I know there have been discussions on this board about issues with citibank promotions (from the bank, not the credit cards). Count me among those having problems - I'm at risk of not getting 20K miles that I very much need!

I received the CE2H promotion. The basic terms were as follows:

1. Open and fund a Citibank regular checking account with $1,500 by 04/15/2008.
2. Make a direct deposit into your account or pay two bills online at citibankonline.com. Earn 10,000 AAdvantage bonus miles!
3. Continue to make direct deposits or pay 2 or more bills online every month for the next 12 consecutive months. Earn an additional 10,000 AAdvantage bonus miles!

When I opened the account on the phone (in April), I asked numerous times about account fees. I was told that as long as I maintain a balance of $1500 there would be no fees. I changed my direct deposit and met the terms of the account, keeping a balance of $1500. A few months later I started to get charged a $9.50 monthly account fee. I called customer service and was told that I actually needed to keep a balance of $6000 to not get charged fees. I complained, so the agent waived the fee. The miles never arrived, so in July, I used bank mail to confirm that I had met the terms of the promotion - I got an email saying that I did meet the terms. The next month (in August), I got charged the $9.50 account fee again, so I called customer service again, and the agent suggested a different type of account with no fees, so I switched.

Still no miles.

Since I still haven't gotten the miles, I just sent a bank mail to ask about the status of my miles: Here's a portion of the reply:
"The terms and conditions of this promotional offer specifically state that you must open and maintain a regular checking account, everything counts account or Citigold account. Since you have downgraded your account I regret that you have broken the terms and conditions of the offer, therefore you will not be receiving the credit."

When I switched accounts, the agent didn't say I would no longer be eligible for the AA promotion. Tonight I called customer service and the agent was totally unsympathetic - he said there was nothing he could do since I didn't have the type of account specified in the promotion.

While I think the $6K minimum sucks, I'd meet it if I have to in order to get my miles. At this point, I've already gone through considerable trouble for these miles and I'm pissed (I changed my direct deposit, I've had numerous calls with customer service, I incurred stupid account fees, etc.). The unsympathetic agent said there was nothing he could do, and I wouldn't get the miles even if I switched back to other type of account.

Does any have suggestions? Should I keep calling back until I get an agent who is sympathetic? Should I go to a physical bank location - will they be more helpful? Is there a chance I still get the 1st 10K miles since I actually met the terms of the promotion (even if I no longer have that type of account)?

Let me know what you think.