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 Affordable Access Banking Initiative

An opportunity for MAF clients to access safe and affordable checking and/or savings accounts.

Bank accounts and services can help you build a financial foundation. If you decide that you want to open a bank account, it is essential to understand how they work and what your options are so you can find the one that’s right for you.

You may decide that a checking or savings account is the right product for you. When comparing banks and accounts, consider:

  • Bank, customer service & accessibility. 

  • account fees and terms.

  • account features that meet your needs.

MAF is partnering with Citi to offer the opportunity to access safe and affordable checking and savings accounts.

Why do we like the Citi® Access Account?

We believe that these bank accounts offer key features that make them safe, accessible, and affordable. In addition, these accounts are FDIC insured and certified by BankOn.

  • NO MINIMUM BALANCE

  • NO MONTHLY SERVICE FEES

  • NO OVERDRAFT FEES

  • ONLINE BILL PAYMENT

  • MOBILE CHECK DEPOSIT

  • AUTOMATIC TRANSFERS TO SAVINGS ACCOUNT

  • CITI MOBILE BANKING APP

      How to apply for a Citi® Access Account

      1. REVIEW

      First, ensure that this bank account is right for you. Review its features and the Supplement to the terms and conditions for your account package for important information. You should keep a copy.

      If you decide to apply, collect all the information and required documents to begin the process.


      2. APPLY

      If you have an ITIN or SSN, you can apply for an account online, over the phone, or in person at participating branches.

      If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, you must open the account in person at a participating branch.

      ONLINE

      Apply online at
      mafito.info/aabi or click below.

      BY PHONE

      Call 1-866-443-1607 (or TTY 1-800-992-9833) and provide MAF’s referral code 4HW9DYZH6C

      IN PERSON

      Go to a participating Citi branch near you. You must provide the bank employee with a referral flyer with MAF’s referral code. 


      3. ACTIVATE

      Submit your application to Citi with proof of identity, address verification, and other personal identifying information. Once approved, you will have 90 days to add funds to your account.

      To access this special offer, you must provide MAF’s client referral code. Accounts opened without the referral code will be subject to standard fees, terms, and conditions.

      Requirements to apply

        • You must be at least 18 years old.
        • You must live in the United States.
        • If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, you must be near a participating Citi branch to open the account.
        1. ONLINE OR PHONE

          •  Identity verification: You must provide a one-time passcode (OTP) or complete a knowledge-based answer verification (KBA). For KBA verification, you may be asked about personal characteristics listed on your ID, personal assets, and/or previous employment information.
          • Complete the account opening application.


          IN-PERSON

          • Find a participating branch.
          • Call the branch to make an appointment and ask about the documentation you need to bring to open an account.
          • Bring a physical or digital copy of a referral flyer with MAF’s referral code to the branch to ensure that you’re connected to this special offer.
          • Identity Verification: You must provide a current driver’s license, state ID, foreign passport, consular ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
          • Proof of Address: You must provide a utility bill, paystub, or financial statement with your full name that is less than 30 days old.
          • Complete the account opening application.

        Participating Citi branches

        The Citi® Access Account Package can only be opened through a select list of participating Citi branches. We will update this page as Citi expands the program to service additional branches.


        • 4638 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112
          Telephone (415) 528-3602
        • 1325 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
          Telephone (510) 250-7748
        • 200 W Taylor Street, San Jose, CA 95110
          Telephone (408) 217-1757
        • 11 E 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
          Telephone (650) 513-2847
        • 61 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403
          Telephone (650) 513-2845
        • 3615 S Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007
          Telephone (323) 373-3364
        • 3479 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
          Telephone (323) 825-3218

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Do you have a question that isn’t answered below?
        Please contact MAF at (888) 274-4808 or programs@missionassetfund.org.

        Why is MAF partnering with Citi to promote these accounts?

        For many, accessing a safe and affordable bank account can be the first step toward financial stability. We believe that banking services should be available to everyone.

        Without an accessible and affordable bank account, individuals are more likely to rely on alternative financial service providers that charge high fees for services such as check-cashing, money orders, and remittances. At their best, these alternative financial service providers can be costly. At worst, they can be predatory and place individuals in a difficult financial position. 

        At MAF, we want to make sure community members are aware of their options for accessible and affordable financial services. Since the Citi® Access Account Package removes many barriers to banking, we are partnering with Citi to promote these accounts as an option that may meet community needs.

        How is Citi Access Checking different from a traditional checking account?

        Citi’s Access Checking account is a transaction account, which means there are no paper checks provided with the account. You may send payments using the online bill payment feature or by going to a local branch to obtain a cashier’s check.

        Additionally, this account does not allow you to spend more money than what is available in your account. To avoid overdraft fees, any transactions that exceed the total amount you have available to spend in your account will not be approved.

        Citi’s Access Checking account meets 2021-2022 National BankOn Account Standards. Citibank deposit accounts are FDIC-insured.

        Am I eligible to open an account?

        To open an account, you must live in the United States, be at least 18 years old, provide proof of identity, and submit a completed application.

        How can I open a Citi® Access Account Package with an ITIN or SSN?

        You can open an account online, over the phone, or in person at participating branches.

        You must provide MAF’s client referral code to access this special offer. Accounts opened without the referral code are subject to the standard fees, terms, and conditions.

        How can I open a Citi® Access Account Package without an ITIN or SSN?

        To open an account without an ITIN or SSN, you need to visit a participating Citi branch near you. We recommend you call the branch to schedule an appointment and inquire about the documentation you must bring.

        You must provide the bank employee with a referral flyer that contains MAF’s referral code to access this special offer. Accounts opened in person without the referral code are subject to standard fees, terms, and conditions.

        Does this offer include a savings account?

        Yes. When you open an account, you can indicate whether you’d also like to opt-in to open a linked savings account. The Citi Savings account has no minimum balance requirement or maintenance fee. Please review your options to connect to an account.

        To access this special offer, you must provide MAF’s referral code. Accounts opened in person without the referral code are subject to the standard fees, terms, and conditions.

        Is this account available through all Citibank branches?

        The Citi® Access Account Package can only be opened through a select list of participating Citi branches. We will update this page as Citi expands the program to service additional branches.

        Current list of branches you may visit with the MAF referral flyer to open an account:

        • 4638 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 – Telephone: (415) 528-3602
        • 1325 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 – Telephone: (510) 250-7748
        • 200 W Taylor Street, San Jose, CA 95110 – Telephone: (408) 217-1757
        • 11 E 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 – Telephone:  (650) 513-2847
        • 61 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403 – Telephone: (650) 513-2845
        • 3615 S Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007 – Telephone: (323) 373-3364
        • 3479 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063 – Telephone: (323) 825-3218
        Where can I go if there aren’t any Citi branches near me that offer this account?

        We want to support you in finding a bank account that is right for you. If a participating Citi branch is unavailable near you, please schedule a meeting with a MAF financial coach to discuss your banking options. You can schedule an appointment for a free financial coaching session at mafito.info/coaching.

        What do I do if I encounter a problem when trying to open an account?

        If you experience any technical issues while opening the account, please get in touch with Citi by calling 1-866-443-1607 to connect with a bank representative.

        If you are experiencing any challenges with applying to an account or are denied an account and would like support to understand why, please let us know by emailing us at programs@missionassetfund.org.

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