Accessing your Citibank account from Axis Bank is a topic that has gained significant relevance since Axis Bank acquired Citibank's India consumer business. This means that for most former Citibank retail customers in India, their accounts and services have now been migrated to Axis Bank. This extensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this transition and how to manage your erstwhile Citibank accounts through Axis Bank platforms.
Are You a Former Citibank Customer in India? Let's Navigate This Together!
If you were a Citibank customer in India, you're likely aware of the major change that occurred. Your accounts, credit cards, and other banking relationships have been transferred to Axis Bank. This isn't about simply linking two separate bank accounts; it's about your Citibank accounts becoming Axis Bank accounts.
This guide will focus on how to seamlessly transition and access your migrated accounts. So, let's get started!
Step 1: Understand the Migration - What Has Changed?
The most crucial first step is to understand the fundamental shift that has taken place. Citibank India's consumer banking business (including credit cards, retail banking, wealth management, and consumer loans) was acquired by Axis Bank. This means:
- Your Citibank account number largely remains the same, but its underlying infrastructure is now Axis Bank's.
- Your IFSC and MICR codes have changed to Axis Bank's codes.
- Your existing Citibank login credentials for online and mobile banking will no longer work for accessing your accounts through Axis Bank platforms. You will need to set up new credentials with Axis Bank.
- Your payees and beneficiaries from Citibank have been migrated to Axis Bank.
- Your physical Citibank cheque books will eventually become invalid post-migration. You will receive new Axis Bank cheque books.
- Your Citibank credit cards will be migrated to equivalent Axis Bank credit cards and you will receive new physical cards.
It's vital to acknowledge that this is a complete transition, not just a partnership.
Step 2: Register for Axis Bank Digital Platforms
Since your Citibank accounts are now Axis Bank accounts, the primary way to access and manage them will be through Axis Bank's digital channels. This involves registering for their internet banking and mobile banking services.
Sub-heading 2.1: Registering for Axis Bank Mobile Banking App
- Download the App: First, download the Axis Mobile Banking App from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS).
- Open and Login: Open the app and select "Login to your Axis account."
- Allow Permissions: Grant the necessary permissions for the app to function seamlessly.
- Verify Mobile Number: The app will prompt you to verify your mobile number. An SMS will be sent from your registered mobile number for verification. If it fails, you can opt for OTP verification.
- Complete Registration: You can complete the registration process using one of the following methods:
- OTP authentication
- Your Citi-branded Debit Card details
- Your Citi-branded Credit Card details
- Set Up Nickname and MPIN: Enter a nickname for your account and create an MPIN (Mobile Banking Personal Identification Number) for secure access. You can also enable biometrics (fingerprint/face ID) for added security.
Sub-heading 2.2: Registering for Axis Bank Internet Banking
- Visit the Website: Go to the official Axis Bank internet banking portal.
- Click on Citi India Login: Look for an option like "Citi India login" or a similar prompt for erstwhile Citibank customers.
- Choose Registration Method: You will be directed to a setup screen where you can choose your first-time login method:
- Using Customer ID/User ID: Use your Citibank User ID and enter either your passport or PAN details for identification. Click "Get OTP." You will receive two OTPs: one on your registered mobile number and another on your registered email ID. Submit both OTPs to complete the login.
- Using Debit Card: Enter your Citi-branded Debit Card number and ATM PIN. Click "Get OTP" and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Using Credit Card: Enter your Citi-branded Credit Card number and PIN. Click "Get OTP" and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Set Up Password and Login ID: After successful OTP verification, you will be prompted to set up your new password, security questions, and a personalized login ID for Axis Bank Internet Banking.
- Congratulations!: Once set up, you can now use your new Login ID and password to access Axis Bank Internet Banking and manage your migrated Citibank accounts.
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with Axis Bank Platforms
Once you've successfully registered, take some time to explore the Axis Bank Mobile App and Internet Banking portal. While your core account information remains, the interface and navigation will be different.
Sub-heading 3.1: Checking Account Balances and Statements
- Mobile App: After logging in, you'll typically see a dashboard displaying your account balances. You can usually tap on an account to view transaction history and access e-statements.
- Internet Banking: Navigate to the "Accounts" section. Here you can view your savings/current account details, download statements, and check transaction history.
Sub-heading 3.2: Managing Funds Transfers
- Migrated Payees: Rest assured, your existing payees and beneficiaries from your Citibank account have been migrated automatically to your Axis Bank profile. You should see them listed in the "Fund Transfer" section.
- New Transfers: For new transfers, the process will be similar to any other bank. You'll need the beneficiary's account number, IFSC code, and name.
- NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer): For batch-wise transfers, typically settled in half-hourly intervals. No charges for online NEFT.
- RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement): For high-value, immediate transfers (minimum ₹2 Lakh). No charges for online RTGS.
- IMPS (Immediate Payment Service): For instant transfers up to ₹5 Lakh (daily limit may vary by bank). Available 24x7. Nominal charges may apply, though many banks offer it free for online transactions.
Sub-heading 3.3: Updating UPI Details
- Crucial Step for UPI: If you used your Citibank account for UPI transactions, you MUST relink your migrated Citibank accounts post-migration.
- Delete and Add: Delete the existing Citibank account from your UPI application (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.) and then add your newly migrated Axis Bank account. You will use your existing mobile number linked to the account.
Step 4: Activating New Services and Products
As a former Citibank customer, you may receive new Axis Bank branded credit cards and cheque books.
Sub-heading 4.1: Activating Your New Axis Bank Debit/Credit Card
- Follow Instructions: When you receive your new Axis Bank debit or credit card, it will come with activation instructions. This usually involves:
- Using an Axis Bank ATM: Insert the card, enter the temporary PIN (if provided), and change it to a new PIN.
- Via Net Banking/Mobile App: Some cards can be activated and PINs generated through the digital platforms.
- Customer Care: You might also have the option to activate by calling Axis Bank customer care.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using Your New Cheque Book
- Discard Old Cheques: Once you receive your Axis Bank cheque book, it's advisable to stop using your old Citibank cheque book as soon as possible. Post the migration completion date (which was anticipated around mid-July 2024 for most), Citibank cheques will not be honored.
- Positive Pay: For high-value cheques, you may need to submit a "Positive Pay" confirmation through Axis Bank's online banking. This involves providing details of the cheque (number, amount, beneficiary) to the bank.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Support
- Customer ID: Axis Bank would have communicated your new customer ID via email. Keep this handy as it's essential for various banking operations.
- Existing Investments: If you had investment accounts with Citibank, these will also merge with Axis Bank. All holdings will reflect under the new Distributor Code for Axis Bank Limited: ARN-0019. You might need to update your new IFSC codes with investment platforms like Groww, Zerodha, etc.
- Blocked Accounts: If your Citibank account was blocked, it will retain that status post-migration and require activation at an Axis Bank branch.
- KYC Documents: Ensure your KYC documents are up-to-date with Axis Bank. You might be asked to submit outstanding FATCA details as well.
- Customer Care: For any queries or issues, reach out to Axis Bank customer care. They have dedicated lines for erstwhile Citibank customers.
- Axis Bank Customer Care: 1-860-419-5555 or 1-860-500-5555. (Charges applicable)
- Toll-Free: 1800-103-5577.
- From outside India: +91 22 67987700.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers:
How to register on Axis Bank Mobile Banking App as a former Citibank customer?
Download the Axis Mobile app, click "Login to your Axis account," verify your mobile number, and complete registration using your Citi-branded Debit/Credit Card or OTP.
How to register for Axis Bank Internet Banking if I was a Citibank customer?
Visit the Axis Bank internet banking portal, click on "Citi India login," and follow the steps to register using your Citibank User ID, Debit Card, or Credit Card details.
How to transfer money from my migrated Citibank account (now Axis Bank) to another bank?
Log in to Axis Bank Internet Banking or Mobile App, go to "Fund Transfer," select NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS, and initiate the transfer to your registered or new beneficiary. Your old Citibank payees are migrated.
How to update my UPI for my migrated Citibank account?
Delete your existing Citibank account from your UPI app (like Google Pay/PhonePe) and then add your newly migrated Axis Bank account using your registered mobile number.
How to activate my new Axis Bank credit card that replaced my Citibank card?
Follow the activation instructions provided with the new card, which usually involve using an Axis Bank ATM, Net Banking/Mobile App, or calling customer care.
How to get a new cheque book for my migrated account?
You can request a new Axis Bank cheque book through the Axis Bank Mobile App, Internet Banking, or by visiting an Axis Bank branch. Your old Citibank cheque book will eventually become invalid.
How to check my account balance and statement after the migration?
Log in to the Axis Bank Mobile App or Internet Banking, and your account balances will be displayed on the dashboard. You can access detailed statements from the "Accounts" section.
How to find my new IFSC code for my migrated Citibank account?
Your new IFSC code will be an Axis Bank IFSC code. You can find it on your new Axis Bank cheque book, through Axis Bank Internet Banking/Mobile App, or by contacting Axis Bank customer care.
How to contact Axis Bank customer care for queries related to my migrated Citibank account?
You can call Axis Bank customer care at 1-860-419-5555, 1-860-500-5555, or their toll-free number 1800-103-5577.
How to ensure my existing Citibank investments are correctly mapped to Axis Bank?
Your investment holdings will reflect under the new Distributor Code for Axis Bank Limited: ARN-0019. Ensure your KYC is updated with Axis Bank and inform any investment platforms about the IFSC code change.
