Citi Priority is a tiered banking program that gives you different account perks and fee waivers based on how much money you keep with Citibank
Citi Priority is not a single account type—it is a status level within Citibank that determines what you pay and what you get. The program has three tiers: Citi Priority, Citi Priority Select, and Citi Priority Preferred. Which tier you land in depends on your combined balance across all your Citibank accounts: checking, savings, money market, and certain investment accounts all count toward the threshold.
The main benefit is fee relief. Once you reach a tier, Citibank waives certain monthly maintenance fees on may be able to access accounts and reduces or removes charges for things like wire transfers, overdrafts, and ATM use outside the Citi network. You also get faster customer service access and, at higher tiers, perks like travel credits or higher interest rates on savings accounts.
The balance thresholds and exact perks change periodically, so you should check your account online or call Citibank directly to see which tier you are in right now and what that tier includes. The program is automatic—you do not need to sign up separately—but you have to maintain the balance to keep the status.
Key Takeaways
- Citi Priority status is determined by your total combined balance across all Citibank deposit accounts, and the higher your balance, the more perks you receive.
- The main benefit is waived or reduced fees on checking accounts, wire transfers, overdrafts, and out-of-network ATM withdrawals.
- You are automatically enrolled once your balance reaches a tier threshold; there is no separate sign-up process.
- If your balance drops below a tier threshold, you lose that tier's benefits and move to a lower one or out of the program entirely.
How the three tiers work
Citi Priority (the base tier) typically starts at a combined balance of $25,000 to $50,000, though this varies by region and changes over time. At this level you get a waived monthly service fee on a checking account and reduced fees on some transactions.
Citi Priority Select usually requires $100,000 to $250,000 in combined balances and adds benefits like higher ATM reimbursement limits, waived wire transfer fees, and faster phone support. Citi Priority Preferred, the highest tier, typically requires $500,000 or more and includes travel credits, higher savings rates, and dedicated relationship managers at some branches.
The exact balance thresholds and benefits differ by state and product type, so two customers with the same balance might see different perks depending on where they bank. Check your Citibank account online or call the number on the back of your card to confirm your current tier and what it covers.
What fees Citi Priority actually waives
The most common waived fee is the monthly maintenance charge on checking accounts—usually $10 to $15 per month. Citi Priority also typically waives or reduces charges for domestic wire transfers, international wire transfers (though sometimes only at higher tiers), and overdraft fees in some cases.
Out-of-network ATM fees are often reduced or reimbursed up to a certain number per month, depending on your tier. Some tiers waive fees for stopping payment on a check or for requesting a replacement card. At the highest tier, you may also see waived fees for things like cashier's checks or account research requests.
Not every fee is waived at every tier. For example, Citi Priority might waive wire transfer fees but not overdraft fees, while Citi Priority Select waives both. Read the terms for your specific tier or contact Citibank to confirm which fees apply to your accounts.
How your balance is calculated and when it updates
Citibank adds up your combined balance across all deposit accounts you hold—checking, savings, money market accounts, and sometimes certain investment accounts. The bank typically looks at your average daily balance over a statement period or your balance on a specific date each month, depending on the program rules.
If your balance drops below the threshold for your current tier, you usually do not lose the tier immediately. Most banks allow a grace period of one or two statement cycles before moving you down. However, once you fall below the threshold, you should expect to lose the tier's benefits in the next billing cycle.
If you add money and cross back into a higher tier, the upgrade usually takes effect in the next statement cycle. Check your account online to see your current balance and tier status, or ask a representative to confirm when your tier will change if your balance is near a threshold.
When Citi Priority saves you money and when it does not
Citi Priority saves you the most money if you use Citibank's out-of-network ATMs frequently, make regular wire transfers, or maintain multiple accounts that would otherwise carry monthly fees. If you make just one wire transfer per month and never use out-of-network ATMs, the fee waivers may not add up to much.
The program also makes sense if you already plan to keep a large balance with Citibank for savings or emergency funds. You get the perks without changing your behavior. But if you would have to move money into Citibank just to reach a tier threshold, calculate whether the annual fee savings exceed what you could earn elsewhere—a higher interest rate at another bank might outweigh the convenience of Citi Priority perks.
At the highest tiers, travel credits and other perks can add real value, but they are only useful if you actually use them. Read the fine print on what each perk covers and whether there are restrictions or expiration dates.
How to check your Citi Priority status
Log into your Citibank account online or through the mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Benefits," "My Benefits," or "Priority Status." This section usually shows your current tier, your combined balance, and the threshold for the next tier up. Some accounts display this information on the account dashboard.
If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your Citibank card or visit a branch. A representative can tell you your current tier, what benefits you have, and what balance you need to reach the next tier or stay in your current one.
You can also ask about the specific fees that apply to your accounts and whether any are waived under your tier. This is especially useful if you are considering opening a new account or moving money to reach a higher tier.
What happens if your balance drops
If your combined balance falls below your tier's threshold, Citibank will move you to a lower tier or out of the program. You will lose the fee waivers and perks associated with your current tier. The downgrade usually takes effect at the start of your next statement cycle, though some banks allow a grace period of one or two months.
Once you drop a tier, monthly maintenance fees resume on accounts that had them waived, and you will start paying for wire transfers, out-of-network ATM use, and other services again. If you want to stay in a tier, you need to maintain the balance consistently—temporary dips may not trigger a downgrade, but sustained drops will.
If you are close to dropping a tier and want to avoid losing benefits, you can move money between your own accounts or deposit funds to bring your balance back up before the statement cycle closes. Some customers also consolidate accounts to reach a tier threshold more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do anything to join Citi Priority?
No. Once your combined balance reaches a tier threshold, you are automatically enrolled. There is no application or sign-up form. You will see your tier status in your online account or on your statement.
Can I use money in a CD or retirement account toward my Citi Priority balance?
Certificates of deposit and most retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) do not count toward your combined balance for Citi Priority purposes. Only liquid deposit accounts—checking, savings, and money market—typically count. Ask Citibank which account types are included in your calculation.
What if I have accounts at multiple Citibank branches?
Citibank combines all your deposit accounts nationwide for Citi Priority purposes, regardless of which branch you opened them at. You do not need to do anything; the bank automatically adds them together when calculating your tier.
Does Citi Priority affect my credit score?
No. Citi Priority is a deposit account program and does not appear on your credit report or affect your credit score. It is based only on the money you keep in Citibank accounts, not on borrowing or credit history.
Can I lose Citi Priority if I do not use my account?
You will not lose the tier simply for inactivity, but you will lose it if your balance drops below the threshold. If you withdraw money and your combined balance falls, your tier status changes regardless of how often you use the account.