Citi Contactless Card

Contactless payments are payment transactions that do not require a physical contact between the cardmember's credit card and the merchant's terminal. They are also know in the payments industry as “tap & go” transactions.

Contactless payments use secure Near-Field-Communication (NFC) technology to process the transaction. NFC is a wireless technology that uses radio frequencies to establish a connection and transmits data between a NFC-enabled card and the merchant terminal. This is done by tapping the card against the terminal or by bringing the card close to the terminal, thus allowing the transaction to be processed.

With your Citibank Contactless credit card you will be able to make Contactless payments of
up to BHD 300 in any merchant service establishment with the ripple mark symbol.
All you need to do is hold the Citi Card in front of the Contactless terminal to automatically
receive confirmation that payment was successful. They will then be offered the transaction
receipt and that's it, transaction is complete.

You may use your Citibank Contactless card for any transaction amount within your credit limit. However for transactions up to BHD 50 you may use your contactless card without the need to key in your PIN or sign a transaction receipt.
Note: The limit can be changed at any time by the associations and/or the merchant's acquiring bank and pertains to transactions made in the Bahrain. In other countries, the limit might be set differently according to the rules in force. Transactions for amounts above this limit will be completed using your PIN.

For amounts that do not exceed BHD 300 you do not need to key in your PIN or sign a transaction receipt. However, from time to time you might be asked to enter your PIN.

1. Increased convenience: transactions are easier for both the cardmember and the merchant, meaning faster transactions and shorter queues.
2. Enhanced security: Contactless technology operates under a technologically advanced and safe protocol and will work on purchases up to the value of BHD 300. From time to time you might be asked to enter your PIN.
3. Rewards: accumulate miles/points (where applicable) and benefit from the cards' rewards scheme, even for the small amounts that before you used to pay with cash.
4. Less wear and tear: the card does not come into physical contact with the terminal through inserting or swiping.
5. An exciting experience: you will be no longer constrained by the amount of cash in hand and unlike cash you will be able to track spending habits on low-value purchases.

Contactless transactions are effected using secure Near-Field-Communication (NFC) technology and the strongest authentication protocols to validate each transaction. Contactless transactions are as safe as contact credit card transactions.

If the card gets stolen then the liability is governed by the general Terms and Condition of the card, which is that the cardmember will be liable for all transactions until the time that the cardmember reports the loss to the bank.

No. Any transaction needs to be initiated by the cardmember and then the merchant, by keying in the transaction amount in the payment terminal. Only then can start the communication between the terminal and the card through the NFC and provided that the card is in close proximity with the terminal device.

To apply for a Citibank credit card just visit https://www.citibank.bh or your nearest Citibank branch.

To convert your existing card simply call our 24/7 CitiPhone Banking Services on +971 4 311 4000 or our Citigold Services on +971 4 311 4653.

Yes.

Nothing changes in the way you used to use your Citibank credit card today for all these type of merchants and transactions. Contactless technology applies only in card present transactions in Contactless enabled merchants/terminals.