What Are the Fees for Citibank Business Checking Accounts?
Citibank offers four business checking account options: Streamlined at $15 per month, Flexible at $22–$30 per month (varies by state), Interest at $22–$30 per month (varies by state), and Analyzed at $24 per month with an earnings credit rate that can offset fees. Citibank operates approximately 650 branches concentrated in New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., and provides access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs through its network.
Important note on state variation:Citibank's fee schedules vary by state. All figures on this page are based on the New York schedule. Before opening an account, review the fee schedule applicable to your state. You can access the Citibank New York business fee schedule (PDF) or visit the Citibank small business checking accounts page to find the schedule for your state.
Citibank is a strong choice for businesses that conduct frequent international wire transfers or maintain large cash balances, but its limited branch network makes it less practical for businesses that rely on in-person banking outside major metro areas. See our full bank comparison to see how Citibank stacks up against other major banks.
How Much Does Each Account Cost?
The table below summarizes key fees across all four Citibank business checking accounts. Figures reflect the New York fee schedule as of April 2026.
| Feature | Streamlined | Flexible | Interest | Analyzed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $15 | $22–$30 | $22–$30 | $24 |
| Balance to waive fee | $5,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | Earnings credit |
| Free transactions/month | 250 | 500 | 25 | Fee-based |
| Transaction overage fee | $0.45 | $0.45 | $0.45 | $0.17–$0.90 |
| Free cash deposits/month | $10,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 | Fee-based |
| Cash deposit overage | $0.17/100 | $0.17/100 | $0.17/100 | $0.17/100 |
| Outgoing domestic wire (online) | $17 | $17 | $17 | $17 |
| Outgoing domestic wire (non-online) | $55 | $55 | $55 | $55 |
| Outgoing international wire (online) | $27 | $27 | $27 | $27 |
| Incoming wire | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| Interest earned | No | No | Yes | No |
| Overdraft fee | $34 | $34 | $34 | $34 |
Source: Citibank New York Business Schedule of Fees and Charges (PDF). Figures reflect New York schedule; fees vary by state.
What Makes Citibank Competitive?
Citibank stands out in four key areas compared to other major business checking providers:
- Lowest online wire transfer fees: At $17 for domestic and $27 for international online wires, Citibank offers among the lowest wire fees of any major bank. Most competitors charge $25 or more for domestic outgoing wires.
- Lowest cash deposit overage rate: The $0.17 per $100 cash overage fee is lower than most major competitors, making Citibank cost-effective for cash-intensive businesses.
- 60,000+ fee-free ATMs:Despite its smaller branch network, Citibank's extensive ATM access reduces the friction of cash withdrawals for business owners on the go.
- Interest Checking option: The Interest Business Checking account earns interest on balances, which is relatively uncommon among traditional bank business checking accounts at this price tier.
Limitations to Consider
Before choosing a Citibank business checking account, consider these drawbacks:
- Limited branch network: With approximately 650 branches, Citibank is not a practical choice for businesses outside of New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Washington D.C. that depend on in-person banking.
- Fees vary by state:The Flexible and Interest checking accounts range from $22 to $30 per month depending on your state. You may pay more than you expect if you open an account without reviewing your state's specific fee schedule.
- $34 overdraft fee: Citibank charges $34 per overdraft occurrence, which is in line with the industry average but not the lowest available.
- High non-online wire fees:If you need to send a wire transfer through a branch or by phone, the cost jumps to $55 domestic and $65 international—among the highest of any major bank.
- Interest Checking transaction limit: The Interest Business Checking account is limited to just 25 free transactions per month, which is far fewer than the 250 included with the entry-level Streamlined account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Citibank business checking account?
The Citibank Streamlined Business Checking account is the cheapest option at $15 per month. The monthly fee can be waived entirely by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $5,000. With 250 free transactions per month and $10,000 in free cash deposits, it is well-suited for small businesses with moderate transaction volumes.
Why do Citibank business checking fees vary by state?
Citibank publishes separate fee schedules for different states, which means the monthly fee for the Flexible and Interest checking accounts can range from $22 to $30 depending on your location. This reflects Citibank's state-by-state pricing structure rather than a single national rate. Always check the fee schedule specific to your state before opening an account. The figures on this page are based on the New York schedule.
How does Citibank business checking compare to Chase?
Citibank offers cheaper wire transfer fees ($17 domestic online vs. $25 at Chase) and a lower cash deposit overage rate ($0.17 per $100 vs. $0.25 at Chase). However, Chase has far more branches (4,700+ vs. approximately 650 for Citibank), more free monthly transactions on its entry-level plans, and offers free incoming wire transfers on its Platinum Business Checking account. If in-person banking access is important to your business, Chase is the stronger choice.
How Does Citibank Compare to Other Banks?
Citibank is one of six major U.S. banks we track on this site. Before making a decision, it's worth comparing Citibank to other options:
- Chase Business Checking — 4,700+ branches, stronger branch access
- Chase Platinum Business Checking — free incoming wires and premium features
- Bank of America Business Checking — strong digital tools and relationship benefits
- Wells Fargo Business Checking — broad branch network and multiple account tiers
- Compare all business checking accounts — side-by-side comparison across all six major banks