Citibank is making headlines this week with a flurry of major moves—from launching a new credit card with American Airlines to doubling down on artificial intelligence, all while navigating the aftershocks of recent layoffs. Here’s what’s really happening inside one of America’s banking giants.
Citi and American Airlines Unveil New Globe Mastercard
In a bold play for frequent flyers,
Citibank and American Airlines just launched the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard. Announced on October 22, 2025, this new card aims to attract travelers with exclusive perks, enhanced rewards, and travel benefits that go beyond the typical airline credit card.
The partnership signals Citi’s ongoing commitment to expanding its credit card portfolio, which has long been a bright spot for the bank. With travel rebounding and consumers eager for premium experiences, this move could help Citi capture a bigger slice of the lucrative travel rewards market.
Inside Citi’s AI Revolution
But Citi isn’t just focused on plastic. The bank is
investing heavily in generative AI (GenAI), betting that smarter automation and data-driven insights will transform everything from customer service to fraud detection. According to a recent Citi study, a staggering
93% of financial institutions expect AI to fundamentally reshape banking in the next few years.
Citi’s own deep dive into GenAI reveals that the bank is already piloting AI-powered chatbots, personalized financial advice, and advanced risk modeling. The goal? To deliver faster, more intuitive banking experiences while slashing operational costs.
“The financial services industry is at an inflection point with AI,” Citi’s tech leaders say.
“Those who move quickly will define the future of banking.”Layoffs and Restructuring: The Human Cost
Not all the news is rosy.
Citibank has recently undergone significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring effort. The cuts are aimed at streamlining operations and reallocating resources toward high-growth areas like digital banking and AI.
For affected workers, the transition has been tough. Career experts recommend leveraging Citi’s outplacement services, updating resumes, and networking aggressively to land new roles in a rapidly changing job market.
How Does Citi Stack Up in 2025?
Despite the turbulence,
Citibank remains a full-service powerhouse. It offers a wide range of checking and savings accounts, competitive CD rates (up to
4.25%), and a loyalty program that rewards high-balance customers.
Here’s how Citi compares to other big banks:
| Feature | Citibank | Bank of America | Capital One |
|------------------------|------------------|-----------------|--------------|
| Checking Min. Deposit |
$0 |
$25-
$100 | $0 |
| Top Savings APY | Up to
3.50% | Up to
0.04% | 3.50% |
| CD Rates | Up to 4.25% | Up to 4.25% | Up to
4.20% |
| 24/7 Customer Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Citi’s biggest drawbacks? Some accounts aren’t available everywhere, and you’ll need to maintain higher balances to dodge monthly fees and unlock the best perks.
What This Means for Customers and Investors
For customers, Citi’s latest moves mean
more options, smarter tech, and potentially better rewards—if you’re willing to navigate the fine print. For investors, the bank’s aggressive push into AI and digital products could pay off big, but the restructuring pains are real.
As the banking world gets more competitive and digital-first, Citi’s willingness to reinvent itself could be its biggest asset—or its biggest risk.
The Bottom Line
Citibank is at a crossroads:
innovating with new products and AI, but not without growing pains. Whether you’re a customer, employee, or investor, keep an eye on Citi’s next moves—they could shape the future of banking for years to come.
Sources
1. Citi News | Press Releases from Citi
2. Citibank review 2025: A full-service bank with competitive rates
3. [PDF] CIO Strategy Bulletin | October 17, 2025 - Citi.com
4. Investment Hot Topics - Latest Investment News | Citibank Hong Kong
5. [PDF] Our 2023 Mid-Year Wealth Outlook
6. Citibank Layoffs: Insights & Tips for Affected Workers - Zety
7. Nine Takeaways from Citi's Deep Dive into Gen AI and Banking
