Wells Fargo vs Citibank: bank account bonuses compared
The live offers from both banks side by side: the bonus, what it takes, the fees and what each is worth after costs. Checked against the banks' own pages, most recently on October 6, 2026.
Updated
At a glance
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| As of October 9, 2026 | Wells Fargo | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| Live offers | 1 | 2 |
| Largest bonus | $825, Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking) | $1,500, Citibank Regular Checking |
| Best value after costs | $661, Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking) | $454, Citibank Regular Checking |
| Personal checking | None live | $1,500, Citibank Regular Checking |
| Savings | None live | None live |
| Business | $825, Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking) | None live |
| Without a direct deposit | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Monthly fees on these accounts | $15 a month | $15 a month |
Largest bonus is the top tier as the bank states it. Value after costs follows the methodology. Banks change and end offers without notice. Confirm every term on the bank's own page before you apply.
Wells Fargo bonuses
| Offer | Bonus | Worth after costs | What it takes | Ends | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking) (business) | Up to $825 | $661 | Deposit and hold: $25,000 | Nov 10, 2026 (32 days left) |
Wells Fargo and all its offers, including ended ones.
Citibank bonuses
| Offer | Bonus | Worth after costs | What it takes | Ends | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citibank Regular Checking (personal) | Up to $1,500 | $454 | Deposit and hold: $200,000 | Oct 26, 2026 (17 days left) | |
| Citibank Regular Checking (personal) | $325 | $325 | Direct deposit: $3,000 in direct deposits | Oct 26, 2026 (17 days left) |
Citibank and all its offers, including ended ones.
Wells Fargo or Citibank: questions
Which pays a bigger bonus, Wells Fargo or Citibank?
Citibank has the larger top bonus: $1,500 on Citibank Regular Checking, against $825 on Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking). The largest bonus usually asks for the most cash or deposits.
Which bonus is worth more after costs, Wells Fargo or Citibank?
Wells Fargo's best is Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking (also Navigate or Optimize Business Checking) at $661. Citibank's best is Citibank Regular Checking at $454. Value after costs is the top tier's bonus less fees the requirement does not waive and what the cash would earn elsewhere at 4%. Your own figure depends on your cash and deposits: try the calculator.
Which has lower monthly fees, Wells Fargo or Citibank?
On the accounts with a live bonus: Wells Fargo $15 a month, Citibank $15 a month. Most fees can be avoided with a direct deposit or a balance; each offer page lists the waivers the bank publishes.
Can you get both the Wells Fargo and the Citibank bonus?
The two banks run their offers separately, and each decides who qualifies under its own terms. Bank bonuses are generally taxable as interest income, and banks usually report them on Form 1099-INT.