Citi announced that it will join Early Warning's clearXchange network, enabling Citi's online and mobile banking customers to send or receive real-time person-to-person payments to or from customers of participating network banks by simply using the recipient's mobile number or email address.

Citi will enable the functionality in early 2017, according to a press release.

"We are pleased to join the clearXchange network, enabling millions of Citi clients to make real-time person-to-person payments to anyone with a U.S. bank account," said Barry Rodrigues, head of global digital payments for Citi's global consumer bank. "As the payments landscape continues to rapidly evolve, Citi is committed to making it easier for our customers to move their money quickly, safely and seamlessly."

"The addition of Citi represents a significant milestone in Early Warning's goal to expand the clearXchange network to include all financial institutions nationwide," said Paul Finch, CEO of Early Warning. "Early Warning is pleased to partner with Citi to provide its customers access to real-time p2p payments across the clearXchange network."