> This page is for Consumer.

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> For a complete documentation index, see https://citi-demo.ferndocs.com/consumer/llms.txt.
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# Balances

### Overview

The Balances API returns up-to-the-moment balance information for a deposit account. Use it to show customers how much they can spend right now, help them avoid overdrafts, and power budgeting and cash-flow insights.

Each response distinguishes between the **available balance** (what the customer can spend today) and the **current balance** (the posted balance, before pending activity).

---

### Get an account balance

#### Authenticate

Obtain an access token with the `accounts:read` scope.

#### Request the balance

Call the endpoint with the `accountRef` from [Deposit Accounts](/consumer/api-docs/accounts/deposit-accounts).

#### Display the result

Show the available balance for spending decisions and the current balance for reconciliation.

```json
{
  "accountRef": "acct_884201",
  "currency": "USD",
  "availableBalance": 2841.55,
  "currentBalance": 3010.00,
  "pending": 168.45,
  "asOf": "2026-04-23T14:32:00Z"
}
```

---

### Available vs. current balance

#### Available balance

Funds the customer can use right now — the current balance minus pending transactions and holds.

#### Current balance

The posted balance at the last update, not accounting for pending activity.

> **Info**
>
> Always use the **available balance** when helping a customer decide whether they can make a purchase or transfer.

---

### Availability

> **Warning**
>
> Balances are available 24/7. During brief nightly processing windows, a balance may reflect the previous business day until posting completes.

---

### Security requirements

Requests require an OAuth 2.0 access token with the `accounts:read` scope. See the [Authentication guide](/consumer/api-docs/get-started/authentication).