Jul 2, 2009

Updated:  April 18, 2009

Citibank GEB update and procedures

We realize how difficult and time consuming it is to open up the Citibank GEB accounts. However we encourage you to not give up and to follow-up with your Citibank representative on a daily basis if you have to. The Citibank account is required by UAL, if you want to get the exchange rate protection that is outlined on page 302 of the Contract.  

In 2008 the exchange rate went below ¥101 in March, April, November and December. In 2009, the exchange rate went below in January, and it is expected to remain below ¥101 for the February pay period as well. For non-GEB account holders, this means that you are losing a lot of money.  

Council 38 has filed a grievance on behalf of the non-GEB account holders in order to get back the exchange rate difference for the pay periods in which the Yen has gone below 101 in 2008 and 2009. Once the hearing is finalized we will announce the results via our local newsletter, Miso Scoop. In the meantime here are some tips for opening up the GEB account along with some common delays our members are facing. 

·         Check out our website, and click on Citibank FAQ and Information for the e-mail address and telephone number of the Citibank manager who will assign an Account Opening Specialist to you. E-mail works faster than calling, since you normally receive an e-mail response within 24 hours, versus having to wait for someone to call you back at a certain time. 

·         The Account Specialist will e-mail you a link with the proper forms you need to fill out in order to open the account. Keep in mind that some delays are caused by filling out the wrong forms, and submitting those to Citibank. The forms you receive are based on your own individual circumstances, i.e. country of citizenship. 

·         Once Citibank receives all of your paperwork, they will verify your employment with United. This is not the employment verification letter that we get from the Flight Attendant Service Center, but rather it is a person at Corporate Payroll, which Citibank calls directly, so there is no action required on your part. United has assured us and has reconfirmed that this process should only take 24-48 hours. 

·         After your employment has been verified, Citibank will conduct a phone interview. It is recommended that you get this process done as soon as possible to avoid delays. 

·         Once the interview is complete, Citibank will mail you a welcome package, which includes your ATM card. You do not need to wait for the welcome package to arrive in order to begin the process of changing your direct deposit from United. You need to call your Account Specialist, and ask for the account number, and routing number, so that you can begin this process.

·         Additionally, you need to fill out a direct deposit form, which you can get from Skynet or the domicile, and send it to WHQPZ via co-mail. You can also fax it to 1-847-700-4326. Keep in mind that if you fax the form, the numbers may not show up in the shaded boxes if faxed, so you should fill out the account and routing numbers beneath it, so that the numbers are legible. 

·         If you currently have an Alliant Credit Union direct deposit, you need to take the additional step of calling them, to inform them that you will be changing your direct deposit from Alliant Credit Union to Citibank.

·         Upon request, Citibank will also send you one free checkbook, and convert your ATM card to a Debit card for free, which will have the Mastercard logo on it, making it easier to get access to your funds.   You need to call the GEB service center directly at 1 (813) 604-3290 to request both of these items. 

While this list is not all encompassing, hopefully it will help to make the opening process of this bank account easier. Remember, the Yen has been below 101 for the last several months, and it does not look like it will go higher any time soon. Don’t lose money that you are contractually entitled to! Last, while AFA will go to any length to protect our contractual language, keep in mind that we are not bankers and as such cannot give you any banking advise. If you have any questions regarding the GEB account, please direct them to your Account Specialist at Citibank, or the NRTSW domicile manager.