Citi's back with a tiered checking account bonus, and it's bigger than ever! You could snag up to $1500 just for opening a new account and meeting a few requirements. There are actually two separate bonus offers available. The first involves setting up "Enhanced Direct Deposits" (think direct deposit from your job, Social Security, or even payments from Zelle/Venmo), where you can earn either $325 for $3,000 in deposits or $425 for $6,000 in deposits. The second, more lucrative offer requires depositing "new-to-Citibank" funds and keeping a minimum balance for a certain period, netting you $750 for a $30,000 balance or a whopping $1500 for a $200,000 balance.

This matters to award travelers because it's essentially free money that can be used to fund your next adventure! Plus, who doesn't love a good bank bonus? Keep in mind you can't have had a Citi checking account in the past year to qualify. The offer is set to end on January 12, 2026, but don't wait too long - bank bonuses can disappear at any time. Be sure to read the fine print carefully, especially the definition of "Enhanced Direct Deposit" to make sure your transfers qualify. Also, in certain states, linking a newly opened savings account can boost the bonus offer, potentially stacking a 3.5% APY for three months. Finally, if you’re doing the $200,000 deposit, you might be eligible for Citi Gold benefits.