Mastercard today announced the expansion of its Installments Payment Services to include Citi’s portfolio of branded credit cards in the U.S., bringing millions of cardmembers more access to payment flexibility at the point of sale. Through Citi® Flex Pay, cardmembers can split purchases into convenient, predictable payments during the checkout experience. Citi will be the first U.S. issuer to join Mastercard’s Installments Payment Services platform, making Citi Flex Pay available to its growing network of partners.

Demand for pay-over-time solutions remains strong as consumers want more flexibility, convenience and control in how they manage their finances. 74% of surveyed U.S. credit cardholders said they would be more likely to use a credit card that offers an installment plan, and 73% said they would be more likely to make a larger purchase if their credit card offered the option to pay over time[1].

Citi Flex Pay offers a pay-over-time solution built into Citi credit cards that allows cardmembers to split eligible purchases into fixed monthly payments with no additional applications, credit lines or credit checks required. Through the integration with Mastercard Installments Payments Services, Citi cardmembers can choose to pay over time directly at checkout, whether shopping with their Citi credit card online, in-app or through a digital wallet with participating partners. Customers will also enjoy the same enhanced security (tokenization), dispute resolution and Zero Liability Protection they expect from Mastercard.

“This launch marks another step forward in giving more consumers greater choice and control in how they pay,” said Seema Chibber, Executive Vice President, Core Products, Mastercard. “By adding Citi’s portfolio to our Installments Payment Services, we’re making flexible, simple and secure payments available to millions of cardholders with the same peace of mind that they receive from other Mastercard products.”

Mastercard Installments Payment Services can be easily added into checkout experiences that span industries such as consumer electronics, jewelry, home furnishings and more. At participating retailers, customers will automatically see Citi Flex Pay installment plan options at checkout, bringing more access to flexible payments.

“The pay-over-time industry has continued to grow because it addresses a real consumer need for flexibility,” said Abhinav Anand, Head of U.S. Value and Unsecured Lending, Citi. “We’ve built a solution with Citi Flex Pay that is convenient, easy-to-use and brings real value to ourcardmembers. Together with Mastercard, we’re now bringing even more access to flexible payments directly at checkout, creating a seamless experience for customers and retailers alike.”

Citi cardmembers can begin using Citi Flex Pay at checkout across merchants participating in Mastercard Installments Payment Services starting this year. Partners can learn more about Mastercard Installments Payment Services here.

[1] Mastercard & Harris Poll, March 2025, among 814 U.S. credit card users