Citibank's ABA number is 021000021, though you may need a different routing number depending on which Citibank division holds your account and how you're sending money.

The ABA number (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank to other financial institutions. When you send money by wire transfer, set up direct deposit, or arrange an automatic payment, the receiving bank uses your ABA number to find the right Citibank branch and account.

Citibank is large enough that it operates multiple routing numbers. The number 021000021 works for most Citibank checking and savings accounts held at their main branches, but if your account is at a Citibank subsidiary, a different state, or a specialized division, your routing number may be different. The safest approach is to find your specific routing number rather than assume.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank's primary ABA routing number is 021000021, but your account may use a different one depending on which Citibank division or location holds it.
  • You can find your correct routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Citibank directly.
  • Wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments all require the correct routing number to reach your account.
  • Using the wrong routing number may delay a transfer or send money to the wrong bank, so verify before sending large amounts.

Where to find your Citibank routing number

The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of your checks. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to look at them, log into your Citibank online banking account and go to the account details or settings section — most banks display the routing number there.

You can also call Citibank customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Have your account number ready, and they will tell you the routing number tied to your specific account. This is the most reliable method if you're uncertain, because the representative can confirm which Citibank division holds your account.

When you need an ABA number

You'll need your routing number whenever someone outside Citibank needs to send money directly into your account. The most common situations are setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, arranging automatic bill payments from your account, or receiving a wire transfer from another person or business.

If you're sending money out of your Citibank account to another bank, you won't need your own ABA number — you'll need the routing number of the bank receiving the money. For example, if you're wiring money to a friend's account at Wells Fargo, you need Wells Fargo's routing number, not Citibank's.

Why Citibank has multiple routing numbers

Citibank operates through different divisions and in different states, and the Federal Reserve assigns a unique routing number to each combination. Citibank's consumer banking division, Citibank's commercial division, and Citibank subsidiaries like Citibank (South Dakota) all have different routing numbers. Your account's routing number depends on which legal entity actually holds it.

This is why the number 021000021 works for many Citibank customers but not all. If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may bounce back, be delayed, or go to a different Citibank account entirely. Always verify your specific routing number before initiating a transfer you care about.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you provide an incorrect routing number, the sending bank will try to deliver the money to that routing number instead of yours. In some cases, the transfer will fail and bounce back to the sender within a few business days. In other cases, the money may reach a different Citibank account or a different bank entirely, and recovering it can take weeks.

For this reason, it's worth taking 30 seconds to confirm your routing number before you authorize a wire transfer or set up a new automatic payment. If you've already sent money with the wrong routing number, contact Citibank immediately — they can sometimes trace the transfer and retrieve it, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances.

Routing number vs. account number

Your routing number and your account number are two different things. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. When you set up a transfer, you typically need both. Your account number is usually printed on your checks as well, appearing after the routing number at the bottom.

Some services ask for your account number alone, some ask for both, and some ask for your full check number. Read the form carefully to see what's actually required. If you're unsure, call Citibank and ask which numbers to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Citibank accounts?

No. While 021000021 is Citibank's primary routing number and works for many consumer accounts, some accounts use different routing numbers depending on the account type, location, or Citibank division. Check your checks or online banking to confirm your specific number.

Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?

Yes. Your routing number is the same regardless of the type of transfer. Whether money is coming in as direct deposit or going out as a wire transfer, the routing number stays the same.

What if my Citibank account is at a branch in a different state?

The routing number is based on the legal entity that holds your account, not the physical branch location. A Citibank account in California and one in New York may use the same routing number if they're held by the same Citibank division. Check your specific account to be sure.

Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own Citibank accounts?

No. If you're moving money between two accounts you own at Citibank, you can do it through online banking or by calling customer service without needing a routing number. Routing numbers are only needed when money is moving between different banks.