Citibank Check Cashing FAQ

Citibank logo sign on the outside of a branch location

Short Answer — Citibank account holders can cash or deposit most types of checks at Citibank or via mobile for no additional fees. Non-account holders can also cash checks, but fees vary and the branch may set an amount limit. Anyone cashing a check will be required to provide a valid photo ID.

Citibank Check Cashing Policy

If you have an account at Citibank, you can cash any Citibank-drawn check or non-Citibank payroll checks, government checks, tax checks, personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, and some third-party checks up to the amount you have in your account.[1] This can vary by location and each bank may reserve the right to refuse third-party check cashing.[2]

To cash a check, you’ll have to present a valid ID. Accepted IDs must have a photo and can be any of the following:[3]

  • U.S. driver’s license
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Learner’s permit
  • U.S. armed forces ID
  • Foreign passport with an immigrant visa with I-551 validation and Alien Registration Number
  • Foreign driver’s license

At its discretion, a branch may also ask you to present a Citibank bank card and PIN as additional verification. If you don’t have a card and PIN to present, you can present a second qualifying photo ID.

Fees and Limits

There are no fees for account holders to cash checks, and there are no check amount limits when the check is drawn on Citibank.[4]

When cashing a check that isn’t drawn on Citibank, the check cashing limit is the amount of funds you currently have available in your Citibank account.[4]

This is a way Citibank ensures that it won’t lose money cashing bad checks — if the check bounces, it can deduct the funds from your account (since it already gave you the cash).

There is no limit for checks drawn on Citibank because, for such checks, Citibank knows immediately whether the check is good.

Non-Account Holders

Citibank allows non-customers to cash checks drawn on Citibank with varying fees;[1] however, the branch may set a maximum check amount. Some branches have limits around $5,000.[4][2]

If you have a check that exceeds your local branch’s transaction limit, see our related article on where to cash large checks.

You’ll have to present at least one form of accepted photo ID.[2][1]

Non-customers won’t be able to cash checks that are not drawn on Citibank.[4]

Citibank Check Deposits

Citibank account holders have several options when it comes to depositing checks.

Checks can be deposited in person at any branch office during normal business hours, which are generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Citibank’s hours may vary by location, and branch offices are closed on federal holidays. Check your local branch hours before visiting.

You can also deposit checks 24 hours a day at any Citibank ATM, or by using the Citi mobile app for Android or iOS, which allows you to deposit checks by photographing both sides of an endorsed check for no extra charge.[5][6]

Fund Availability

The timing of your deposit availability will depend on the time of deposit, the amount of the check, and what bank issued the check.

If the check you deposit is drawn on Citibank, the funds will be available immediately when the check is processed. This is because Citibank can tell whether the check is good.[4]

For all other types of deposits–including government checks, cashier’s checks, and other special types of checks–Citibank does its best to make funds available on the following business day.[7][4]

Where Else to Cash a Citibank Check

There are a number of other places you can cash checks drawn on Citibank.

If you have an account at another bank, you will usually be able to cash a Citibank check there, as long as your checking account has sufficient funds to cover the check amount in case the check you’re trying to cash is returned.

Most banks have similar policies for account holders when it comes to cashing checks drawn on other banks. You can receive cash in amounts up to the funds in your bank account, and then deposit the remaining amount and wait for the check to clear.

If you have a personal check from a Citibank account, there are some banks, retail, grocery, and check cashing stores that may be able to cash your check.

Of all kinds of checks, personal checks are the riskiest for businesses to cash, so many businesses don’t cash them. For more information, see our list of places that cash personal checks.

For payroll checks drawn on Citibank, you may be able to cash the check at another bank, a convenience store, grocery store, or check cashing store, typically for a fee.


4 comments


  • Heather Wright

    I was issued a check on a Citibank Account and need to know if it will clear. The Citibank customer has already issued two check prior and both were returned.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Lindsey Desmet

      Hello, Heather! You’ll need to visit a Citibank branch. A teller should be able to help you verify the check. You can also cash the check there if you’re worried that the payer’s balance might change before your bank is able to process the deposit. Best of luck with your transaction!

  • Michael W Sinibaldi

    I would like to cash a check drawn from Citibank at a Citibank Branch, the amount is $10,859.00. Is there a fee for this?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Lindsey Desmet

      Hello, Michael! If you are a Citibank member, you can cash your check with no fee. Unfortunately, if you are not a Citibank member, you will be unable to cash this check at a Citibank branch. We contacted Citibank and were told that it does not cash checks over $5,000 for non-customers. We have updated our article to clarify this. You may find our related article on where to cash a large check helpful. Best of luck!

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