UnionBank of the Philippines has finished migrating all Citi-branded consumer accounts to its systems, marking the final step in acquiring Citi's retail operations in the country. The meticulous migration process began in 2022 and will be completed on Monday, March 25, 2024. This transition signifies UnionBank's commitment to providing seamless banking services and underscores its ability to integrate complex banking systems effectively.

A temporary system shutdown will happen from March 23 to 25 to facilitate the migration.

With this integration, UnionBank is poised to offer its customers an enhanced banking experience. It will combine the strengths of both banks to deliver superior financial solutions. The successful migration is expected to pave the way for new innovations in the Philippine banking industry.

Previously, Citibank customers were informed about the switch and encouraged to set up UnionBank Online profiles for a seamless transition. The migration involved moving account information and functionalities to UnionBank's platform.

This development benefits former Citibank customers. They can now enjoy more comprehensive fund transfer options through InstaPay and PESONet, mobile check deposits, and anytime online foreign exchange. Additionally, UnionBank assures continued access to existing benefits like installments, bill payments, and other features associated with their accounts and cards.

The acquisition of Citi's consumer banking business strengthens UnionBank's position as a major player in the Philippine banking sector. It broadens its reach and product offerings, providing customers with a wider range of financial services.

UnionBank answers your top questions about the migration. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions by affected clients:

What is the reason for the 3-day system activity?

As part of UnionBank's plan to be a bigger and greater banking partner, it acquired the Citi Consumer Banking Business in 2022. As it prepares to fully transition all acquired accounts and update the various functionalities of its systems, UnionBank will need to temporarily go offline from March 23, 2024 (Saturday) at 4:00 PM until March 25, 2024 (Monday) at 9:00 AM.

What will happen during the 3-day system activity?

While UnionBank's systems are offline, bill payments via credit/debit cards and fund transfers previously scheduled for March 23 and 24, 2024, will not be processed during this period. Kindly complete these transactions before March 23, 2024.

•    Self-Service Phone Banking will not be available from March 23, 2024 (8:00 AM) to March 25, 2024 (9:00 AM).
•    UnionBank ATM and Cash Acceptance Machines, UnionBank Online App and Website (All Features and Services), ATM and Debit Card transactions (in-store and online) will not be available from March 23, 2024 (4:00 PM) to March 25, 2024 (9:00 AM)  (To avoid inconvenience, please schedule your banking transactions before the systems migration period.)

The following services will continue to be available without any interruption:

•    UnionBank Credit Card transactions
•    Customer Service Hotline at (02) 8 841-8600. Customer Service Officers will be on hand to take emergency banking inquiries and card-blocking requests due to fraud, lost, or stolen cards.

How can I reach out for concerns during the 3-day system activity?

The UnionBank Customer Service Hotline (02) 8841-8600. Will remain active, and Customer Service Officers will be ready during the migration period only for emergency banking inquiries and card-blocking requests due to fraud, lost, or stolen cards.

Will my credit card number change when my account is migrated?

No, it will not. All details on your account and credit card will remain the same even after the full migration to UnionBank's systems. When your Citi-branded credit card is replaced with a UnionBank Credit Card, your card number, expiration date, and CVV will be exactly the same.

Will my biller name change when I pay my Citi credit card or Citi Personal Loan balance?

Yes, the biller's name will change effective March 22, 2024. Starting this date, the biller for your Citi credit card and/or Citi Personal Loan balance payments should be "Union Bank of the Philippines," "UnionBank," or "UBP."

To learn more, please visit www.unionbankph.com/billernamechange.

What will happen to unclaimed Citi points after the migration?

Any unused points, miles, or rebates on your account will remain intact and will be transferred as part of the migration of your credit card account/s to UnionBank systems. In addition, your points, miles, and rebates will never expire. Any unused points, miles, or rebates on your account will remain intact and will be transferred as part of the transition.

Rest assured that we will notify you soon once your enhanced rewards redemption experience becomes available. Expect more items, more partners, and an easier and more seamless way to redeem your points, miles, and rebates. This is all part of our efforts to become a Bigger and Stronger Retail Bank.

Will UnionBank waive the annual fee, as they did with Citi previously?

Yes, you will continue to enjoy the same waived fees and rewards as you do now, including the waived annual fee. Rest assured that we will let you know in advance if these changes are made.

Will the free insurance offered by Citi Savings Guard be discontinued after the migration?

Yes. If you maintain P25,000 ADB, you are qualified for insurance coverage up to 3x your ADB (a maximum of P3 million).

What are Citi's equivalent cards once it has transitioned to UnionBank?

As part of the migration, several Citi-branded cards will be renamed UnionBank-branded cards. These include the Citigold World Debit Mastercard, which will be renamed the UnionBank Elite World Mastercard; the Citi Priority Debit Mastercard, which will be renamed the UnionBank Access Platinum Debit Mastercard; and the Citibank Debit Mastercard, which will be renamed the UnionBank Classic Debit Mastercard. Please stay tuned as we announce more name changes for Citi cards and other Citi-branded products as we get closer to the system migration.

Will there be Citi cards that will be discontinued once the migration is complete?

All currently existing Citi-branded cards will remain in use even after the system migration, but their names will change to align more with a Bigger and Stronger UnionBank brand.

Will UnionBank maintain the same standards, products, and services we previously enjoyed with Citi?

Yes, UnionBank is fully committed to maintaining and even improving the standards and excellent quality of products and services you've become accustomed to.