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Citi: $325 for $3,000 in direct deposits — apply by October 26
Open Citi Regular Checking and receive two enhanced direct deposits totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days.
Our take
Citi's offer is unusually friendly: incoming Zelle, Venmo and PayPal payments over ACH count as “Enhanced Direct Deposits,” so the $3,000 is reachable even without a payroll change. Two deposits minimum, and you're waiting until about day 90–120 for the cash. The clock is the catch: it has to be opened by October 26.
What you have to do
- Open a new Citibank Regular Checking account from Citi's offer page by October 26, 2026 (new checking customers only)
- Receive at least 2 Enhanced Direct Deposits totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days of opening (payroll, pension, Social Security, government benefits — Zelle, Venmo and PayPal ACH transfers count too)
- Deposits to a savings account don't count; keep the account open and in good standing
- Bonus credited between day 90 and day 120 after opening
Fees to avoid
$15 monthly fee, waived in any month with $250+ in Enhanced Direct Deposits or for Relationship Tier customers.
Verified: Citi's checking offer page, Oct 8, 2026: “Earn $325 with a New Citibank Regular Checking account. Open an account by 10/26/26 and complete Enhanced Direct Deposits and other required activities. … Open a new Regular Checking account by applying exclusively from this page from 4/14/26 to 10/26/26. Only new checking customers qualify. Deposit at least two (2) Enhanced Direct Deposits … within 90 calendar days from account opening. The total of all your completed Enhanced Direct Deposits must equal $3,000 or more. … You’ll receive the bonus as a credit to your eligible, Regular Checking Account between the 90th and 120th calendar day after account opening.” Source: banking.citi.com. Offers change; the bank's page is final.
Advertiser & referral disclosure: StackTheDeal may receive a referral bonus or commission when you apply for a card or open an account through links on this page. That never changes which offers we post or what we say about them. Offer terms are as shown on the issuer's own page on the date checked; the issuer's page is final, and offers can change or end without notice. We are not a bank or lender and do not make credit decisions. How we make money.
Common questions
Does a Zelle or Venmo payment really count as a direct deposit at Citi?
Yes, within limits. Citi's Enhanced Direct Deposit definition includes incoming Zelle and ACH payments from P2P providers like Venmo and PayPal, as well as payroll and government benefits. Instant transfers, transfers from your other bank and debit card funding don't count.
Answered by StackTheDealCan one $3,000 deposit do it?
No. Citi requires at least two Enhanced Direct Deposits within 90 days, totaling $3,000 or more. Two $1,500 deposits work; one $3,000 doesn't.
Answered by StackTheDealHow long until the $325 posts?
Citi credits it between day 90 and day 120 after opening, so expect it roughly 3 to 4 months in. It's slower than Chase or Wells, so don't panic at day 95.
Answered by StackTheDealI had a Citi savings or credit card before. Still eligible?
The offer is for new checking customers. Citi credit card and savings customers can qualify, but anyone who has had a Citi checking account recently is excluded. Check the full terms for the lookback.
Answered by StackTheDealHow do I avoid the $15 monthly fee?
Have $250 or more in Enhanced Direct Deposits in a month, or be in a Citi Relationship Tier. The same deposits you're using for the bonus cover the fee for those months.
Answered by StackTheDealHard pull or taxable?
Soft pull. The bonus is reported as interest on a 1099-INT.
Answered by StackTheDeal
Questions about this offer?
💬 Ask us and we'll check it for you: message us on WhatsApp or email stackthedeal@gmail.com. Found it cheaper? Tell us and we'll update the post.