My timeline so far for signing up for a basic citi checking account.

Nov 22: Signed up for account online. Says application under review

Dec 7: Receive a piece of paper mail saying, “We cannot verify your identity. Please call us.” Call them and verify my identity.

Dec 9: Account officially approved. Cannot log in to use the account, set up direct deposit, see my account number, etc until I get my debit card. That’s fine. Get email saying “your debit card has shipped.”

Dec 21: Return from traveling to one piece of mail that says, “here is the pin for your new debit card.” No debit card in sight. Call citi customer service. They direct me to a different line that is only open mon-friday during work hours.

Dec 23: Call again and get directed to the new accounts line. Exchange went something like, Me: “I’m calling because I never received a debit card” Rep:”Ok so sorry, what is your social security number” Me: #### Rep: “Ok so sorry, what is your debit card number?” Me: “I don’t have one, that’s why I’m calling” Rep: “Oh so sorry, what is your account number then?” Me: “I need the debit card to log in and find that out” Rep: “I see, so sorry. I need either your account number or your debit card number.” Me: “Yes…I’m calling to figure that out” Rep: “Ok so sorry. I need one of the two to verify” Me: “Don’t you have my account number?” Rep: “Yes so sorry I can see it right here.” Me: “But you can’t use it?” Rep: “No, so sorry I need you to say it.” …

Went on line that before he eventually told me I will have to go into a physical branch. Won’t be able to do that for a few more weeks due to all the traveling. There was a new account bonus for direct deposits within 60 days, and at this rate I doubt I’ll even have the account open by then.