Citibank Mortgage Review 2023

At a glance

NMLS: 412915

4.9

Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5

Bankrate Score

Loans offered

Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, fixed-rate, adjustable-rate; rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing

Nationwide Availability

Available in all U.S. states and Puerto Rico

Min. credit score required

620 for conventional loans; 680 for jumbo loans; 620 for FHA loans; 620 for VA loans

Pros and cons

Citibank overview

Citibank is good for

Borrowers looking for a fast preapproval and responsive customer service, or banking customers looking for relationship pricing

Breakdown of Citibank overall score

• Affordability: Citibank’s mortgage rates are competitive, but be prepared to pay points at closing to get the lowest advertised rate. One point costs 1 percent of the amount you’re borrowing.

• Availability: Citibank offers conventional and some government-insured mortgages to borrowers nationwide.

• Borrower experience: While Citi boasts many online conveniences, many customers on third-party sites express having a hard time getting a response from the bank when there are issues.

Methodology

To determine a mortgage lender’s Bankrate Score, Bankrate’s editorial team rates lenders on a scale of one to five stars based on a variety of factors relating to the lender’s products and services. Bankrate’s partners compensate us, but our opinions are our own, and partner relationships do not influence our reviews. Here is our full methodology.

Affordability: 5/5

Citibank displays the latest mortgage rates on its website. The bank’s lender fees vary by loan type, and closing costs in total generally range from 1 percent to 4 percent of the home’s value, according to its website. Account holders who set up auto-payments can qualify for an interest rate discount or closing cost credit based on balance level. Borrowers with up to $49,999 with the bank, for example, can save $500 on closing costs.

Availability: 5/5

Citibank operates across the U.S., but only maintains branches in a handful of states. Its mortgage products include conventional, FHA and VA loans, along with options to refinance your existing loan.

Borrower experience: 4.1/5

Citibank is one of the major banking institutions and ranked third for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 mortgage origination report. It isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau, however, and currently has an F rating from the organization for failure to respond to or resolve complaints, among other factors. At the time of this review, the bank had a 1.6 out of five stars rating from Trustpilot based on more than 60 reviews.

If you’re interested in a Citi mortgage, you can get prequalified or begin the preapproval process online, as well as apply for a loan or refinance through the bank’s website. The online form takes 15 minutes to 20 minutes to complete, and if qualified, you can get preapproved in as little as an hour, according to one of the bank’s loan officers. If buying a home, the bank’s SureStart preapproval can help you narrow down your price range and give your offer a competitive edge. Purchase closings typically take 45 days.

In addition, Citi’s website features a comprehensive checklist for homebuyers that outlines the documents and information you’ll need to apply for a loan, including for borrowers who are self-employed. You can also use the bank’s app to help manage the loan process and make payments later on, and can conveniently e-sign if needed.

If you need support, you can connect with the bank via chat, email, phone or text, or at one of its branches, currently located in 10 states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota and Virginia), Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Refinancing with Citibank

Citibank offers rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing. As with a purchase, you can apply online, by phone or in person.

Alternatives to Citibank

• Churchill Mortgage review – Features a rate watch tool that’s great for borrowers who want to stay on top of interest rates
• Cardinal Financial mortgage review – Can facilitate fast prequalifications, preapprovals and closings
• Wells Fargo Home Mortgage review – Offers low-down payment loan programs for low- and moderate-income borrowers