Citibank once offered a rupee checking account in India designed for customers managing rupee deposits and local payments, including via authorized local representatives. Since 2006, Indian retail banking has shifted toward digital transfers and updated NRI account types (NRE/NRO). Product names, fees and branch coverage may have changed, so confirm current availability and terms directly with the bank and review RBI rules for NRI accounts.

Overview

Citibank historically offered a rupee-denominated checking account in India that let customers hold and move rupees for domestic needs. That product aimed to help people who split time or finances between India and abroad - for example, Indian nationals working overseas who wanted a local rupee account for family expenses and bill payments.

How the account worked (core ideas)

The account allowed rupee deposits and domestic withdrawals. Account holders could authorize a local relative or agent to operate the account on their behalf via mandate or power-of-attorney arrangements, a common feature for non-resident customers who cannot be physically present in India.

Historically advertised advantages included reduced or waived fees for certain inward transfers and the availability of demand drafts delivered to India. Those specific fee waivers and services varied by time and branch. 1

What has changed since 2006

Banking in India has moved heavily toward digital payments (IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, UPI for some use cases) and international remittances. Demand drafts still exist but are far less common than electronic transfers. Fee structures and product names have also evolved, and many banks restructured or sold retail operations in recent years. Because of these shifts, the exact product set, fees, branch coverage and promotional benefits that applied in 2006 may no longer be available under the same name. Customers should check current product listings and regulatory guidance before assuming past features still apply. 2

Modern equivalents and regulatory context

For non-resident Indians (NRIs), the typical rupee-linked account types you will see now are:

  • Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account - for rupee income and local collections.
  • Non-Resident External (NRE) account - repatriable foreign currency converted to rupees for local use.
These account types follow Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules on deposits, repatriation and taxation. Citibank's product names and availability have been updated over the years, so you should confirm whether the bank still offers a specific "rupee checking" product or a modern equivalent. 3

Practical advice

  • Contact the bank directly or visit its official India website to confirm current account types, fees, and branch services.
  • Compare NRE and NRO features if you are an NRI (taxability, repatriation rules differ).
  • Expect more digital transfer options today and fewer paper-based services like demand drafts.
  • Ask about nomination/mandate procedures if you plan to authorize a local representative.
  1. Confirm whether Citibank India currently offers a product named "Rupee Checking Account" or an equivalent and note the current product name.
  2. Verify historical claims about fee waivers for inward transfers and free demand draft deliveries for Citibank rupee accounts.
  3. Confirm any retail banking restructuring or sale affecting Citibank's consumer operations in India and the current consumer-banking operator (if applicable).

FAQs about Citibank Rupee Checking Account

Is the Citibank Rupee Checking Account still available?
Product names and availability have changed since 2006. You should check Citibank India's official site or contact the bank to confirm whether a "Rupee Checking Account" or an equivalent NRE/NRO product is currently offered.
Can NRIs authorize someone in India to operate the account?
Yes. Banks typically allow account mandates or powers of attorney so a nominated person in India can operate a local rupee account, subject to the bank's documentation and compliance rules.
Are transfers to India still free as they were described earlier?
Fee structures vary by bank and over time. Electronic remittances and domestic transfers are common today, but any fee waivers that existed in the past may no longer apply. Confirm current fees with the bank.
What replaced demand drafts for moving money in India?
Electronic systems such as IMPS, NEFT and RTGS handle most domestic transfers now, and international remittance networks have also shifted to electronic rails. Demand drafts remain an option but are less common.