A Citicard Offers Enhanced
Benefits and Exceptional Service

Born in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, it went through many different managers but was started by various New York merchants. Samuel Osgood, Moses Taylor and John Jacob Astor were all managers of the City Bank of New York throughout its beginning. During Moses Taylor’s rein, the City Bank of New York provided most financial means for Taylor’s own business.

The City Bank of New York became part of the national banking system in 1865 and took the new name The National City Bank of New York. The National City Bank of New York rose to near perfection during the latter part of the 19th century. In 1894, The National City Bank of New York had grown to one of the largest banks in the United States. And, in 1897, The National City Bank offered foreign financial means, which was a first in its industry.

By 1913, The National City Bank of New York made the initial donations to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Only a year later, The National City Bank of New York opened a foreign bank in Argentina. Since The National City Bank of New York belonged to the national banking system, it could not open a foreign bank prior to 1914. However, The National City Bank did recruit the International Banking Corporation who opened foreign banks early in the 20th century. The International Banking Corporation eventually merged into a bank and became the first bank to have one billion dollars in assets by 1919.

Through the 1950's and 1960's, The National City Bank of New York went through various Rockefeller presidents. And, in 1955 The National City Bank of New York merged with the First National Bank to become known as The First National City Bank of New York. In 1962, it shortened its name to the First National City Bank and was known as Citibank by 1976.

During the 1960's, Citibank credit cards, known now as a Citicard, came into existence. Additionally, the Carte Blanche card was bought from Hilton Hotels, but The First National City Bank was forced to get rid of this card by 1968. It was in 1968 that The First National City Bank developed the Everything Card. However, this card was not successful, so the bank decided to try the Choice Card in 1977. Additionally in the 1970's, Citibank invented the ever famous automated teller machine so consumers could have 24 hour access to their accounts. By 1981, consumer lending had become a down fall for many banks, but Citibank took advantage of South Dakota’s outlandish interest rates and opened a subsidiary for consumer lending in South Dakota.

More currently, Citibank has acquired various other banks and gotten into a little trouble along the way. In 2001, Citibank allegedly did not apply late fees correctly and settled with numerous plaintiffs a $45 million law suit. In 2002, Citibank bought the California Federal Bank. And, in 2004, Citibank acquired the First American Bank of Bryan, Texas. This buyout added many benefits to Citibank including $3.5 billion in assets and over one hundred and twenty thousand new customers.

Citibank remains to have offices in over 100 countries. In addition to offering cards like the Citicard, Citibank offers insurance and investment products. In 2006, Citibank contracted with 7-11 stores to put Citibank ATM's in the 7-11 stores. Likewise, Citibank sold its Rochester and Buffalo branches to M&T Bank. And, in 2009, a new field for the New York Mets will be opened and known as the Citi Field.

Reward, balance transfer, and low rate credit cards are all offered by Citibank. If you're a student or own a business, they also supply a selection of these card types, along with a multitude of personal credit cards.

Did you find a Citicard that sparks your interest in this large selection of cards? If not, you can review the rest of my website for other credit cards that might interest you. There are dozens of credit cards available here. Contact me if you have any questions about Citicards or any other credit card questions.