My Citi Experience: ‘No Nonsense, No Upselling, Very Easy’
Written by
Melanie Grafil
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GOBankingRates interviewed an average Citi customer based in Las Vegas who asked to be referred to as Ralph Bel. Bel regularly banks with Citi, both online and in person at his local branch.
In-Person Branch Experience
Bel has a checking account, savings account and a credit card with Citi. He visits his branch at least once a week for his banking needs. He says, “Overall, my banking experience with Citi is usually very pleasant.”
Opening an Account at a Branch
Opening an account at Citi is convenient, whether or not you prefer to do this in-branch or online. You can even open an account over the phone by calling 1-800-374-9500 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.
“My experience opening an account was quick,” Bel said. “Very pleasant. Very easy, straight to the point. No nonsense, no upselling. Very easy process.”
Withdrawing and/or Deposing Checks or Cash
Citi offers the typical in-branch services you’d find at most banks, including withdrawing cash or checks, as well as depositing these. Citi’s in-branch services are no exception, and for the most part, have been a positive experience for Bel.
“Both of these are easy,” he said. “I have direct deposit for my paycheck. It’s one less thing I have to do. In terms of depositing itself, it’s just as easy.”
Using an ATM
Citi offers over 2,300 branch ATMs at over 600 Citi branches. There are also more than 60,000 ATMs available that are surcharge-free, both at bank branches and participating retailers.
“I usually head into a branch to withdraw cash and use the ATM,” Bel said. “I don’t visit a teller often unless there is something that I need help with. Tellers are almost always friendly. I have banked in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas and have had the same experience, as far as tellers and friendliness. My experience is very easy-get in and get out.”
Reporting Fraud
Citi boasts a wide variety of security features to keep customers safe. This includes providing warnings and alerts when unauthorized activity occurs and $0 liability on fraudulent purchases.
“I made a report online. [Citi] took care of it right away,” Bel recalled. “They apologized for the inconvenience, launched an investigation, and it didn’t take long for them to see the irregularities in my account. They reimbursed whatever was taken and they stopped access to whoever was committing the fraud. I did get all of my money back.”
Bill Pay
Citi offers a bill pay feature, but it’s up to you on how you’d want to use it.
“I pay bills the old-school way,” Bel said. “I write checks. I go directly to the places where I need to pay bills. For example, I write checks from my Citi account to pay credit card accounts at other banks. Citi is my main bank. However, my actual Citi credit card – I pay this one online.”
Locations and Branch Availability
Citi offers branches across the country, but depending on where you are located, you may have a bit of a drive to get to one. Something to think about when you are considering proximity to where you live or work.
“My local Citi location is not the most convenient,” Bel said. “It’s about seven miles away, so almost a 20-minute drive. Where I lived in Los Angeles, however, there was a branch that was less than two miles away, about a five-minute drive.”
Safety and Security
When it comes to security while banking at a local branch, Citi takes precautions to ensure customers have a safe banking experience.
“Citi is convenient, in that it does offer ATMs at other locations not at a branch. But I don’t like to use those ATMs,” Bel said. “It feels safer to go to the branch, especially after-hours. You need a card to gain access to the facility to go to the ATM. There are security cameras present everywhere and it’s well-lit. In comparison to retailers that offer Citi ATMs or accept Citicards, such as convenience stores. Sometimes the area isn’t well-lit, or the ATM is located in the back of the store where it isn’t easily visible. It’s not an ideal location for customers to feel safe with their transactions, so that’s why I prefer going to my local branch for ATMs.”
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