First Citizens Review

First Citizens Bank offers a wide range of banking and lending services including multiple checking account options with convenient features like free Visa debit cards, online/mobile banking, and access to hundreds of ATMs. They also provide various loan products such as home equity, auto, and personal loans. However, their services are limited to select states, and their credit card offerings are few, with only four card options available. This makes them a solid choice for customers within their service area looking for traditional banking with good account perks, but less ideal for those outside their footprint or seeking diverse credit card options.

The Good

Comprehensive Banking and Lending Services
Variety of Checking Account Options
Loan Products

Comprehensive Banking and Lending Services

First Citizens Bank offers a broad range of financial services, including banking, lending, investment, and insurance products tailored for both individuals and businesses. Customers can select from multiple account types, gain access to credit cards, and even plan for retirement through their offerings.

Variety of Checking Account Options

Personal banking clients can choose from several checking accounts, each with benefits like a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, unlimited bill pay, and access to over 475 ATMs nationwide. The main checking accounts include:

Free Checking: No minimum balance requirement, free online/mobile banking, optional overdraft protection, and access to a Together Card for $3/month.
Select Checking: Offers flexible account management with free electronic or paper statements, no monthly fee with qualifying deposits or balances, optional overdraft protection, and a Together Card for $3/month.
Premier Checking: Designed to reward client relationships, featuring preferred loan and CD rates, free cashier’s checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, optional financial program enrollment, and interest earnings on the checking balance.
Prestige Checking: Premium account with all Premier benefits plus higher Visa debit card purchase and ATM limits, no overdraft transfer fees, complimentary safe deposit box, and unlimited use of non-First Citizens ATMs.

Multiple Loan Products

First Citizens Bank provides a variety of lending options beyond credit cards, including home equity loans, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and lines of credit, catering to diverse financing needs.

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The Bad

Limited Geographic Availability
Restricted Credit Card Selection

Limited Geographic Availability

First Citizens Bank operates primarily in select states and does not provide services nationwide. With over 500 branches, it serves customers in these states only:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

Residents outside these states cannot access First Citizens Bank services.

Restricted Credit Card Selection

The bank offers only four credit card options, limiting customer choice. These cards do not generally charge annual or rewards program fees (except the Optimum Rewards Card). Available cards include:

Optimum Rewards Visa Card (11.24%-22.24% variable APR)
Rewards Visa Card (11.24%-22.24% variable APR)
Cash Back Rewards Visa Card (11.24%-22.24% variable APR)
Smart Option Visa Card (8.24%-19.24% variable APR)

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