Quick Answer

Yes, Citibank (Citigroup) hires individuals with felony convictions, but employment is severely restricted by Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act). As one of America's largest banks with approximately 229,000 employees globally and over 200 years of history, Citi cannot hire anyone convicted of crimes involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering without FDIC waiver or exemption.

The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) of 2019 created significant pathways by establishing automatic exclusions from Section 19 for: offenses where 7 years passed since offense (or 5 years since release); offenses committed before age 21 where 30 months passed since sentencing; expunged or sealed convictions; simple drug possession; designated lesser offenses (shoplifting, fake ID, trespass) after 1 year.

CRITICAL: If conviction NOT covered by FHBA exclusions, individual waiver from FDIC required (Form 6710/07) before Citi can legally hire. Credit check also conducted financial instability creates additional barriers. Citi operates in five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking (USPB), and Wealth. Best opportunities exist for those qualifying under FHBA automatic exclusions.

Table of Content

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Citibank, critically assess your Section 19 status:

• Determine Section 19 Coverage: Section 19 covers any "crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust or money laundering." This includes: fraud, embezzlement, forgery, theft, larceny, counterfeiting, extortion, false statements to banks, money laundering, bribery, and crimes where dishonesty is element.

  Also covers pretrial diversion programs for such crimes. If conviction falls into these categories, determine if FHBA exclusion applies or FDIC waiver required.

  
  

• Check FHBA Automatic Exclusions: You may be automatically excluded from Section 19 bar if: (a) 7 years passed since offense occurred OR 5 years since release from incarceration, whichever later; (b) Offense committed before age 21 AND 30 months passed since sentencing; (c) Conviction expunged or sealed; (d) Simple possession or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; (e) Designated lesser offenses (shoplifting under $1,000, fake ID, trespass, fare evasion) with 1 year passed.

  
  

• Understand Waiver Process: If offense still covered by Section 19 (recent, serious felony of dishonesty), you must obtain FDIC waiver using Form 6710/07 BEFORE Citibank can legally hire you. Waiver requires bank sponsorship, extensive documentation, and takes 6-12+ months. Success not guaranteed.

  
  

• Assess Credit History: Citibank conducts credit check. Prepare to explain past financial instability: debt, defaults, collections, bankruptcy. Banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets.

  
  

• Commitment to Truthfulness: You must be 100% truthful about entire criminal and credit history. Dishonesty on application is automatic disqualification. Banking industry has zero tolerance for deception.

  
  

• Document Rehabilitation: If waiver needed, gather extensive documentation: stable employment, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, written explanation of changed circumstances.

Critical Regulatory Information

CRITICAL: Citibank employment governed by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. This is federal law not company policy with criminal penalties for violations.

Section 19 of FDI Act - Mandatory Bar

• Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. § 1829) creates mandatory prohibition. Without specific exemption or waiver from FDIC, it is a federal crime for:

  (1) Any person convicted of a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering to work at an FDIC-insured bank;

  (2) Any person who entered pretrial diversion program for such crime. Covered offenses include: fraud, embezzlement, forgery, theft, larceny, making false statements, counterfeiting, money laundering, extortion, receiving stolen property, bribery. Without FDIC waiver or FHBA exclusion, Citibank CANNOT legally employ anyone with covered conviction. Both bank and individual face federal criminal penalties for violations.

Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) Exclusions

• The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA), enacted 2019, created automatic exclusions from Section 19 requiring no FDIC waiver. You are AUTOMATICALLY excluded from Section 19 bar if:

  (1) Seven years passed since offense occurred OR five years since release from incarceration, whichever is later—most important exclusion for older convictions;

  (2) Offense committed before age 21 AND 30 months passed since sentencing—protecting youthful offenders;

  (3) Conviction expunged, sealed, or pardoned;

  (4) Simple possession or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—drug offenses excluded;

  (5) Designated lesser offenses including shoplifting under $1,000, bad check under $1,000, fake ID, trespass, fare evasion where 1 year passed since conviction.

  
  

FDIC Waiver Process (Form 6710/07)

• If conviction still covered by Section 19 (recent, does not meet FHBA exclusion), individual must obtain FDIC waiver using Form 6710/07 before Citibank can legally hire.

  
  

• Process requires: bank sponsorship (Citibank agreeing to hire pending waiver); comprehensive application with offense details and rehabilitation evidence; fingerprints and FBI background check; FDIC review and decision. Processing time typically 6-12+ months. Factors considered: nature and circumstances of offense; evidence rehabilitation will succeed; extent of participation in banking; relationship to institution. De minimis exemption available for certain minor offenses through bank without full FDIC process. Waiver is not guaranteed.

  
  

Credit Check Requirements

• Citibank conducts credit history review as part of background screening.

• Banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets, deposits, and sensitive financial information.

• Significant financial problems create barriers: heavy debt, defaults, collections, bankruptcy, tax liens, judgments.

• Prepare explanation for any credit issues. Credit improvement before applying recommended.

Company Overview

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) is a leading global financial services company with over 200 years of history serving individuals, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. With approximately 229,000 employees and operations in over 160 countries and jurisdictions, Citi is one of the world's most globally diversified financial institutions. Company traces roots to City Bank of New York founded in 1812, evolving through numerous mergers including the landmark 1998 combination of Citicorp and Travelers Group that created modern Citigroup. With annual revenue exceeding $170 billion, Citi ranks among the "Big Four" American banks alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Company mission is "to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress," with 200 years of experience helping clients "meet the world's toughest challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities."

Citi operates through five distinct business segments providing diverse career opportunities: Services (treasury and trade solutions helping corporate clients manage global payments and liquidity, securities services for custody and fund administration); Markets (market-making across asset classes, risk management solutions, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing and settlement); Banking (investment banking, corporate lending, commercial banking solutions); U.S. Personal Banking/USPB (Citi-branded credit cards, retail banking services, partner retail services including Costco credit cards); and Wealth (financial advisory services, investment management, private banking for high net worth clients). This diversified structure creates opportunities across multiple industries and functions for qualified employees who clear Section 19 requirements.

Headquartered in New York City with major operations centers in Jacksonville, Florida; Tampa, Florida; O'Fallon, Missouri; Florence, Kentucky; Irving, Texas; and locations worldwide. Company traces roots to City Bank of New York founded 1812. Modern Citigroup formed 1998 through merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group. Employees distributed globally: approximately 77,000 in North America, 74,000 in Asia Pacific, 51,000 in Latin America, and 36,000 in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: New York City, NY;

• Employees: 229,000 globally; NYSE: C;

• Founded: 1812 (as City Bank of New York); Revenue: $170+ billion annually; Countries: 160+ jurisdictions;

• Segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, Wealth; Major US

• Centers: Jacksonville FL, Tampa FL, O'Fallon MO, Florence KY, Irving TX; History: 200+ years.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Citibank hiring fundamentally shaped by Section 19 compliance requirements. Company cannot legally hire individuals with covered convictions without FDIC waiver or FHBA exclusion this is federal law, not discretionary policy. Within regulatory constraints, Citi emphasizes diverse global workforce with career development opportunities.

For applicants qualifying under FHBA exclusions (7+ years since offense, youthful offender, expunged record, drug possession, minor offenses), standard employment process applies with comprehensive background check verifying exclusion eligibility. For those still covered by Section 19, employment impossible without FDIC waiver requiring bank sponsorship and 6-12+ months processing. Large global employer creates diverse position opportunities for those meeting Section 19 requirements.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter for Citi positions. All positions require Section 19 clearance through FHBA exclusion or FDIC waiver.

Career Path Examples

Retail Banking Track (U.S. Personal Banking): Teller ($18-$24/hr, customer transactions, cash handling, product referrals, bilingual skills valued especially Spanish) → Senior Teller ($20-$26/hr, complex transactions, mentoring new tellers, 1-2 years experience) → Personal Banker ($22-$32/hr, customer financial needs assessment, account management, product sales and advisory, licensing may be required, 2-4 years) → Personal Banker Lead (team leadership, coaching, sales oversight) → Branch Manager (full branch operations, P&L responsibility, team management, community engagement).

Timeline: 5-10 years for full progression depending on performance and opportunities. Requires meeting all licensing requirements for investment and insurance product recommendations. Section 19 status and credit history verified at each promotional step. Strong internal mobility culture supports career advancement.

Operations Track: Customer Service Representative ($18-$22/hr, call center customer inquiries, account servicing, issue resolution—some positions offer train onsite then work from home) → Ops Support Specialist ($18-$26/hr, back office processing, record management, various department support) → Senior Operations Specialist ($28-$38/hr, specialized processing, complex cases, team support, quality assurance) → Operations Supervisor (team management, performance oversight, process improvement) → Operations Manager (department management, strategic initiatives, budget responsibility).

Timeline: 4-8 years for progression through supervisory ranks. Strong career path for entry-level banking that does not emphasize branch sales. Major global operations centers in Jacksonville FL, Tampa FL, O'Fallon MO, Florence KY, Irving TX offer significant employment opportunities with potential for advancement and work from home options in some roles.

Background Check Process

Citibank Background Screening: Application submission through jobs.citi.com; Initial screening and phone interview; In-person or video interview; Conditional job offer extended; Comprehensive background check conducted including: Criminal history verification with Section 19 assessment determining whether offense covered by federal banking prohibition and whether FHBA automatic exclusion applies; Credit history review through consumer reporting agency (banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets and sensitive information); Employment verification confirming previous work history including dates, titles, and separation reasons; Education verification confirming degrees and certifications; Drug testing for applicable positions. If criminal history identified, FCRA adverse action process applies with pre-adverse action notice, copy of report, 5 business days to dispute, then final decision. If Section 19 covered without FHBA exclusion, FDIC waiver application required using Form 6710/07 (adds 6-12+ months to process requiring bank sponsorship).

Timeline for standard hiring with FHBA exclusion: 2-4 weeks from conditional offer to clearance. Much longer if FDIC waiver required.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: Section 19 covered offense without FHBA exclusion or FDIC waiver; Dishonesty during application; Failed drug test where applicable.

  
  

• High Risk (Even with FHBA): Recent dishonesty offenses approaching 7-year mark; Pattern of financial crimes; Poor credit with current delinquencies; Multiple convictions; Ongoing integrity concerns.

  
  

• Individual Review: Convictions qualifying under FHBA exclusions; Credit issues with explanation; Old convictions with rehabilitation; Offenses unrelated to financial services.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FHBA: Automatic exclusion from Section 19 if meeting criteria—no waiver needed; Bank cannot require waiver for excluded offenses.

  
  

• FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report; Opportunity to dispute; Final adverse action notice.

  
  

• FDIC Waiver: Right to apply for waiver with bank sponsorship; Right to present rehabilitation evidence; Right to FDIC decision.

  
  

• State Laws: Various state ban-the-box and fair chance laws may apply depending on location.

Application Strategy

1. Self-Assess Section 19 Status First: Before applying, determine if conviction involves dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering AND whether FHBA exclusion applies. Calculate 7 years from offense or 5 from release. Consult attorney if unclear.

   
   

2. Gather Exclusion Documentation: If qualifying under FHBA, prepare documentation proving exclusion: court records with dates, release documentation, expungement orders, age verification if under 21 at offense.

   
   

3. Address Credit Readiness: Citibank conducts credit check. Review credit reports, dispute errors, prepare explanation for issues. Banking expects financial responsibility.

   
   

4. Be 100% Truthful: Complete honesty about criminal and credit history required. Dishonesty is automatic disqualification. Banking has zero tolerance for deception.

   
   

5. Document Rehabilitation: If waiver needed or for any application, prepare: stable employment history, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, written explanation.

   
   

6. Target Entry-Level Positions: Teller, Customer Service Representative, Operations Support positions have highest volume hiring and may be most accessible for FHBA-qualified applicants.

   
   

7. Consider Location: Major operations centers in Jacksonville FL, Tampa FL, O'Fallon MO, Florence KY, Irving TX offer significant hiring. Various locations may have different opportunity levels.

   
   

8. Understand Ongoing Requirements: Banking employees face ongoing compliance including self-reporting new arrests, regulatory examinations, potential licensing requirements.

   
   

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Seven-Year Rule is Critical: FHBA 7-year exclusion is most important pathway. If past 7 years since offense (5 since release), you qualify for automatic exclusion—no waiver needed.

   
   

2. Drug Convictions Excluded: Simple possession and even possession with intent to distribute automatically excluded from Section 19. Drug offenses do not bar banking employment.

   
   

3. Expungement Provides Cleanest Path: Expunged or sealed convictions excluded from Section 19. Pursue expungement if eligible before applying.

   
   

4. Credit Matters: Even if Section 19 cleared, poor credit creates barriers. Banking expects financial responsibility. Work on credit improvement.

   
   

5. Global Employer Advantage: Citi with 229,000 employees across 160+ countries offers diverse positions and locations compared to smaller banks.

Benefits Overview

Compensation: Competitive banking salaries; Performance bonuses; Incentive programs; Annual merit increases; Comprehensive total rewards package.

Retirement: 401(k) with company match; Pension programs for eligible employees; Financial planning resources; Retirement readiness support.

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage; Health savings accounts; Flexible spending; Employee assistance programs; Mental health resources; Well-being programs.

Paid Time Off: Vacation days; Personal time; Sick leave; Paid holidays; Parental leave; Volunteer time off.

Career Development: Tuition reimbursement; Professional development programs; Internal mobility across global organization; Training and mentorship; Leadership development.

Additional: Employee stock purchase plan; Commuter benefits; Legal services; Adoption assistance; Diverse employee networks and affinity groups.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Global career opportunities; Strong benefits; Career development; Job stability with major bank; Diverse workforce; Internal mobility across 160+ countries; Competitive pay; Work from home options for some roles.

Cons: Section 19 restrictions; Comprehensive background checks; Credit check requirements; Large corporate environment; Regulatory scrutiny; Recent workforce reductions; Compliance culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Citibank hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but severely restricted by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Citibank CANNOT legally hire anyone with conviction involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering without FDIC waiver or Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) exclusion. FHBA provides automatic exclusion if: 7 years since offense (5 since release); offense before age 21 with 30 months since sentencing; expunged conviction; drug possession; designated minor offenses. Without exclusion, individual FDIC waiver required.

   
   

2. What is Section 19 of the FDI Act?

   Section 19 (12 U.S.C. § 1829) is federal law prohibiting anyone convicted of crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering from working at FDIC-insured banks without FDIC consent. Also covers those who entered pretrial diversion for such crimes. Applies to ALL positions at Citibank. Covered offenses: fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, false statements, money laundering, bribery. Both bank and individual face criminal penalties for violations.

   
   

3. What is the Fair Hiring in Banking Act?

   FHBA (2019) created automatic exclusions from Section 19 requiring no waiver. Excluded if: (a) 7 years since offense OR 5 years since release from incarceration; (b) Offense before age 21 and 30 months since sentencing; (c) Expunged or sealed conviction; (d) Drug possession offenses; (e) Minor offenses (shoplifting under $1,000, bad check, fake ID, trespass) with 1 year passed. These allow banking employment without FDIC waiver.

   
   

4. How do I get an FDIC waiver?

   If conviction still covered by Section 19 (does not meet FHBA exclusion), must obtain FDIC waiver using Form 6710/07. Requires: bank sponsorship (Citi agreeing to hire pending waiver); comprehensive application; rehabilitation evidence; fingerprints; FBI background; FDIC review. Processing 6-12+ months. De minimis exemption for minor offenses through bank. Waiver not guaranteed—serious or recent offenses face higher denial.

   
   

5. Does Citibank check credit?

   Yes, credit check conducted as part of background screening. Banking expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets. Poor credit (defaults, collections, bankruptcy) creates barriers. Prepare explanation for issues. Credit improvement before applying recommended.

   
   

6. What positions are best for applicants with records?

   For those qualifying under FHBA: Teller ($18-$24/hr), Customer Service Representative ($18-$22/hr), and Operations Support ($18-$26/hr) are highest-volume entry positions. ALL Citi positions require Section 19 clearance—no exempt positions. Entry-level roles provide starting point for those meeting exclusion requirements.

   
   

7. How long does the background check take?

   Standard background check: 2-4 weeks from conditional offer. If FDIC waiver required: Add 6-12+ months for waiver processing. Criminal history, credit, employment, education verified. Section 19 status determination part of screening. FCRA adverse action process if issues.

   
   

8. Can drug convictions work at Citibank?

   Yes—drug offenses receive special treatment under FHBA. Simple possession and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances automatically excluded from Section 19. Drug convictions do not bar banking employment. However, current drug use would fail drug testing. Demonstrated sobriety required.

   
   

9. Does expungement help?

   Yes, significantly. Expunged or sealed convictions automatically excluded from Section 19 under FHBA. If eligible for expungement, pursue before applying. Expungement provides cleanest pathway to banking employment.

   
   

10. What locations does Citibank operate?

    Global: 160+ countries, 229,000 employees. Major US operations centers: Jacksonville FL, Tampa FL, O'Fallon MO, Florence KY, Irving TX, New York City headquarters. Employees distributed: 77,000 North America, 74,000 Asia Pacific, 51,000 Latin America, 36,000 EMEA. Various positions across locations.

Alternative Second

Conclusion

Citibank offers Second Chance opportunity in global banking, but employment fundamentally constrained by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. This federal law prohibits anyone with conviction involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering from working at FDIC-insured banks without FDIC consent. The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) of 2019 created significant pathways by establishing automatic exclusions for older offenses, youthful offenders, expunged convictions, drug possession, and designated minor offenses.

Critical first step: Determine your Section 19 status before investing time in application process. If conviction qualifying under FHBA exclusion (7 years since offense occurred or 5 years since release from incarceration whichever is later; offense committed before age 21 and 30 months since sentencing; conviction expunged or sealed under state law; simple drug possession or possession with intent to distribute; designated minor offenses like shoplifting under $1,000, bad check under $1,000, fake ID, trespass with 1 year passed), you can apply through standard process without FDIC waiver. If conviction still covered by Section 19 without meeting any FHBA exclusion, you MUST obtain individual FDIC waiver using Form 6710/07 before Citibank can legally employ you—this is a 6-12+ month process requiring bank sponsorship agreement and extensive rehabilitation documentation with no guaranteed outcome.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Those meeting FHBA automatic exclusions can apply for Teller ($18-$24/hr, branch banking with bilingual English/Spanish often preferred), Customer Service Representative ($18-$22/hr, call center with some work from home options), or Operations Support Specialist ($18-$26/hr, back office processing) positions—these represent highest volume entry points with training provided. Expungement of conviction provides cleanest pathway to banking employment—pursue if eligible in your state before applying. Drug convictions specifically excluded from Section 19 under FHBA—drug possession does not bar banking. Credit history also reviewed—work on improvement before applying if issues exist. Major operations centers in Jacksonville FL, Tampa FL, O'Fallon MO, Florence KY, Irving TX offer diverse opportunities and significant hiring volume beyond traditional branch network.

Key success factors: Determine Section 19 status and FHBA exclusion eligibility before applying by calculating time since offense and release; Pursue expungement if available in your state to create cleanest pathway; Address credit history by reviewing reports, disputing errors, and having explanations ready for any issues; Be completely honest throughout application and interview process as banking has zero tolerance for dishonesty; Document rehabilitation thoroughly if waiver needed including stable employment, character references, treatment completion, community involvement; Target entry-level positions like Teller or Customer Service Representative initially to establish banking record; Consider various Citi locations including major operations centers offering diverse opportunities; Understand ongoing compliance and self-reporting requirements that continue throughout banking career.

Understanding the opportunity: Citigroup with 229,000 employees across 160+ countries offers truly global career opportunities with diverse positions spanning retail banking, operations, technology, wealth management, corporate banking, and more. Over 200 years of banking history and mission to serve as "trusted partner" provides stable employment foundation in financial services. FHBA significantly expanded access for people with criminal records by creating automatic exclusions from Section 19 for many common offenses after appropriate time periods. Those meeting FHBA exclusions face standard employment process with comprehensive background check but no waiver requirement. Major U.S. operations centers (Jacksonville, Tampa, O'Fallon, Florence, Irving, New York) provide significant hiring opportunities beyond branch network. Banking career with Citi provides competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits including 401(k), health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and international career possibilities for those who can clear Section 19 requirements and demonstrate financial responsibility through credit history review.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Section 19 and FHBA requirements but should not be considered legal advice. Section 19 determinations involve complex legal analysis consult attorney for specific guidance. FDIC waiver outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Citi policies may change. Credit and criminal history requirements strictly enforced. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by location and experience. Individual outcomes depend on Section 19 status, criminal history, credit history, and qualifications. Citibank/Citigroup name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.