First Citizens Bank Free Checking review
- Fee
- $0 per month
- Minimum deposit to open
- $50
Our verdict
Track your finances, but it’s only available in 21 states.
With no monthly fees, First Citizens Bank’s Free Checking stands out because of its Manage My Money tool designed to help manage all your finances in one place. But it comes with notable drawbacks. If you don’t switch to electronic statements within 60 days, the account converts to a Select Checking account with a $12 monthly fee. Additionally, First Citizens Bank only serves 21 states and has a limited ATM network.
Best for: Those who want a free checking account with helpful financial management tools.
Pros
-
No monthly fee with statements
-
Manage your finances across different accounts
-
Supports Zelle
-
Overdraft protection coverage
Cons
-
$50 minimum deposit required
-
Not available nationwide
-
Small ATM network
-
Limited physical branches
What we like about First Citizens Bank Free Checking
This account combines simplicity, security and modern banking convenience. First Citizens Bank’s Free Checking Account offers a straightforward and budget-friendly solution with a low $50 minimum opening deposit and the option to avoid monthly fees when you opt for paperless statements.
Standout features include overdraft protection and access to essential features like bill pay, funds transfers and sending money with Zelle — services that often come with added costs at other banks.
Manage My Money tool
What sets this account apart is its range of digital tools designed to help users stay informed and in control of their finances.
The “Manage My Money” feature allows customers to track spending and identify trends, providing insights that can lead to better financial decisions. Text and email alerts add a layer of security by keeping you updated on account activity, while support for digital wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay ensures easy, cashless payments.
Where it falls short
The biggest drawback of First Citizens Bank’s Free Checking account is its lack of physical branches and the fact the bank only offers banking services to 21 states. It has around 550 locations in states such as Arizona, California, Florida, Texas and Washington.
For those who value in-person customer service, this limited accessibility could be a significant disadvantage. We recommend checking to see whether First Citizens can serve your state at all:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
If accessible physical branches are a priority for you, consider banking with Chase or U.S. Bank, as they have some of the largest branch networks in the country.
Lacks some extra perks
The First Citizens Bank’s Free Checking account doesn’t earn interest, offer cashback rewards or anything much we’d consider “extra.” For a more rewarding free checking account, consider options like Ally Bank Spending Account, which offers up to 0.25% APY, free checks, envelope budgeting tools, 24/7 customer service, no opening deposit, ATM reimbursements and access to a network of over 75,000 ATMs.
First Citizens Bank Free Checking fees and access
| Type of fee | Fee details |
|---|---|
| Monthly service | No monthly fees when you enroll in paperless statements |
| Opening deposit | $50 |
| ATMs |
|
| Debit card fees |
|
| Overdraft or insufficient funds | $10 fee for every overdraft transaction over $5 |
| Wire transfers |
|
Compare First Citizens Bank Free Checking to other checking accounts
Narrow down your options — tick the Compare box next to each provider to compare up to four accounts side by side.
What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches over 300 checking accounts from hundreds of financial institutions. It takes into account the product's monthly fees, overdraft fees, opening deposit, customer support options, ATM network and features — this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, Finder’s banking experts analyze hundreds of checking accounts against what we consider is the best option: no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, a large ATM network of 50,000 or more, additional features outside of typical banking services, and the optional perk of earning interest. Accounts that are nearly free to maintain and use are scored the highest, while accounts with costly fees and few features are scored the lowest.
Customer experience
Despite being incorporated since 1986, First Citizens Bank is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds a so-so B rating. As of September 2024, it has a 1.15-star rating based on 113 customer reviews in the past three years, but a rating that low isn’t uncommon for a bank.
A common issue raised by customers involves challenges in resolving fraudulent charges. Some have also expressed frustration with the limited availability of physical branch locations, noting that they often have to drive over an hour to reach the nearest one.
First Citizens Bank also holds a poor rating on Trustpilot of 1.9 stars out of 5. Most negative reviews report poor customer service both over the phone and at physical locations.
Frequently asked questions
Does the First Citizens Bank checking account come with a debit card?
Yes. First Citizens Bank provides a Visa debit card. You can request a debit card by logging in to digital banking.
What happens if you overdraft your free checking account?
First Citizens Bank offers several ways to protect your free checking account from overdrafts. You can link your First Citizens Bank Free Checking to a savings account to cover overdrafts or use Checkline Reserve, which is a line of credit that can be used to cover overdrafts from your First Citizens Bank account.
Your reviews
Gabriel Finder
Writer
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