Consumer complaint received 2025-01-15 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Closing an account — Funds not received from closed account
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/XXXX, I came across an online advertisement for a Citi Checking account opening bonus. The promotion stated that transferring {$6000.00} into the account would qualify for a {$450.00} bonus. Attracted by the offer, I opened a Citi Checking account, which was promptly approved. On the same day, to meet the bonus requirements, I transferred {$2000.00} from my XXXX checking account and {$4000.00} from my XXXX savings account into the Citi account. 

In addition to meeting the bonus requirements, I aimed to use this account for daily transactions. To facilitate this, I activated XXXX on the account. That same evening, I had dinner with a friend, and after paying the bill, my friend reimbursed me {$26.00} via XXXX to my Citi account. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I tested whether I could transfer funds between my XXXX XXXX accountsone linked to XXXX ( registered with my phone number ) and the other linked to Citi ( registered with my email address ). I successfully transferred {$200.00} from my XXXX account to my Citi account. Afterward, I waited for the bonus to be credited. 

Nearly XXXX weeks passed, but I did not receive the bonus. Frustrated, I decided to transfer the funds back to my XXXX account. I initiated, a {$5000.00} interbank transfer, which failed, followed by a {$500.00} transfer via XXXXwhich was successful. Shortly thereafter, Citi Bank flagged my account activity as fraudulent and abruptly closed my account on XX/XX/XXXX. At the time of closure, my account balance was {$6100.00}. Citi notified me via email that my remaining balance would be returned to me via check within approximately 30 days. 

However, I never received the check. Despite multiple attempts to contact Citi for clarification and resolution, I was met with unsatisfactory responses. On XX/XX/XXXX, I visited a Citi branch to inquire about my funds. To my shock, I discovered that my account balance had been withdrawn, and the branch staff refused to provide any information about where the money had gone. They also continued to deny my requests for the return of my funds. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I escalated the issue to Citis Executive Team. In response, I received an email stating, it has been determined that no funds are deemed owed to you at this time and no funds may be released. on XXXX XXXX, XXXX. This response is absolutely unacceptable. All the funds in my Citi account were legitimate and belong to me. I am prepared to provide any evidence necessary to substantiate this. 

Citi has never provided a clear explanation as to why my account was closed or why they refuse to release my funds. This situation has caused me significant financial distress. As someone who has only been working for XXXX years and is living in New York, {$6000.00} is a substantial amount of money. I rely on these funds to cover my living expenses, and their withholding has placed me in an extremely difficult position. I simply ask to be treated fairly and to have my rightful funds returned. The statements related to all the fund in my accout are attached here.

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 monetary relief