Citibank - Open Account and Credit Card

Pumpkin_rrr on 02/02/2017 - 15:45

Maybe I have been living under the rocks all these years, but my oh my, how the banking industry has changed.

Wanted to open a Citibank account, and get a Credit Card like every OzB here.
Walked to their branch in Brisbane CBD, armed with my passport, driving licence and a smile. Was told that they dont do that in the Branch.
So I asked "why dont you just do my 100 point ID since I am here now"
Reply was "It's done at Australia Post".

Beats me to think what's that shiny office is for.
It's for "Investment".

Needless to say I didnt get a chat with anyone about which Credit Card would be best, how not to be rejected because it's bad for my credit record……

Financial

Related Stores

Citibank Australia
Citibank Australia

Comments

  • mskeggs on 02/02/2017 - 16:53
    +1

    This is new. They did my application and 100 points on the spot at the Sydney salesfront office a year or so ago.

    • MITM on 02/02/2017 - 22:16

      I did this too last year - Brisbane CBD. It's a great account. (debit not credit)

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 03/02/2017 - 09:06

        Hmm, things cgange quickly in the big smoke…

        • retiredfeline on 03/02/2017 - 11:23

          Well if you think about it it makes sense. Citibank has fewer locations than the big 4 so if they want to sign on more customers via the Internet they have to make it easy to verify ID. Enter Auspost with offices everywhere to do this for them. And if Auspost is already doing the job, then there's no need for a customer rep at their offices to deal with this, and they can concentrate on other business. ING used Auspost early on because they have no brick and mortar locations.

  • Baysew on 02/02/2017 - 16:54
    +1

    Probably best to chat and/or check out specific deals in OzBargain, before you apply on-line.

  • retiredfeline on 02/02/2017 - 17:00
    +1

    ING outsourced ID verification years ago to Auspost. Citibank is actually lagging the trend. It won't take long, just do it.

  • RockyRaccoon on 02/02/2017 - 20:00
    +1

    Probably the best hing for you. Citibank plus is a great account, but the credit card is always full of woe, and almost impossible to close, and as you have found out, dealing with anyone live is problematic, so why create an issue for yourself.

    A debit account with no fees like the Citibank Plus isnt hard to close. You just leave the balance zero, but the credit card just builds up fees and its important that you can close this easily, otherwise you pay the fees.

  • Peck on 02/02/2017 - 22:49

    Yep they do everything over the internet. You are not welcome at their branches. But I find their call centres (Philippines) are not too bad. I also find their web site pretty good (Long time Citibank customer Citibank Plus, and 2 Credit cards)

  • bluesky on 03/02/2017 - 01:19

    For the Citibank Plus account, it is much easier to open it online here. Its a good one to have for travel and buying online from overseas, since no foreign trans/exch fees. If they need verification checks etc, they will let you know. Otherwise, like some institutions, they may be able to validate your ID based on the info you provide, from their end alone, without needing anything further from you.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 05/02/2017 - 16:37
      +1

      Thanx Bludsky. New fresh msg. Will def have a read later.

  • mskeggs on 03/02/2017 - 07:14

    I have seen some posters on here saying their citibank account was closed for lack of activity.
    I don't know if this is common.
    I set up a $20 monthly regular transfer to be on the safe side, and it is a little bonus come holiday time.

    • retiredfeline on 03/02/2017 - 09:10

      My associated saving account was closed for lack of use, after a year I think. The transaction account was once suspended for no activity for 6 months and reactivated when I requested before going on holiday. I'm sure they'd be happy to set up another savings account should I wish it.

      • bluesky on 03/02/2017 - 17:24

        If they close your account after 1 year, you must have $0 balance in it. So I keep a small balance in there.

        Because they aren't supposed to close an account due to dormancy, and send the funds to state treasury until 3 or 5 years, not sure which now. And they are supposed to attempt contact with account holder first.

        • retiredfeline on 03/02/2017 - 17:47
          +1

          Well it never ever had any balance in it, and they did email me to warn.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 05/02/2017 - 16:37
      +1

      Yes mskeggs, I remember reading all this stories about the bank. Wish I have kept the link.
      There are so many thing about a bank/account that we only find out when we open it.
      Guess we'd just have to live with the imperfection.

  • quids on 27/10/2017 - 16:40

    I know that people on the Gold Coast tend to be fairly special, but my girlfriend has had no luck getting her ID verified at AusPost. So far, at two different AusPost locations, employees have been indifferent and refused to accept her forms of identification. It seems as though these employees just aren't interested in doing the work so they tell her that her clearly valid forms of ID are not enough. Anyone else have these problems?

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