Skip to main content

HomeAll guides

How to Pay Your Citi Card by Phone

The phone number to pay your Citi card is 1-800-950-5114

Call this number to make a one-time payment on any Citi credit card account. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need your card number and the amount you want to pay ready before you call.

Citi also operates a separate number for customers who prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system. That number is 1-800-950-5114 as well — the system will give you the option to stay on the line for a person or proceed with the automated payment process.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-950-5114 to pay your Citi card by phone at any time, day or night.
  • Have your card number, account number, and the payment amount ready before you call.
  • You can pay from a checking account, savings account, or another Citi card.
  • The payment will post to your account within one to two business days, depending on when you call.
  • You can also set up automatic recurring payments through the same line if you want to pay the same amount each month.

What information you need to have ready

Before you dial, gather your Citi card number and your checking or savings account number if you plan to pay from a bank account. If you are paying from another card, have that card number available instead. You will also need to know the exact amount you want to pay.

The automated system will ask you to enter these details using your phone keypad. If you choose to speak with a representative, they will ask you the same information verbally. Either way, the process takes about five to ten minutes from start to finish.

How the automated payment system works

When you call 1-800-950-5114, you will hear a menu with several options. Press the number for "Make a Payment" or follow the voice prompts. The system will ask you to enter your card number, then the amount you want to pay, then the account you want to pay from (checking, savings, or another card).

The system will confirm the details back to you before processing the payment. Listen carefully to make sure the amount and account are correct. If something is wrong, you can cancel and start over. Once you confirm, the payment is submitted when ready, though it may take one to two business days to show up in your account.

Payment timing and when money reaches your account

Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the next business day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the following business day. Citi does not process payments on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays, so a payment made on Friday evening will not post until Monday.

If your payment is due soon, call during business hours on a weekday to may support it posts in time. If you are calling close to your due date, ask the representative whether the payment will arrive before the important date. Some customers set up automatic payments to avoid this timing issue altogether.

Setting up automatic recurring payments

You can arrange for Citi to deduct the same payment amount from your bank account every month on a date you choose. Tell the automated system or the representative that you want to set up an automatic payment. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number, and choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out.

Automatic payments are useful if you want to pay the same amount every month — for example, if you always pay $200 toward your balance. You can change or cancel an automatic payment at any time by calling the same number. Keep in mind that automatic payments deduct a fixed amount, so if your balance changes, you may still owe money after the automatic payment goes through.

Paying from a bank account versus paying from another card

Most people pay from a checking or savings account because there is no fee for bank account payments. If you pay from another credit card, Citi may charge a convenience fee — usually between 1 and 3 percent of the payment amount. That fee is added to your bill, so paying from a card costs more than paying from a bank account.

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use it, paying from another card is an option, but budget for the fee. If you have a choice, a bank account payment is the most cost-effective route.

What to do if the payment does not go through

If your payment is declined, the system will tell you why — usually because the bank account or card number you provided does not match your records, or because there are insufficient funds. Write down the error message and call back with corrected information. Do not assume the payment went through if you heard an error message.

If you are unsure whether a payment posted, log into your Citi account online or call customer service at 1-800-950-5114 to check your account status. You can also ask a representative to look up the payment for you. Keep a record of the confirmation number the system gives you when the payment is submitted — this helps if you need to dispute the transaction later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Citi card by phone if I do not have online access?

Yes. Phone payment is a full alternative to online payment. You do not need a username, password, or internet connection. Call 1-800-950-5114 and follow the prompts or speak with a representative. The process is the same whether you have online access or not.

Is there a fee to pay my Citi card by phone?

There is no fee if you pay from a checking or savings account. If you pay from another credit card, Citi charges a convenience fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the payment amount. The fee is added to your bill.

How long does a phone payment take to show up on my account?

One to two business days. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday usually post the next day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day. Citi does not process payments on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays.

Can I pay someone else's Citi card by phone?

No. The account holder must make the payment themselves or authorize someone else in writing. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, the representative will ask for written authorization before processing the payment.

What is the maximum amount I can pay by phone?

Citi does not publish a specific limit for phone payments. Very large payments may be flagged for fraud review, which can delay posting. If you need to pay a large amount, call and ask the representative whether there are any limits on your account.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.