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First Citizens Bank Free Checking
3.6
★★★★★
Finder score
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

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question

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 feeFee details
Monthly serviceNo monthly fees when you enroll in paperless statements
Opening deposit$50
ATMs
  • Domestic: $0 within network
  • International: $5
Debit card fees
  • Cash withdrawals: $0
  • Foreign transactions: 3% of transaction amount
  • Card replacement: $2
Overdraft or insufficient funds$10 fee for every overdraft transaction over $5
Wire transfers
  • Incoming
    • Domestic Georgia and Florida: $19
    • Domestic all other states: $16
    • International: N/A, contact bank
  • Outgoing
    • Domestic: $30
    • International: N/A, contact bank

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.

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Name Product USFSA-CHK Fee Minimum deposit to open Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Offer
SoFi Checking and Savings
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Bonus
SoFi Checking and Savings
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$0
Up to 4.20%
Get up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer is available until December 31, 2024.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
Finder Score: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
$0 per month
$0
N/A
Axos ONE
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Axos ONE
$0 per month
$0
4.86% on balances of $0+
1.00% on balances of $0+
0.51% on balances of $0+
Step Black Card
Finder Score: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★
Step Black Card
From $0 per month
$0
4.00% on balances of $0 to $1,000,000
Chime® Checking Account
Finder Score: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Bonus
Chime® Checking Account
$0 per month
$0
N/A
Refer a friend to Chime using your referral link, and if they complete a $200 direct deposit within 45 days of opening their new account, you both get $100.
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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.

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