An important part of everyone’s climate journey is changing to a sustainable bank. Most traditional banks around the globe use customers’ deposits to fund carbon-intensive industries and businesses that force a heavy carbon burden on your money. 

More and more people are realizing that big banks aren’t the way to go when it comes to making the most of your money, especially when it comes to making an impactful change for the climate. 

Most recent data suggests that Citi uses more than 15% of every dollar deposited to fund industries like chemicals, mining, oil & gas, and insurance. If you want to help build a brighter tomorrow, changing where you bank is a great way to get started. It’s time to cut the cord, and we’ll show you how to do it.

While it sounds like a pain, switching your bank is far easier than you might think. And by choosing a new digital offering, you’ll likely find that you’ll save more money and gain in other conveniences and features too!

Before Closing Your Citibank Account

Don’t jump the gun by closing your Citi account too early. There are a few things you should do before closing your Citi account. Make sure you take these necessary steps so that things like those bills and responsibilities don’t fall through the cracks. 

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1. Open your new account at a climate-positive bank

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify a new financial institution. Whether it’s banking on climate with Atmos or supporting your local economy (through a credit union or community bank), there are lots of options out there to support your values. 

Once you have identified your new financial institution, open that account. Opening a bank account has gotten a lot easier than it used to be for many people. Many digital offerings are designed for your convenience and usually enable new checking and savings accounts in just a few minutes. And if you find an option with no monthly maintenance or service fees, you’ll be surprised with how easy it can be! 

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2. Fund your new account

You don’t need to close your Citi account before using your new account! Funding your new account allows you to order your debit cards and start using your new account immediately.  

The important thing to remember is to leave some money in your Citi account for a few weeks to keep covering those recurring bills before you transfer them over. Unless your new financial institution has an ATM on every street corner or an ATM finder easily accessible, you may want to keep your Citi account for easy ATM access until you get used to your new network. 

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3. Transfer recurring bills and deposits

You probably have some recurring bills attached to your Citi checking account or subscriptions that auto-deduct from it. Then there is the question of direct deposits from work as well. Take a look at your Citi statement from the prior month to see what subscriptions are auto-deducting and make a list. 

It might also be a good time to look at your credit card statement if you have one of those too! For many people, it’s great practice to review these statements regularly to ensure you’re not paying for services you aren’t using anymore.

Once you have your list, start moving those recurring bills over to your new account. You don’t need to do this all at once if it’s a drag. Pop on a television show in the background. Chances are you’ll be able to get through this step before the credits roll. 

Here’s a pro tip:  Using a feature like a digital debit card is a great way to manage those subscriptions in the future too! If you lose or misplace your physical debit card (and we’ve all been there!) you can cancel it and have a new card sent without needing to worry about any of those recurring subscriptions. Digital debit cards have a different customized card number than a physical debit card so your information and ongoing payments are never at risk.

And remember to make sure you have enough in your new account to cover the expenses.  

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4. Move your money

Once your new account is open, you’ve started to use it as your primary source of payment and you’ve moved over all of your automatic debits and credits, it’s time to move the rest of your money from your old Citi account. 

Moving your money is easy in the age of digital banking. You can send your account balance to your new account with an ACH. Many new digital banking options offer ACH transfers for free!

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How to Close Your Citibank Account

You’re nearly there! Now that you have moved your money and have set up your recurring debits and credits in your new account, you can finally move to permanently close your Citi account. With a zero balance and no recent account activity, closing your account will be a breeze. You can always use a slower option like snail mail, but here are a few options for faster service.

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Closing Your Citi Account Online

It’s easy to close your account through Citibank’s website. Head over to the customer service portal, which will allow you to connect directly to a customer service representative in a digital chat format. Tell the agent you want to close your account and they will walk you through the process. 

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Call Citi’s Customer Service Line 

If you would rather speak to than type to an agent, you can also opt to call Citibank’s customer service line at 1-800-374-9700. Be ready to verify your identity! 

Head to a Citibank Branch

You can also do it in person by heading into your local branch and standing in the teller queue. It’s always easiest if you have a zero balance in your account, and be sure to take a valid ID.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to close an account?

It doesn’t cost anything to close your Citi account, but it might cost you money to keep that account if they’re charging you monthly maintenance fees. Check your statement! You can transfer money out of your account by way of ACH. Consider a new option that offers free ACH transfers and no monthly service fees.

Will closing my Citi account affect my credit score?

Rest assured that closing your Citi account will not affect your credit score - unless you have a negative balance. This is why it’s important to make sure you pay off any pending fees and have enough to cover any pending transactions before you close your account.

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‍Conclusion

Saying goodbye to big banks can be quite liberating, especially if you know you won’t be charged any fees by your new banking provider. While you’re closing that account, consider using an eco-friendly banking provider that can also help to reduce your carbon footprint. Atmos is the most climate-positive FDIC-insured banking option on the planet, and with Atmos, you can have positive environmental and social impact while benefiting from higher returns, greater rewards and leading technology.