Citizens Bank Launches Fonepay Virtual Credit Card: First Fully Digital, Online & Instant
24th May 2025, Kathmandu
Citizens Bank International has taken a bold step in digital banking by launching the ‘Citizens Fonepay Credit Card,’ Nepal’s first fully virtual credit card. The card was unveiled during the bank’s 17th anniversary celebration. It aims to offer fast, safe, and paperless financial services to tech-savvy customers across the country.
Citizens Bank Fonepay Virtual Credit Card
Fully Digital Credit Card Now Available
The virtual card can be accessed and used directly through the Citizens Smart Mobile Banking App. Customers can apply, receive, and use the card without visiting a physical branch or needing a plastic version. The card supports all QR-based payments via Fonepay, Nepal’s leading payment gateway.
According to Samir Adhikari, Head of the Credit Card Department, the initiative was designed to overcome the limitations of traditional credit cards. He said, “Plastic cards are mostly city-focused and come with several challenges. Our virtual card removes those barriers and adds more flexibility for customers.”
Key Benefits of the Card
The card offers a wide range of features that prioritize convenience:
45 Days Interest-Free: Users can enjoy up to 45 days of interest-free credit if dues are cleared on time.
EMI Facility: Purchases between NPR 50,000 to NPR 250,000 can be converted into monthly installments. EMI options start from 0% interest.
QR Scan & Pay: Users can scan and pay at over 1.4 million Fonepay merchants nationwide.
Flexible Repayment: Customers can choose to pay the full bill or make a minimum payment of 10%.
Real-Time Tracking: The mobile app allows users to monitor their spending and manage their budget.
Quick and Easy Access
Applying for the card is straightforward. It is available entirely online, with no physical paperwork required for existing bank customers. The annual fee for the card is NPR 750.
New and existing customers are both eligible, provided they meet certain criteria. The bank evaluates applicants based on income, credit history, and transaction records.
Eligibility and Required Documents
For Salaried Individuals (New Clients):
Completed application form
Citizenship or passport copy
Two passport-sized photos
Salary certificate or letter from the employer
Last 6–12 months’ bank statement
For Business Owners:
Application form and ID documents
Two photos
PAN/VAT registration or business license
Two years’ financial statements
Bank statement for the last 6–12 months
Business registration and ownership papers (if applicable)
For Existing Customers:
Loan clients: Eligible for credit up to 2.5% of their approved loan amount, with a cap of NPR 250,000.
Fixed deposit clients: Can get a limit of up to 50% of their FD value, up to NPR 200,000.
Payroll clients: Receive a limit of up to 1.5 times their monthly salary. Must have at least three months’ salary credited to their account.
Privilege clients: Can access up to NPR 100,000 or 10% of their average balance.
Attractive Cashback Offer
To promote adoption, Citizens Bank is offering a special 50% instant cashback on QR transactions using the virtual card.
Offer Start Date: September 12, 2024
Maximum Cashback: NPR 1,000 per user
Offer Duration: Valid until the budget is exhausted or for a limited time
Customers receive cashback on a balance basis. For instance, if someone pays NPR 1,000 and gets NPR 500 cashback, they can still receive NPR 500 on future transactions. All QR-based transactions via Citizens Fonepay Credit Card are eligible.
Designed for the Mobile Generation
As digital adoption rises in Nepal, especially in urban centers, the need for flexible, secure, and cashless payment systems has also grown. Citizens Bank is responding to this shift.
Samir Adhikari noted that the culture of carrying cash for shopping is slowly declining. Mobile banking is replacing traditional methods. The virtual credit card complements this change and encourages customers to go cashless.
Moreover, the service isn’t limited to urban areas. The bank plans to expand its virtual offerings to rural regions as well. This move aligns with Citizens Bank’s broader vision to make banking more inclusive and accessible.
Bank Expansion Continues
Citizens Bank currently operates 199 branches across Nepal. It aims to reach 200 branches soon. With the launch of the virtual credit card, the bank further strengthens its digital presence.
The Citizens Fonepay Credit Card represents more than just a new product. It signals a strategic shift toward digital innovation in Nepal’s banking sector. The bank believes this service will redefine how people interact with credit and manage their finances.
How to Get the Card
To obtain the card, customers must:
Download or open the Citizens Smart Mobile Banking App.
Navigate to the virtual credit card section.
Submit the required details and documents.
Wait for the credit review and approval.
Approved users will receive the card instantly on their mobile devices. The process is fast, paperless, and completely secure.
A Step Toward Digital Transformation
Citizens Bank’s latest offering sets a benchmark in Nepal’s digital finance ecosystem. With its user-first approach, simple eligibility, and real-time utility, the Citizens Fonepay Credit Card is expected to appeal to both individual users and small businesses.
The card not only simplifies spending but also encourages responsible credit usage through budgeting tools and flexible repayment options.
In an increasingly mobile-first world, the launch of a fully virtual credit card is both timely and visionary. Citizens Bank has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and customer-centric banking.
For more details, interested users are encouraged to visit their nearest Citizens Bank branch or apply directly through the bank’s mobile app.
For more: Citizens Bank Fonepay Virtual Credit Card
