no monthly fee if you meet the balance requirement.
- Benefits include fee waivers on certain services, higher savings rates, travel credits, and priority customer service access depending on your tier.
- Your tier status updates regularly based on your current balance, so you can move up or down as your finances change.
The Three Tiers and Their Balance Requirements
Citi Priority has three membership levels, each with a different combined balance requirement. The entry level is straightforward called Citi Priority. The second tier is Citi Priority Select. The highest tier is Citi Priority Preferred. Your combined balance across all Citibank accounts—checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and certain investment accounts—counts toward your tier.
The specific dollar amounts for each tier change periodically and may vary by region or account type. Citibank publishes these thresholds on their website and in account statements. The key point is that the higher your balance, the higher your tier, and the more benefits you receive. If you are unsure which tier you currently may have access to for, you can log into your Citibank account online or call their customer service line to check your combined balance and current tier status.
What Each Tier Includes
The entry-level Citi Priority tier typically includes benefits such as waived monthly maintenance fees on certain checking accounts, higher interest rates on savings accounts compared to standard accounts, and access to a dedicated customer service line. You may also receive discounts on financial products like credit cards or loans.
Citi Priority Select adds more perks on top of the entry level. These usually include higher savings rates, travel credits that can be applied toward airline tickets or hotel stays, fee waivers on additional services, and priority appointment scheduling at Citibank branches. The exact benefits vary, so check your account materials or the Citibank website for the current list.
Citi Priority Preferred is the highest tier and includes all the benefits of the lower tiers plus additional rewards. These may include higher travel credits, premium concierge services, fee waivers on more account types, and other exclusive perks. Again, the specific benefits change, so verify what is currently offered for your region and account type.
How Your Tier Status Changes
Citibank monitors your combined account balance on a regular schedule—typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the program rules in effect. If your balance rises above the threshold for the next tier, you move up and gain access to those higher-tier benefits. If your balance falls below your current tier's requirement, you drop down to the next lower tier and lose some benefits.
The timing of when you move between tiers matters. If you temporarily dip below a threshold due to a large withdrawal, you may not drop tiers when ready. Citibank usually allows a grace period or calculates your tier based on an average balance over a set number of days. Read your account agreement or contact Citibank directly to understand the exact rules for your account, because the calculation method can affect whether you stay in your current tier or move down.
Fee Waivers and Account Benefits
One of the main draws of Citi Priority is the waiver of monthly maintenance fees. The entry-level tier typically waives the monthly fee on certain checking accounts if you maintain the required balance. Higher tiers waive fees on more account types or remove the balance requirement altogether for fee waivers.
Beyond fee waivers, Citi Priority members often receive higher interest rates on savings products. A Citi Priority savings account may pay a higher annual percentage yield than a standard savings account at the same bank. The exact rate depends on current market conditions and your tier level. Higher tiers usually earn higher rates. This difference compounds over time, especially if you maintain a large balance.
Travel Credits and Other Perks
Citi Priority Select and Preferred tiers include travel credits that you can use toward airline tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, or other travel expenses. These credits are typically issued annually and may be tied to specific travel partners or available through a general travel portal. The dollar amount of the credit increases with your tier level.
Other perks vary by tier and may include concierge services that help you book travel or make reservations, discounts on financial products, priority access to new banking services, or special offers on credit cards. Some tiers also offer cell phone protection or travel insurance. The full list of current perks is available on the Citibank website or in your account materials.
How to Check Your Current Tier and Benefits
You can view your Citi Priority tier status by logging into your Citibank online account or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Summary," "Membership Status," or "Citi Priority." This section will show your current tier and your combined account balance. It will also list the benefits you currently receive.
If you cannot find this information online, call the Citibank customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a local branch. A representative can confirm your tier, explain your current benefits, and answer questions about what you need to do to move up to the next tier if you want to. They can also clarify the balance calculation method and any grace periods that explore to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to join Citi Priority?
No. Citi Priority is free to join if you maintain the required combined balance for your tier. The program itself has no membership fee. However, the underlying checking or savings account may have its own monthly maintenance fee, which may be waived depending on your tier and account type.
What happens if my balance drops below the minimum for my tier?
You will move down to the next lower tier, and you will lose the benefits associated with your current tier. However, Citibank typically allows a grace period or calculates your tier based on an average balance over several days, so a temporary dip may not cause an when ready downgrade. Check your account agreement for the exact rules.
Can I move up tiers quickly?
Yes, if you deposit enough money to reach the next tier's balance requirement. Your tier status updates on a regular schedule, so once your combined balance meets the threshold, you will move up and gain access to the higher-tier benefits. The timing depends on when Citibank recalculates your tier, which is usually monthly or quarterly.
Are the interest rates on Citi Priority savings accounts competitive?
Citi Priority savings rates are higher than standard Citibank savings accounts, but rates change frequently and vary by market conditions. Compare the current rate to other banks' offerings before deciding. Your tier level affects the rate you receive, with higher tiers earning more.
What if I have accounts at multiple banks—do they count toward Citi Priority?
No. Only accounts held at Citibank count toward your combined balance for Citi Priority tier status. Accounts at other banks do not factor into the calculation, even if they are linked to your Citibank account for transfers.