Citibank Zrt., a member of Citigroup today announced introduction of a new login system that further enhances the security of Citibank Online for internet banking customers. The application is unique to the Hungarian market because to login into the system, Citibank Online customers select a login name and password, which they input using their computer mouse on a virtual keyboard that appears on the computer screen.

The login name and the password are a combination of letters and numbers of minimum 6 and maximum 30 characters, which thanks to the virtual keyboard application prevents the password being captured by any key logging software accidentally downloaded to the computer as the keyboard is not being used.

Mr. Batara Sianturi Consumer Business Manager for Citibank Zrt. said: "Security and handling our customers' financial data with confidentiality are top priorities. The Citibank Online platform is protected by state-of-the-art technology including 128-bit SSL encryption, however, introduction of this innovative login solution further enhanced the security of our online banking service."

"We are continuously developing our distribution and customer service channels to make it as convenient as possible for our customers to do business with us. Online banking customers have 24-hour access to their accounts from all over the world, and besides easy and comfortable management of financial transactions, this channel offers the most preferential fees." - added Mr. Sianturi.

Individual and SME account keeping customers served through CitiBusiness, as well as individual credit card and Diners Club card customers have access to the Citibank Online internet banking system. Citibank Zrt.'s account customers can view their account and credit card information on the same platform and in just a few easy clicks can make internal transfers from their bank accounts to settle their credit card debt free of charge. The Citibank Alerting service that sends sms and/or e-mail messages about transactions can be accessed now via the Citibank Online system.

Citibank Online offers a great variety of internet banking features. Besides general functions such as monitoring details of account balances and transactions, prompt and future-date intra- and interbank, domestic and international, local and foreign currency transactions, online banking customers may give express payment instructions meaning that several payments can be made at once. The service is supported by a freely editable beneficiary list. Setting up of standing orders is also a feature that increases the comfort of the customers. Within the Savings Function, customers may open, change and cancel time deposits, and through the Customer Service features they can change their Citicard ATM PIN-code free of charge, may get information about the bank's FX and interest rates and may communicate with the customer service. These latter Customer Service functions are also available to credit card customers, who may monitor their payments initiated with their credit cards in the last 90 days.

Applying for the service is easy. Those customers that have opened an account with the bank after April 1, 2004 only need to call the CitiPhone Banking service or contact a banker at one of the branches and their internet banking access will immediately be activated. All other customers need to sign an agreement which can be downloaded from the bank's website and access will be granted within two working days after the customer service receives the agreement.

To read Citibank's advice for safer banking online visit http://www.citibank.hu/hungary/homepage/biztonsag/tanacsok_e.htm

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Media Contact:
Eva Hencz, Vice President, Public Affairs Officer, Citibank Zrt.
Tel: +36 1 374-5307, Mobile: +36 30 250-7473, Fax: +36 1 374-5378

Note to the editors
Citigroup (NYSE: C), 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, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com