If you’re trying to log in, register, or activate your Shop Your Way® (SYW) credit card and you didn’t receive the verification code, don’t worry — this is a common issue.
Verification codes (OTP) may fail due to carrier delays, email filters, wrong contact info, or security flags.

Follow this step-by-step guide to fix the SYW verification code not received problem fast.

🔹 1. Check Your Registered Phone Number or Email

The verification code will only be sent to the contact information on file with Citi.

✔ Make sure:

• Your phone number is current

• Your email address is correct

• You are checking the right inbox

If you recently changed your number, the code may go to your old one.

🔹 2. Wait at Least 2–5 Minutes

Sometimes Citi sends verification codes with a slight delay because of:

• Network congestion

• Carrier routing delay

• High-security verification checks

Wait a few minutes before retrying.

🔹 3. Resend the Verification Code

On the SYW or Citi login/activation page, click:

👉 “Resend Code”
or
👉 “Send New Code”

Do not request the code too many times in a row — this may temporarily lock your verification attempts.

🔹 4. Check Spam / Junk / Promotions Folder (Email Users)

If you're expecting an email OTP:

✔ Look in:

• Spam / Junk

• Promotions (Gmail)

• Updates (Gmail)

• Other / Clutter folders

Search for keywords: Citi, verification, security code.

🔹 5. Turn Off VPN, Proxy, or Private DNS

Secure banking pages (Citi-managed SYW pages) may block verification if:

• You are using a VPN

• You’re browsing through a proxy

• Your IP address looks suspicious

Turn these off and refresh the page.

🔹 6. Ensure Your Phone Is Not Blocking SMS

Your SMS app or carrier may block messages.

Check:

• Your SMS inbox storage

• Blocked numbers list

• SMS settings

• Do Not Disturb mode

Also try restarting your phone.

🔹 7. Switch Network (Wi-Fi → mobile data or vice versa)

Sometimes banks block verification for unsecured or public Wi-Fi.

Try:

• Turning off Wi-Fi

• Switching to mobile data

• Restarting router (if applicable)

🔹 8. Use a Different Browser or Device

Sometimes verification pages fail due to browser issues.

Try:

• Chrome

• Safari

• Edge

• Firefox
  OR switch from:

• Mobile → Desktop

• Desktop → Mobile

🔹 9. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

Stored cookies may interrupt security steps.

Clear:

• Cache

• Cookies

• Site data

Then reopen the page and retry.

🔹 10. Request Phone Call Instead of SMS (If Available)

Some Citi verification pages allow:

👉 “Receive code via phone call”

This can bypass SMS delivery issues entirely.

🔹 11. Your Account Might Be Temporarily Locked

Too many failed attempts may trigger:

• Security lock

• Fraud prevention hold

If you suspect a lockout, move to the final step.

🔹 12. Contact Citi SYW Support

If you still can’t receive a code, Citi support must manually verify your identity.

Use the contact information on:

• The back of your SYW card

• The activation letter

• The official accountonline.com website

They can update your number or send a manual verification prompt.