The migration of Citibank's retail consumer businesses in India to Axis Bank has been a significant event for many credit card holders. If you're one of them, you might be wondering how to seamlessly transition your bill payments. Worry not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you continue to manage your credit card finances effectively.
Navigating Your Credit Card Bill Payments After the Citibank to Axis Bank Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirming Your Migration and Card Status
First things first, let's make sure you're ready for this journey!
Have you received communication from Axis Bank? After the migration of your Citibank credit card to Axis Bank, you should have received official communication from Axis Bank. This would include details about your new card (if any has been issued), changes in your account, and instructions for managing your card. It's crucial to ensure you have this information handy.
What about your existing Citi-branded card? Even after migration, your existing Citi-branded card might continue to work for a period until you receive your new Axis Bank card. However, all your relationships and outstanding balances are now under Axis Bank. This means your bill payments will now be directed to Axis Bank.
Action Point: Engage with your card! Take out your credit card and check if it's still the Citi-branded one or if you've received a new Axis Bank branded card. This will help you understand which card number to use for payments, though the underlying account is now with Axis Bank.
Step 2: Understanding Your New Payment Landscape
The core change is that your credit card account is now an Axis Bank account. This means you'll be using Axis Bank's channels for payments.
Sub-heading 2.1: Your Credit Card Number Remains Your Account Number (Mostly) For bill payments, your 16-digit credit card number generally serves as your account number for the payment. This is a key piece of information you'll need for all online payment methods.
Sub-heading 2.2: New IFSC Code for NEFT/RTGS If you typically pay your credit card bills via NEFT or RTGS from another bank account, you'll need to use the new Axis Bank IFSC code. The common IFSC for Axis Bank credit card payments is UTIB0000400 (for the Mumbai branch). It's always a good idea to verify this on the official Axis Bank website or your statement.
Step 3: Choosing Your Preferred Payment Method
Axis Bank offers a wide array of payment options to suit your convenience. Here are the most common and recommended ones:
Sub-heading 3.1: Axis Bank Internet Banking (Highly Recommended) If you're an existing Axis Bank customer, you can simply log in to your Axis Bank Internet Banking and add your migrated credit card. If you were only a Citibank customer, you'll need to register for Axis Bank Internet Banking first.
- Register for Axis Bank Internet Banking (if you haven't already):
- Visit the Axis Bank website.
- Look for the "Internet Banking Registration" or "First Time Login" option for erstwhile Citibank customers.
- You might be asked to use your Citibank user ID, credit card number, or debit card details for identification.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your login ID and password, including OTP verification.
- Login and Pay:
- Log in to your Axis Bank Internet Banking account.
- Navigate to the 'Credit Card' section.
- Select the specific credit card you wish to pay.
- Click on "Pay Now".
- Choose the Axis Bank account you want to debit for the payment.
- Enter the amount you wish to pay (Minimum Amount Due or Total Amount Due).
- Confirm the details and proceed with the payment. Payments made through Axis Bank Internet Banking are typically processed on the same day.
Sub-heading 3.2: Axis Bank Mobile Banking App (Convenient & On-the-Go) The Axis Bank Mobile Banking App provides a seamless experience for bill payments.
- Download and Register:
- Download the official "Axis Mobile" app from your smartphone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
- Register using your new Axis Bank Internet Banking credentials or by following the on-screen prompts for first-time users (similar to Internet Banking registration).
- Pay Your Bill:
- Log in to the Axis Mobile App.
- Go to the 'Credit Cards' tab.
- Select the relevant credit card.
- Tap on the "Pay Now" button.
- Select the amount to be paid and proceed. Payments are processed instantly.
Sub-heading 3.3: NEFT / RTGS (For Payments from Other Bank Accounts) This is ideal if your primary banking relationship is with a bank other than Axis Bank.
- Log in to your other bank's Internet Banking/Mobile App.
- Go to the 'Fund Transfer' or 'NEFT/RTGS' section.
- Add Axis Bank Credit Card as a Beneficiary:
- Beneficiary Name: Your Name (as on credit card)
- Beneficiary Bank Name: Axis Bank
- Beneficiary Branch Name: Mumbai (this is a common central branch for credit card payments)
- Beneficiary Account Number: Your 16-digit Axis Bank Credit Card number
- IFSC Code: UTIB0000400
- Initiate Payment:
- Once the beneficiary is added, select it.
- Enter the amount you wish to pay.
- Confirm the transaction using your bank's authentication method. NEFT payments typically take 1 working day for clearance.
Sub-heading 3.4: UPI (Universal Payment Interface) UPI offers a quick and easy way to pay from any UPI-enabled app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.).
- Open your preferred UPI app.
- Look for 'Credit Card Bill Payment' or 'Bill Pay' option.
- Enter your 16-digit Axis Bank Credit Card number.
- Verify the name (which should be your name as on the card).
- Enter the bill amount.
- Confirm the transaction using your UPI PIN. UPI payments are usually processed instantly.
Sub-heading 3.5: Axis Bank BillDesk Portal Axis Bank also has a dedicated BillDesk portal for credit card payments, allowing you to pay using net banking from any bank.
- Visit the Axis Bank BillDesk website (search for "Axis Bank Credit Card BillDesk").
- Enter your 16-digit Axis Bank Credit Card number and other required details.
- Select the bank account from which you want to make the payment.
- You will be redirected to your chosen bank's net banking portal.
- Log in and complete the payment. Processing time can be 2-3 working days.
Step 4: Setting Up Auto-Debit (For Hassle-Free Payments)
To avoid missing due dates, setting up an auto-debit facility is highly recommended.
Sub-heading 4.1: Through Axis Bank Internet Banking:
- Log in to Axis Bank Internet Banking.
- Go to 'Services' > 'Credit Card Services'.
- Select the credit card for which you want to set up auto-debit.
- Under 'More Services', choose 'Auto Debit Setup' and activate it.
- You can typically choose to auto-debit the Minimum Amount Due or the Total Amount Due.
Sub-heading 4.2: Through Axis Bank Mobile Banking App:
- Log in to the Axis Mobile App.
- Go to 'Services' > 'Credit Card' > 'Auto Debit Payment'.
- Select the credit card and enable auto-debit.
Note: If you had an auto-debit facility set up with Citibank, Axis Bank has stated that your existing auto-debit facility will remain active post-migration. However, it's always a good practice to verify this within your Axis Bank account.
Step 5: Verifying Payment and Keeping Records
Once you've made a payment, it's essential to ensure it has been successfully processed.
- Check your Axis Bank Internet Banking or Mobile App: The updated balance should reflect your payment within the stipulated processing time.
- Retain payment confirmation: Always save the transaction ID or confirmation message you receive after making a payment. This can be a screenshot, email, or SMS.
This migration is designed to be as smooth as possible, but understanding the new process is key to maintaining a healthy credit score and avoiding late payment charges. Don't hesitate to reach out to Axis Bank customer care if you encounter any issues.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Axis Bank credit card statement after migration? You can check your Axis Bank credit card statement by logging into your Axis Bank Internet Banking or the Axis Mobile App. Navigate to the 'Credit Cards' section, and you should find an option to view or download your statements.
How to activate my new Axis Bank credit card received after Citibank migration? Instructions for activating your new Axis Bank credit card will typically be provided with the card itself. This usually involves calling a toll-free number, sending an SMS, or activating it via Axis Bank Internet Banking or Mobile App.
How to update my contact details (mobile number, email) for my migrated Axis Bank credit card? You can update your contact details through Axis Bank Internet Banking, the Axis Mobile App, by visiting your nearest Axis Bank branch, or by contacting Axis Bank customer care.
How to know my credit limit on the migrated Axis Bank credit card? Your credit limit will be visible on your monthly credit card statement, within your Axis Bank Internet Banking account, and on the Axis Mobile App under the 'Credit Cards' section. Axis Bank has also stated that your credit limit post-migration will be the aggregate of your previous Citi-branded card limits and any existing Axis Bank card limits.
How to manage standing instructions or recurring payments set up on my old Citibank credit card? Axis Bank has indicated that existing standing instructions/recurring payments will generally continue to work. However, for better control, you can sign up on the Axis Bank SI Hub portal (sihub.in/managesi/axisbank) to view and manage these instructions post-migration.
How to contact Axis Bank customer care for queries related to my migrated Citibank credit card? You can contact Axis Bank customer service channels. A common toll-free number is 18001035577. You can also use their phone banking services or visit a nearby Axis Bank branch.
How to redeem my reward points from my migrated Citibank credit card? After migration, your Citibank reward points would have been transferred and converted to Axis Bank reward points. You can check and redeem them via Axis Bank Internet Banking or the Axis Mobile App, usually under the 'Reward Points' or 'Redeem Rewards' section.
How to set up SMS alerts for my Axis Bank credit card? You can typically set up SMS alerts for transactions, statements, and due dates via Axis Bank Internet Banking or the Axis Mobile App within the 'Services' or 'Credit Card' section.
How to avoid late payment charges on my Axis Bank credit card after migration? The best way to avoid late payment charges is to pay your bill on or before the due date. Setting up auto-debit for the total amount due or using immediate payment methods like UPI or Axis Bank Internet/Mobile Banking will help ensure timely payments.
How to get a new physical Axis Bank credit card if my Citi-branded card is still working but I want the new one? Axis Bank will dispatch new Axis Bank branded cards to customers within a few months after the migration. If you haven't received yours and wish to expedite the process, you can contact Axis Bank customer care to inquire about the status of your new card issuance.
