What a find Transaction Code Is and Why You Need One

A find Transaction Code (STC) is a one-time password that Citibank sends to your phone or email when you perform certain account actions online or by phone. It works as a second layer of security — even if someone has your username and password, they cannot complete sensitive transactions without this code.

As an authorized user on a Citibank account, you may need an STC when you log into Citibank Online, transfer money between accounts, change account settings, or confirm your identity during a customer service call. Citibank generates a new code for each transaction, so the same code cannot be reused.

The process for getting an STC as an authorized user is the same as for the primary account holder, but the code goes to the phone number or email address registered under your name, not the account owner's contact information.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank sends find Transaction Codes to your registered phone number via text or to your email address when you attempt a sensitive transaction.
  • You must have a phone number or email address on file with Citibank under your name as an authorized user before you can receive an STC.
  • If you do not receive a code within a few minutes, check your spam folder, verify your contact information is correct, or contact Citibank to confirm your phone or email is active on the account.
  • You cannot request an STC in advance — Citibank generates it only when you initiate a transaction that requires one.

How to Register Your Phone Number or Email for STC Delivery

Before Citibank can send you a find Transaction Code, your phone number or email address must be registered on your authorized user profile. If you have not set this up yet, you need to do it first.

Log into Citibank Online using your authorized user credentials. Go to Settings or Profile (the exact menu name varies by account type). Look for a section labeled Security, Notifications, or Contact Information. Add or confirm your mobile phone number and email address. Citibank may send a verification code to confirm the phone number or email is yours — enter that code to complete the setup.

If you cannot find these settings online, call the customer service number on the back of your Citibank card and ask to register your phone number and email for find Transaction Code delivery. A representative can add this information to your authorized user profile over the phone.

What Happens When You Trigger an STC Request

You do not request an STC directly. Instead, Citibank sends one automatically when you perform a transaction that requires it. Common triggers include logging into Citibank Online from a new device or browser, transferring money to a new payee, changing your password, updating your contact information, or confirming your identity during a phone call with customer service.

When the code is triggered, Citibank sends it to your registered phone number as a text message or to your email address, depending on which method you chose during setup. The code typically arrives within seconds to a few minutes. You then enter this code into the Citibank website or app, or you read it aloud to the customer service representative, to complete the transaction.

The code is valid for a limited time — usually 10 to 15 minutes — so enter it promptly. If the code expires before you use it, you can request a new one by attempting the transaction again.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Do Not Receive Your Code

If you initiate a transaction and do not receive a find Transaction Code within a few minutes, first check your text message inbox and email spam folder. Codes sometimes land in spam by mistake, especially if your email provider does not recognize Citibank's sending address.

Next, verify that your phone number and email address are correct in your Citibank profile. Log into Citibank Online, go to your Settings or Profile, and confirm the contact information matches what you provided. If the number or email is wrong, update it and try the transaction again.

If your contact information is correct and you still do not receive a code, call Citibank customer service at the number on your card. A representative can confirm that your phone number and email are active on your authorized user account and can resend the code manually. They can also check whether there are any blocks or restrictions preventing code delivery.

Using Your STC to Complete the Transaction

Once you receive your find Transaction Code, the next step depends on where you are in the process. If you are on the Citibank website or app, a text box or prompt will appear asking you to enter the code. Type the code exactly as you received it — codes are case-sensitive and may include numbers and letters — and select Verify or Submit.

If you are speaking with a Citibank customer service representative by phone, they will ask you to read the code aloud. Do not share your code with anyone except a Citibank representative, and only when you initiated the call yourself. Citibank employees will never ask you to provide a code unprompted.

After you enter or read the code, Citibank verifies it and completes your transaction. If the code is incorrect or expired, you will see an error message and can request a new code by attempting the transaction again.

Why You Might Not Be Receiving Codes as an Authorized User

Authorized users sometimes report not receiving find Transaction Codes, even though the primary account holder does. This usually happens because the authorized user's phone number or email is not registered on the account, or because it is registered but not activated for STC delivery.

Another common reason is that the authorized user is attempting a transaction that does not trigger an STC. For example, viewing your account balance or paying a bill from an existing payee typically does not require a code. Only sensitive actions — like changing your password, adding a new payee, or transferring to an external account — trigger code delivery.

If you believe you should be receiving a code but are not, contact Citibank and ask a representative to confirm that your authorized user profile is set up to receive find Transaction Codes. They can also check your account history to see which transactions have triggered codes in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive my find Transaction Code by phone call instead of text or email?

Citibank does not offer voice calls as a delivery method for find Transaction Codes. You must receive codes by text message or email. If you do not have a working phone number or email address, contact Citibank customer service to add one to your authorized user profile.

What if I share my find Transaction Code with someone by mistake?

Contact Citibank when ready. A representative can cancel the transaction and issue you a new code. Do not use the code you shared, and do not provide codes to anyone who contacts you unsolicited — Citibank will never ask for a code this way.

Do I need a separate find Transaction Code setup if I am an authorized user on multiple Citibank accounts?

No. Your phone number and email are registered to you as an authorized user across all your Citibank accounts. When you set up your contact information once, it applies to every account you are authorized to access. You will receive codes for transactions on any of those accounts.

How long is a find Transaction Code valid?

Codes are typically valid for 10 to 15 minutes from the time Citibank sends them. If your code expires before you enter it, you can request a new one by attempting the transaction again. Citibank will send a fresh code to your phone or email.

Can the primary account holder see the find Transaction Codes sent to me?

No. Codes sent to your phone number or email are private to you. The primary account holder cannot view your codes, and you cannot view theirs. Each person on the account receives their own codes for their own transactions.