Quick summary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Grace period (interest) | ~21–25 days after statement (purchases only) |
| Late fee | Up to $41 |
| Penalty APR | Up to 29.99% (varies by account) |
| Credit reporting | 30+ days past due reported to bureaus |
| Account restriction | Within 30–60 days past due |
| Account closure / charge-off | ~180 days past due |
| Source verified | May 2026 |
How Citi credit card billing works
Citi (Citibank) issues a wide range of consumer credit cards including Citi Double Cash, Citi Custom Cash, Citi Premier, Citi Rewards+, and many co-brand cards (Costco Anywhere Visa, American Airlines AAdvantage, Best Buy, etc.). All Citi consumer credit cards follow the same general non-payment rules.
- Statement date: Generated monthly with minimum payment and balance details
- Due date: Typically ~21–25 days after the statement date (grace period for new purchases, IF you pay the full statement balance)
- Minimum payment: Required by the due date to avoid late fee and credit reporting
Source: Citi Card Member Agreement — online.citi.com/US/JRS/portal/template.do?ID=CardAgreements
Late fees
Citi applies a late fee of up to $41 when the minimum payment is not received by the due date. Per CARD Act rules, the first late fee in a 6-month period is typically capped lower (around $30).
The exact fees are disclosed on your cardmember agreement and your monthly statement.
Penalty APR
If your account becomes seriously past due, Citi may apply a penalty APR to your existing balance. The penalty APR can be up to 29.99% and remains in effect for at least 6 months of on-time payments before Citi reviews it.
Credit reporting
Citi reports to all three major credit bureaus monthly. The reporting milestones:
- Under 30 days past due: Late fee may apply, but typically not reported as a late payment on credit
- 30+ days past due: Reported as 30-day late — a significant negative mark on your credit
- 60+ days past due: Reported as 60-day late
- 90+ days past due: Reported as 90-day late
- ~180 days past due: Account charged off and reported as a charge-off
A late payment can stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of first delinquency.
Account actions for non-payment
- ~30 days past due: Late fee applied, credit reporting begins
- ~60 days past due: Penalty APR may be applied; account may be restricted
- ~90–120 days past due: Account may be closed by Citi
- ~180 days past due: Account charged off and typically sold or transferred to a debt collector
Frequently asked questions
Will Citi waive a late fee? Yes. Citi customer service has discretion to waive a single late fee, especially for customers with a strong payment history. Calling promptly after a missed payment improves your chances.
Does Citi offer hardship programs? Yes. Citi offers various assistance programs for cardholders facing financial hardship, including the Citi Assist program, temporary minimum payment reductions, fee waivers, and interest rate reductions. Call the number on the back of your card to discuss options.
What about my Costco Anywhere Visa or other Citi co-brand cards? Co-brand cards issued by Citi follow the same rules as standard Citi credit cards for late fees, credit reporting, and account closure. The co-brand rewards program is separate from the basic credit card terms.
Sources: Citi Card Member Agreement (citi.com), CFPB credit card rules. Last verified: May 2026. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Citigroup. See our disclaimer.