Direct Access User Guide


Welcome | Getting Started | Information Center | Managing your Money
Paying your Bills | Quotes & Market Information | Investing
Downloading Account Info | Privacy & Security
Frequently Asked Questions | User Agreement | Glossary | Trouble Shooting Guide

Getting Started
After you install Direct Access®, read this section for information on how to get started or on Direct Access' features and functions.

Starting Direct Access®

Personal Identification Number

Timing Out

Exiting Direct Access

Where to Get Help

Navigating Menus and Screens

Channel Overview



Starting Direct Access
Note: For more information on installing Direct Access software, refer to the installation instructions that accompanied the software.

Private Network Version

  • Windows 95: Click on Start, then Programs and choose Direct Access.
  • Windows 3.1: Double-click on the Direct Access icon.
Internet Version
    1. Connect to the Internet through your Internet Service Provider.
    2. Start your Direct Access compatible browser.
    3. Point your browser to Direct Access' World Wide Web address: http://www.citibank.com/us

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Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Your Direct Access Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the same number you use to gain access to Citicard Banking Center® machines or other ATMs. You must enter your PIN every time you connect to Citibank through Direct Access. To change your PIN using Direct Access, select the Customer Service channel, choose Change PIN from the task bar, and follow the directions on the screen. If you change your PIN using Direct Access, you will also have to use the new PIN the next time you use a Citicard Banking Center location or other ATM.

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Timing Out
During a Direct Access session, you are disconnected (timed out) if you do not perform activity in any of the transactional channels for five minutes. The transactional channels are channels you use to make transactions with your account, or update details of your account. The following are the transactional channels in Direct Access:

  • Account Information
  • Payments & Transfers
  • Investment Services
  • Customer Service
When you time out, Direct Access displays a message on your screen asking if you want to continue the connection. You have one minute from the time the message appears to answer the question before you are automatically disconnected.

The time out feature is designed for your protection. It prevents anyone from accessing your information, making changes to your accounts or initiating unauthorized transactions if you leave your computer unattended for an extended period of time.

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Exiting Direct Access
To exit Direct Access, click on the Sign-Off button on the upper, left corner of the screen. If you are using Direct Access over the Internet, you will still be connected to the Internet until you disconnect from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or commercial online service provider.

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