When you have to sell a commodity offering…

I am a Citibank customer and my first job was with that organization (long) back in India. I love that company.

Recently I noticed that they have an offer for people like me – Non-Resident Indians. We can open an NRI account with Zero Balance.

Now, think of that offer for a second –

1. Why would I open an account if I don’t want to have a balance in that account?
2. What is so special about this?
3. How many account holders will consider this the best thing to happen since slice of bread?

A bank account, unfortunately is a commodity offering. So, I understand that banks have to work hard to distinguish themselves in that regard. But offering a “zero balance” account does not fall into that “special feature” category. Sorry!