Paying a Citibank card with another credit card is possible but uncommon, and it usually costs more than other payment methods
Citibank does not accept direct credit card payments through its standard online bill pay or phone system. If you want to pay your Citibank credit card balance using another credit card, you have two routes: a third-party payment processor or a cash advance from another card. Both carry fees that make them expensive compared to paying from a bank account, and both should be used only when you have no other option.
The most straightforward route is to use a third-party payment service like Plastiq or Paypal Credit, which accepts credit card payments and sends the money to Citibank on your behalf. These services charge a percentage fee (typically 2% to 3%) on top of your payment amount. A cash advance from another credit card is faster but charges an upfront fee plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, often starting at 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn.
Key Takeaways
- Citibank does not accept credit card payments directly through its website, phone line, or mobile app — you must use a third-party processor or take a cash advance.
- Third-party payment services like Plastiq charge 2% to 3% of your payment as a fee, so a $1,000 payment costs $20 to $30 extra.
- A cash advance from another card is faster but charges an upfront fee (3% to 5%) plus interest that starts accruing when ready, making it the most expensive option.
- Paying from a bank account, by check, or by phone transfer remains the cheapest way to pay a Citibank credit card and should be your first choice.
Using a third-party payment processor
Services like Plastiq, PayPal Credit, and Square Cash allow you to load a credit card and send money to a biller. You enter your Citibank account number, the payment amount, and your credit card details. The processor charges a fee upfront, typically shown before you confirm the payment. The money reaches Citibank within one to three business days.
The fee structure varies by service. Plastiq charges a flat percentage (around 2.5% for credit cards), while some services charge a fixed amount per transaction plus a percentage. Before you use any service, check the exact fee for your payment size — a $500 payment with a 2.5% fee costs $12.50, but a $5,000 payment costs $125. These fees are not refundable if you change your mind after confirming.
The main advantage of this route is that it is straightforward and the fee is transparent. The main disadvantage is the cost and the delay — if you need the payment to post when ready, this method will not work. Citibank may also take an additional one to two days to process the incoming transfer, so plan for three to five business days total.
Taking a cash advance from another card
If you have another credit card with available credit, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and then pay Citibank directly. This bypasses the third-party fee but introduces two new costs: a cash advance fee and a higher interest rate.
Cash advance fees are typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). So a $1,000 cash advance costs $30 to $50 upfront. More importantly, interest on a cash advance starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is usually 2% to 5% higher than the regular purchase rate on the same card. If you carry the balance for even a few days, the interest charges add up quickly.
This method is fastest if you need cash today, but it is the most expensive option over time. Use it only if you need to pay Citibank urgently and have no other way to do so.
Why Citibank does not accept credit card payments
Credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) have rules that prevent card issuers from accepting payments directly from other credit cards. The rule exists to reduce fraud and to prevent people from using one card's credit to pay another indefinitely. Citibank follows this rule like all other major card issuers.
This is why you cannot straightforward enter another card number into Citibank's payment system. It is a network restriction, not a Citibank choice. The restriction applies whether you are paying online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
Cheaper payment methods you should use first
Before you consider credit card payments, confirm that these standard methods are not available to you. Paying from a checking or savings account through Citibank's website or app is free and posts within one to two business days. Paying by phone with a bank account number is also free. Mailing a check is free but takes five to seven business days.
If you do not have a bank account, you can pay at a Citibank branch in person with cash or a debit card at no charge. You can also set up automatic payments from a bank account so you never have to think about the payment again. All of these methods cost nothing and should be your first choice.
When a credit card payment might make sense
Credit card payments are expensive and should be rare. The only scenarios where they make sense are: you have no bank account and cannot visit a branch, you are in a situation where you need to build credit history on a specific card, or you are using a rewards card that earns cash back on payments (though the rewards rarely cover the fee). Even then, the math usually does not work in your favor.
If you are considering a credit card payment because you do not have enough money in your bank account to pay Citibank, that is a sign to pause and reassess your budget. Paying one credit card with another credit card while carrying a balance on both is a cycle that gets expensive fast. Contact Citibank directly to discuss a payment plan or hardship option instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Citibank card with a Visa or Mastercard?
Not directly through Citibank's system. You can use a third-party processor like Plastiq to convert your Visa or Mastercard into a payment to Citibank, but you will pay a 2% to 3% fee. Alternatively, you can take a cash advance from the other card and pay Citibank with the cash, though this costs 3% to 5% upfront plus interest.
How long does it take for a credit card payment to show up on my Citibank account?
If you use a third-party processor, the payment typically posts to Citibank within one to three business days. Citibank may take an additional one to two days to process it. A cash advance posts when ready since you are paying with cash, but the cash advance itself may take a few hours to appear at the ATM.
Will paying my Citibank card with another credit card hurt my credit score?
Not directly. Your credit score is based on payment history, credit utilization, and other factors — the payment method does not matter. However, if you are using one credit card to pay another while carrying balances on both, your overall credit utilization will be high, which can lower your score.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay using a third-party processor?
Most third-party processors have transaction limits, usually between $10,000 and $50,000 per payment. Check the specific service's terms before you attempt a large payment. Some services also limit how many payments you can make per month.
What if I do not have a bank account to pay Citibank directly?
You can pay in person at any Citibank branch with cash or a debit card at no charge. You can also use a prepaid debit card or a money transfer service like Western Union to send money to Citibank, though these may have fees depending on the service. Call Citibank at the number on your statement to ask about payment options for your situation.