Was not able to use a credit card to fund a new Citi checking account that I tried to open online. I phoned the help number on the webpage, and the friendly CSR said "we are having an issue with the online 'another funding option'. You can fund with that option (credit card) by opening the account over the phone." She had the answer as soon as I asked the question...heard it before.

So, I phoned in to open the account. Here are some interesting quotes from the telephone application for the checking account:

* The CSR persuaded me to open both a checking ($1000) and a savings account (the rest of the initial deposit)
* "You're a proud US citizen, aren't you." [including the word "proud" probably avoids a lot of smart-alecky answers]
* "Do you plan to keep the money in the account?" [if you answer yes, they start pitching CDs]
* "Call your credit card issuer to let them know that this big transaction is coming" [even tho the CC is from Citi. When I called Citi CC, they started pitching a 0% loan.]
* He told me that the transaction would be a Purchase, not a Cash Advance.
* He kept using the word "debit" when referring to pulling money from the credit card, but assured me I would get miles from the credit card transaction. His repeated use of the "D" word made me a little uncertain as to whether I will really receive miles for the CC purchase.
* He took the CC number, but said the money will not actually be "debited from" it until I return the signature card that will be mailed at 4 PM EST today.
* He never asked for my AAdvantage number.