The short answer
A debit displaying CITIZENS MAINT FEE indicates a monthly checking account maintenance charge assessed by Citizens Bank on accounts that did not satisfy monthly waiver criteria during the statement billing cycle.
How Citizens Bank Monthly Maintenance Fees Occur
A debit reading CITIZENS MAINT FEE represents a Citizens Bank monthly checking maintenance fee assessed directly by Citizens Financial Group. This fee is an administrative service charge levied against deposit accounts that fail to meet balance minimums or monthly deposit requirements during the statement cycle. Rather than an unauthorized purchase or third-party merchant charge, this is an automated internal assessment by the bank.
On popular accounts like Citizens One Deposit Checking, the monthly maintenance charge of $9.99 is waived as long as you make at least one deposit of any dollar amount each monthly statement period. If you do not receive a direct deposit or deposit a check through the mobile app before the cycle closes, the billing system assesses the charge automatically. Premium checking accounts may require higher daily average balances to keep the monthly fee from triggering.
If you were charged unexpectedly, contact Citizens customer service right away. Bank representatives frequently offer a one-time courtesy fee reversal for established customers who maintain good account standing. To avoid future maintenance fees, set up a small recurring automatic transfer into your checking account each month, or review your options with a representative to switch into an account product that fits your normal deposit habits.
- Account received no qualifying deposits during the monthly statement billing period
- Average daily balance fell below required minimum thresholds on specialized checking tiers
- Account is an older legacy product subject to monthly service charges
Waiving Fees and Satisfying Deposit Rules
Make at least one deposit each month to ensure automatic monthly maintenance fee waivers.
- Log in to online banking and review your account statement closing date.
- Ensure at least one deposit of any amount (direct deposit, mobile check, ATM transfer) clears each month.
- Contact Citizens customer support to request a one-time courtesy fee waiver if a deposit was delayed.
- Review checking account options with customer service to ensure your account matches your financial habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find direct guidance below regarding how maintenance fee waivers work and how to dispute service charges.
How can I avoid the monthly maintenance fee on Citizens One Deposit checking?
Make at least one deposit of any amount each monthly statement period through direct deposit, mobile check deposit, ATM transfer, or branch deposit.
Can I get a refund for a CITIZENS MAINT FEE charge?
Citizens customer service representatives frequently provide courtesy refunds for maintenance charges upon request if you establish regular qualifying deposits.
Part of a family
CITIZENS MAINT FEE is one of the Citi statement codes and Citizens Bank statement codes lines — see the whole family decoded.
Independent reference — not affiliated with Citizens Bank. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- Citizens One Deposit Checking Features and Fee Schedule https://www.citizensbank.com/checking/one-deposit-checking.aspx
- CFPB Guide to Checking Account Maintenance Fees https://www.consumerfinance.gov
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges