Consumer complaint received 2016-03-10
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: CA
Product: Bank account or service
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Account opening, closing, or management

Complaint:
XX/XX/2015 a promotional advertisement was posted on internet by Citi Bank agent XXXX XXXX XXXX for Citibank Citigold checking to award prospective applicant XXXX bonus miles if the applicant opens a Citibank Checking Citigold Account Package, set up a bill payment for at least 2 consecutive months, and make at least {$1000.00} in debit card purchases.The full text of AD is copied and pasted below.The front page tries to lure customers to Citi Website using the Promotion code below. It does not mention customer must read other disclosures for more terms and conditions.This AD is designed in such a way only to lure and trap customer by giving me XXXX bonus miles as a bate. The AD does not state if you have already existing account you are not eligible, nor does it direct to other pages to read terms and conditions.My question is when I opened account over internet with their promotion code and they knew from their records I have already basic checking account why they did not deny even if I overlooked it. From my standpoint I met all the conditions that they stated on Promotion front page and even Citi representative wrote me I have met all essential conditions so I must get award around XX/XX/XXXX but with latest communication Citi denied.I have copy of that letter too which I can attach or copy paste later. To satisfy their conditions it took me 3 months in my seniors. I consistently was supposed to maintain high balance of {$50000.00} to avoid paying monthly fees. To do that I took money out of my nest egg saving with XXXX XXXX where I got around 1 % interest but interest here is negligible.So I been loser in old age from both sides, thanks to citi bank running these shady promotions. 
XXXX Citibank Citigold Checking XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Bonus Miles By XXXX XXXX on XXXX XXXX, 2015 Bank Bonuses Citibank Citigold Checking is offering up to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX bonus miles with promo code XXXX good until XXXX XXXX, 2015. In order to get the maximum XXXX bonus XXXX miles, you must open a Citibank Checking Citigold Account Package, set up a bill payment for at least XXXX consecutive months, and make at least {$1000.00} in debit card purchases. The Citigold XXXX XXXX miles bonus is enough miles for XXXX roundtrip domestic tickets. The amount of bonus miles earned also depends on the checking account opened and how much you spend on your debit card. 
*Important* Those with a Citi/XXXX credit card, you are more than likely qualify to Apply for the Promotion : Apply Here then enter code XXXX. You can also copy and paste XXXX to enter your promo code. If not, give them a call XXXX or visit a local branch to inquire about the bonus. Many people have taken advantage of these offers by calling in and successfully signing up for this promotion. Just make sure you have all your screenshots and phone numbers to call after the 90 day period follow up. 
Citigold Account earns XXXX XXXX bonus miles, requires {$100.00} in debit card purchases Citibank Account earns XXXX XXXX bonus miles, requires {$370.00} in debit card purchases Basic Banking Account earns XXXX XXXX bonus miles, requires {$120.00} in debit card purchases Citibank Citigold XXXX XXXX Miles : Sign up Offer ( use offer code XXXX ). 
Account Type : Citigold Account Package Availability : Nationwide Expiration Date : XXXX/XXXX/2015 Hard Inquiry : Soft Opening Deposit Credit Card Funding : $ XXXX ( however, set your credit card cash advance to {$0.00} just to be safe ) Direct Deposit Requirement : No Monthly Fee : $ 30 monthly fee unless $ XXXX monthly balance. 
Additional Requirements : Make at least {$1000.00} in purchases using your debit card and set up bill payment for 2 consecutive months. 
Closing Account Fee :

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief