While Axis Bank acquired Citibank’s Indian consumer business in March 2023, existing Citi credit card customers continue to receive services and benefits. Citi, operational in India since 1902, was among the first to introduce credit cards between 1990-1995, establishing a strong market presence (Source: cardinsider.com, as of May 2026).
| Option | Annual Cost (₹) | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITI Bank Prestige Credit Card | ₹20,000 + GST | Welcome gift of 2,500 bonus points and benefits worth ₹10,000 from ITC/Taj | Premium users seeking luxury travel and lifestyle benefits |
| IndianOil CITI Bank Credit Card | ₹0 (Joining Fee) | Accelerated rewards on fuel spending, 250 Turbo Points on joining | IndianOil users who want IOC-linked rewards and waivers, heavy BPCL fuel users |
| Citi Premiermiles Credit Card | Not specified | Earn miles on every purchase redeemable across airlines and hotel partners | Frequent travelers seeking flexible airline and hotel redemptions |
| Citi Cash Back Credit Card | Not specified | Cashback on various everyday expenses | Users who prefer direct cashback on daily spending |
| Citi Rewards Credit Card | ₹1,000 (Joining and Annual Fee) | Broad rewards program with never-expiring reward points | Individuals seeking lifetime free + never-expiring rewards across broad categories |
The IndianOil CITI Bank Credit Card stands out with a zero joining fee, making IT attractive for fuel-heavy users, while the Prestige card targets high-net-worth individuals with substantial annual fees and premium benefits.
Fees, Charges & Interest Rates
Citi credit cards in India carry specific fees and interest rates, which vary by card type. As of 2026, the annual interest rate on most Citi credit cards is 42.00% p.a., while joining and annual fees can range from ₹0 to ₹20,000 + GST.
| Option | Joining Fee (Rs) | Annual Fee (Rs) | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITI Bank Prestige Credit Card | 20,000 + GST | 20,000 + GST | 42.00% |
| IndianOil CITI Bank Credit Card | 0 | 0 | 42.00% |
| Citibank Rewards Credit Card | 1,000 | 1,000 | 42.00% |
| CITI Bank PremierMiles Credit Card | 0 | 0 | 42.00% |
Beyond standard fees, other charges apply to specific transactions. Cash advances incur a fee of 2.5% of the withdrawn amount per transaction. Mutual fund investments may also involve exit loads and management fees, deducted from redemption values and investment returns, respectively.
Key Benefits & Rewards
Citi credit cards in India offer various benefits, including accelerated reward points on specific spending categories and fuel surcharge waivers. As of 2026, Citibank continues to serve its existing customer base despite the acquisition of its consumer business by Axis Bank in March 2023.
- Citi Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 Reward Points for every ₹125 spent on apparel and department stores. Other spends yield 1 point per ₹125.
- Citi Premiermiles Credit Card: This card is designed for travellers, offering miles on every purchase redeemable across a wide network of airlines and hotel partners.
- IndianOil Citi Credit Card: Get 250 Turbo Points upon joining. This card provides accelerated rewards on fuel spending, with potential savings of up to ₹410 per month (₹150 surcharge waiver + ₹260 from rewards).
- Citi Cash Back Credit Card: Offers cashback on various transactions, making IT suitable for everyday spending.
- Citi Prestige Credit Card: New cardholders receive a welcome gift of 2,500 bonus points and benefits worth ₹10,000 from ITC/Taj. The joining and annual fees are ₹20,000 + GST each.
- Paytm First Credit Card: Launched in partnership with Visa and Citibank India on May 14th, this card integrates benefits with the Paytm ecosystem.
- Exclusive Offers: Citibank credit cardholders can receive 20% instant savings on Urban Company services and 5% instant savings on Amazon purchases.
- Referral Bonus: Existing cardholders can earn up to ₹9,999 in cash for referring a Citibank credit card to eligible individuals.
These benefits cater to diverse spending habits, from daily purchases to travel and premium lifestyle needs, the value proposition for cardholders.
Eligibility & Documents Required
As of 2026, only existing Citibank customers in India can apply for new Citi credit cards. Applicants must demonstrate a steady income, a strong CIBIL score, and provide government-issued identity and address proofs.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicant Status | Only existing Citibank customers can apply for credit cards. |
| Nationality | Resident of India or Non-Resident Indian (NRI). |
| Employment Status | Salaried employee in an established company or a self-employed professional with a steady source of income. |
| Minimum Annual Income | Around ₹3 lakh per annum (may vary by card type). |
| CIBIL Score | A good CIBIL score is for approval. |
| Job Stability | Staying in the current job for more than one year improves approval chances. |
| Age | Standard age criteria followed by Citibank (varies by card, typically 21-60 years). |
| Location | Certain cards are available only to residents of particular cities. |
| Identity Proof | Voter ID, driving license, Aadhaar card, passport, or ration card. |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, utility bills (electricity, phone). |
| Income Proof | Latest salary slips (3 months), bank statements (3-6 months), or latest Income Tax Returns (ITR). |
| Photograph | Recent passport-sized photograph. |
Meeting these criteria and providing complete documentation streamlines the application process for existing Citi customers seeking a new credit card in 2026.
How to Apply Online
Applying for a Citi Credit Card in India in 2026 is primarily for existing Citibank customers, as Axis Bank acquired Citi’s consumer business in March 2023. New applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum salary of around ₹3 lakh p.a. And a strong CIBIL score.
- Visit the Official Citibank Website: to the credit card section on Citibank India’s official website. This is the primary portal for existing customers to manage their accounts and apply for new cards.
- Log In to Your Account: Existing Citibank customers must log in using their User ID and Password. This step verifies your customer status and pre-fills some application details.
- Select “Credit Cards” Tab: After logging in, locate and click on the “Credit Cards” tab or section. This will display the available credit card options for existing customers.
- Choose Your Desired Card: Review the features and benefits of cards like the Citi Cash Back Credit Card or Citi Premiermiles Credit Card. Select the card that best suits your financial needs.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and financial details. Ensure all required fields are completed to avoid delays.
- Upload Required Documents: Submit digital copies of necessary documents, including proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport) and proof of income. A steady income source and a clean repayment history are for approval.
- Receive Application Status: Citibank will process your application and communicate the status, typically within a few business days. A CIBIL score of 750+ significantly increases approval chances for premium cards.
New applicants who are not existing Citibank customers will find limited options, as the consumer banking portfolio has largely transitioned to Axis Bank.
Choosing the Right Card
Selecting the right Citi credit card in India depends on your spending habits and financial goals. As of 2026, Citibank offers eight distinct credit cards, each tailored for different benefits like cashback, travel rewards, or fuel savings.
- Citi Cash Back Credit Card: This card is ideal for everyday spending, offering cashback on utility bill payments, movie tickets, and other common expenses.
- Citi Premiermiles Credit Card: Designed for frequent travellers, IT allows you to earn miles on every purchase, redeemable across a wide network of airlines and hotel partners.
- IndianOil Citi Credit Card: This card provides accelerated rewards on fuel spending, with benefits up to 4-4.5% value back, making IT suitable for motorists.
- Citi Prestige Credit Card: A premium offering, IT includes welcome benefits worth ₹10,000 from ITC/Taj and 2,500 bonus points upon joining, with an annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST.
- Citi Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10X reward points for every ₹125 spent on apparel and at department stores, and 1 point for other spends of ₹125.
- Paytm First Credit Card: Launched in partnership with Visa and Citi Bank, this card integrates benefits for Paytm users, digital payment rewards.
Consider your primary spending categories and the associated fees to choose the card that maximises your benefits.
Common Mistakes & Myths
Many applicants misunderstand the current status of Citi credit cards in India for 2026. While Citibank has a long history in India, its consumer banking business, including credit cards, was acquired by Axis Bank in March 2023. Only existing Citibank customers can apply for new credit cards directly from Citibank as of 2026.
- Myth: New Applications are Widely Available: Citibank exited its retail banking business in India in 2023, with Axis Bank acquiring its consumer portfolio. New credit card applications are generally restricted to existing Citibank customers only.
- Mistake: Ignoring Eligibility Criteria: A common error is applying without meeting the minimum salary requirement, typically around ₹3 lakh p.a. For most credit cards in India. A CIBIL score of 750+ significantly improves approval chances.
- Myth: All Cards Have Annual Fees: Not all Citi credit cards carry annual fees. For instance, the IndianOil Citi Credit Card has a ₹0 joining fee, unlike the Citi Prestige Credit Card which charges ₹20,000 + GST annually (as of 2026).
- Mistake: Overlooking Hidden Charges: Applicants often focus only on interest rates and annual fees. Cash advance transactions on Citi credit cards incur a charge of 2.5% of the withdrawn amount per transaction, which can add up quickly.
- Myth: Rewards are Automatic: Many believe reward points are automatically maximized. For the Citi Rewards Credit Card, you earn 10X points per ₹125 spent on apparel and department stores, but only 1 point for other spends. Understanding spend categories is .
Understanding these common misconceptions and errors helps applicants make informed decisions regarding Citi credit cards in India.
Citi’s Presence in India
Citibank India, a subsidiary of Citigroup, has operated in India for over 120 years, establishing its consumer banking business in 1985. While IT forayed into the Indian credit card market between 1990 and 1995, its Indian consumer business was acquired by Axis Bank in March 2023 for ₹11,603 crore ($1.41 billion).
Despite the acquisition, Citibank continues to serve existing credit card customers, with over 1.7 lakh active cards in India as of 2023. Citi remains committed to institutional banking, offering corporate and investment banking, brokerage, and treasury services. The complete migration of Citi relationships to Axis Bank is expected by 2024.
As of 2026, new credit card applications from Citibank are primarily available to existing Citibank customers. The bank offers a customer care number, 1860 210 2484, for inquiries. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates that Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) must have a net worth of ₹100 crore to issue credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- Citibank India’s consumer banking business, including credit cards, was acquired by Axis Bank in March 2023 for ₹11,603 crore.
- New Citibank credit card applications are generally restricted to existing Citibank customers as of 2026.
- Citibank continues to maintain a strong institutional banking presence in India, focusing on corporate and investment banking.
For existing Citibank customers, verify your eligibility and apply for credit cards directly through the Citibank India website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened to Citi Bank credit cards in India?
Axis Bank acquired Citibank’s Indian consumer banking business, including its credit card portfolio, in March 2023. Existing Citi credit card customers continue to receive services, with Axis Bank now managing these accounts. This acquisition consolidated Citi’s retail operations under Axis Bank in India.
What are the best Citi Bank credit cards in India for 2026?
As of 2026, popular Citi Bank credit cards in India include the Citi Premiermiles Credit Card, IndianOil Citi Credit Card, and Citi Cash Back Credit Card. The Citi Premiermiles card is ideal for travellers, offering miles on purchases redeemable across airlines and hotels. The IndianOil Citi Credit Card provides accelerated rewards on fuel spending.
What is the interest rate on Citi Bank credit cards in India?
Citi Bank credit cards in India typically have an interest rate of around 37.20% p.a. To 42.00% p.a. (or 3.10% to 3.50% per month) on outstanding balances. This rate can vary based on the specific card product and your credit profile. Always verify the current interest rate directly with the bank.
What are the joining and annual fees for Citi Bank credit cards in India?
Joining and annual fees for Citi Bank credit cards vary by card type. For example, the Citi Bank Prestige Credit Card has a joining fee of ₹20,000 + GST and an annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST. The IndianOil Citi Bank Credit Card, however, often has a ₹0 joining fee.
What CIBIL score is required for a Citi Bank credit card in India?
While specific requirements can vary, a CIBIL score of 750 or higher generally increases your chances of approval for a Citi Bank credit card in India. A strong credit score demonstrates financial responsibility to lenders. Some cards might be accessible with scores between 700-749, but with potentially less favourable terms.
What documents are needed to apply for a Citi Bank credit card in India?
To apply for a Citi Bank credit card in India, you typically need government-issued identity proof like a Voter ID, Aadhaar card, driving license, or passport. You also need address proof and income proof, such as salary slips or bank statements. Self-employed individuals may need business registration documents and ITR filings.
How can I contact Citi Bank customer care for credit cards in India?
You can contact Citi Bank customer care for credit card inquiries in India by dialling 1860 210 2484. This number connects you to their dedicated support team for assistance with card services, queries, or issues. Always have your card details ready when you call.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.