It says no checking account is required, but 1 says you must open a USA in one of the relationship packages. Doesn't this mean you must also open a checking account? This is confusing.

2 says that non maitanance fee when held as a stand-alone account in the Citibank Account relationship package. Deos this mean you must have a "Citibank Account" checking account, which has a $6000 minimum requirement?

So if you already had a citi checking account and open another citi ultimate savings account, you'll have to pay for monthly maintenance fee for it???
btw does it say anywhere how much does it charge for maintenance fee???

Thanks for bittul's clarification. The "host" idea is fascinating. So, it will has nothing to do even with my existing checking account? but can I access all these accounts under the same user name online?

Their main page shows this rate so I think I'm good but is there a way to check an existing account's rate on their website?

When I looked at my most recent statement for my Citi USA it said I was getting 2.53%. That statement was dated Oct 9 if I recall correctly. The website said the rate for USA was 3.5% but said to click another link if you already had one, to find out what your rate was, which implies the rates are different for present account holders vs those who open it to get the 3.5%.

But I don't really care, because I only opened it to get a $100 bonus, a long time ago, and only have $15 in it now, and don't plan to add more till Citi starts paying me $50 per hour to figure our their rules, plus a bonus $50 per hour for any time I spend trying to communicate with their CSR's.

I got a letter from them demanding a laundry list of items to prove my identity, including my last two pay stubs and a time they can call me at work. It took me a while to figure out that it wasn't the credit card division doing some kind of financial review. Why on earth would they need that kind of info just to open me a savings account?

Eagle784 said:I got a letter from them demanding a laundry list of items to prove my identity, including my last two pay stubs and a time they can call me at work. It took me a while to figure out that it wasn't the credit card division doing some kind of financial review. Why on earth would they need that kind of info just to open me a savings account?

I consistently have had this problem with Citi (new bank account, new CC) whenever I change addresses and apply for an account shortly thereafter. For whatever reason, it triggers some "mega identity check review." This is regardless of the fact that I have ~6 accounts with Citi. The first time they called to my work was a bit awkward... the administrative assistant thought I was a victim of identity theft or whatnot.

The best is when they ask for a land line phone bill--many people like myself do not have one. Also, when they ask for a piece of mail addressed to the address they sent the letter to--I usually ask if I can fax in the same letter. Not suggested, but New Accounts usually gets a kick out of that.

Rest assured, as long as I send them enough documents, I've never been denied an account.

Wow, you really have to keep up with Citibank. I had an e-savings that had a great rate last year and only realized I'm down to a 1.5% rate now.

I updated a ultimate savings account online and transferred the balance in a matter of a few minutes.

So the Ultimate Savings Account is Citibank's highest yielding liquid account this week?

Once enough people switch their money into this account, Citi will lower the rate and raise another savings account.

bittul said:Just a note of warning:
Citi does a HARD credit pull even for opening a savings account if opened online!

Can anyone confirm?