U.S.: Citi Waives Late Fees, Makes Life Easier With Its New Citi Simplicity Card

Citi
Citi is a member of Citigroup. Citigroup, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com.


	Printer Friendly Page		FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C) October 18, 2005 U.S.: Citi Waives Late Fees, Makes Life Easier With Its New Citi Simplicity Card New York – Responding to customer feedback on what they want in a credit card, Citi, the world's largest provider of credit cards, today launches the Citi Simplicity(SM) Card. The Simplicity Card features no annual fee, no late fees for cardmembers who make a purchase or cash advance in each billing period and direct access to a live customer service representative. "Citi understands that our customers are busy and things can get in the way of paying on time. We spoke to consumers to better understand the things they wanted to change about their credit card experience. They told us that they should not have to pay a late fee and that they'd like direct access to a customer service representative. So we created the Citi Simplicity Card," says Antony Jenkins, Citi Cards Executive Vice President. Citi Cards Executive Vice President, Ed Eger adds, "As we seek to develop ever more meaningful relationships with our customers we will continue to evolve Simplicity Card products in response to their direct feedback about other features that will help them simplify their lives. The program is designed to meet their evolving needs." The Citi Simplicity Card offers value, rewards and cash benefits through a suite of no-annual-fee card products: The Citi Simplicity Card combines a low rate with no late fees when using the card for purchases or cash advances during each billing period. A special 12 month introductory promotion offers a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases with no balance transfer fee. The Citi Simplicity Rewards Card offers points with purchases through the Citi ThankYou Network(R), a free rewards program featuring a variety of merchandise, travel and gift cards at leading retailers and restaurants. A special 12 month introductory promotion offers 5 ThankYou Points for purchases at gas stations and drug stores and a 0% APR on balance transfers with no balance transfer fee. The Citi Simplicity Cash Card lets cardmembers earn 5% cash back for purchases made at gas stations and drug stores, and offers 1% cash back on other purchases or eligible cash advances. Cardmembers can earn additional cash back by shopping at merchants in the Citi Simplicity Cash Merchant Network. A special 12 month introductory promotion offers a 0% APR on balance transfers with no balance transfer fee. "The simple reality of our times is that life for the 21st century consumer has become too complex, but fortunately there are some services that can actually make your life easier," says Jeff Davidson, author of The Joy of Simple Living. "In today's world, both your mental and physical energy can easily be depleted, and so by adding the peace of mind of avoiding late fees and the option for direct access to a live person, the Citi Simplicity Card helps to give you more time and less anxiety in your life." Other benefits of the Citi Simplicity Card include: Direct access to a live customer service representative Access to free tools such as customized email alerts, billing date options and automatic payments to help avoid late payments $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases Fraud Early Warning with 24-hour protection from fraud Citi Identity Theft Solutions Auto rental insurance Emergency travel assistance Travel accident insurance Acceptance at 32 million locations around the world Citi Platinum Select(R) Card and Citi Diamond Preferred(R) Card cardmembers may be upgraded to one of the Citi Simplicity cards. For more information or to apply for a Citi Simplicity Card, call 1-888- CITICARD or visit http://www.citisimplicity.com. Additional terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all these products. # # # Citi Citi is a member of Citigroup. Citigroup, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com.