What You Need to Open a First Citizens Account
First Citizens Bank lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Most accounts can be opened in under 15 minutes if you do it online or at a branch.
The bank accepts driver's licenses, passports, and state ID cards as proof of identity. You do not need to be a current customer to open your first account. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present or complete the application.
First Citizens offers different account types with different minimum deposits and features. A basic checking account typically requires $25 to $100 to open, depending on the account tier. Savings accounts may have similar minimums. The exact requirement varies by location and account type, so confirm the current minimum before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start an account at First Citizens Bank.
- Online account opening takes about 15 minutes and lets you fund the account immediately with a debit card or bank transfer.
- In-person applications at a branch allow you to deposit cash and ask questions about account features and fees in real time.
- First Citizens runs a background check using ChexSystems, which may delay approval if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks.
- Monthly maintenance fees vary by account type; some accounts waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening an Account Online
Visit the First Citizens Bank website and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose your account type—checking, savings, or money market—and answer basic questions about your name, address, date of birth, and employment status. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
During the online application, you will enter your Social Security number and provide your government ID information. First Citizens uses this to verify your identity and run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have had accounts closed due to overdrafts or fraud, this check may flag your application for manual review, which can add one to three business days.
After you submit the application, you can fund the account immediately using a debit card or by transferring money from another bank account. If you use a debit card, the funds appear in your First Citizens account within minutes. Bank transfers typically take one to two business days. Your account number and routing number are available as soon as the application is approved, so you can set up direct deposit right away.
Opening an Account at a Branch
Find your nearest First Citizens Bank branch using the branch locator on their website. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit amount in cash or on a debit card. A banker will walk you through the application, answer questions about account features and fees, and complete the setup while you wait.
In-person applications are useful if you want to deposit cash immediately or if you have questions about which account type fits your needs. The banker can explain overdraft protection, ATM access, and monthly fees specific to each account. You will receive a debit card on the spot at some branches, though it may take five to seven business days to arrive by mail at others.
Bring recent proof of address if your ID does not show your current address. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you cannot provide proof of address, the banker may still open the account but may place temporary limits on transfers or withdrawals until you update your address.
Opening an Account by Phone
Call First Citizens Bank customer service at 1-800-922-9999 to open an account over the phone. A representative will guide you through the application and ask the same questions as the online process. You will need to provide your ID information verbally and arrange an initial deposit.
Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. After approval, you can fund the account by transferring money from another bank or by providing a debit card number. The representative will give you your account number and routing number immediately so you can set up direct deposit or arrange automatic bill payments.
Phone applications are slower than online or in-person because the representative must manually enter your information. If you are in a hurry, the online route is faster. However, calling is useful if you have questions about account types or if you need help with the application process.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
First Citizens runs a ChexSystems background check, which typically completes within a few minutes to a few hours. If the check passes, your account is approved immediately and you can fund it and start using it the same day. If the check flags something—such as a closed account with unpaid overdrafts—a banker will contact you to review the issue.
Once your account is open, your debit card arrives by mail within five to seven business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or pay bills before the card arrives. First Citizens provides temporary access to ATMs and online banking as soon as the account is active.
If your application is denied, First Citizens will send you a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report, an address that cannot be verified, or a Social Security number mismatch. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623.
Account Types and Monthly Fees
First Citizens offers several checking and savings accounts with different features and costs. A basic checking account typically has a monthly maintenance fee of $10 to $15, though some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts usually have lower or no monthly fees but earn interest on your balance.
Money market accounts combine features of checking and savings and typically require a higher opening deposit and minimum balance. Interest rates on savings and money market accounts vary based on the current market and your balance tier. First Citizens publishes current rates on their website.
Ask about overdraft protection when you open your account. This feature links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically. Without it, a transaction that exceeds your balance will be declined or charged an overdraft fee (typically $25 to $35 per occurrence).
Documents and Information to Have Ready
| What You Need | Why First Citizens Asks For It |
|---|---|
| Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | To verify your identity and confirm your legal name and date of birth |
| Social Security number | To run a background check and report account activity to the IRS |
| Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) | To verify your mailing address if your ID does not show your current address |
| Initial deposit (cash, debit card, or bank transfer) | To fund the account and meet the minimum opening deposit requirement |
| Employment information (optional but helpful) | To set up direct deposit and help the bank understand your account use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a First Citizens account if I have been denied by other banks?
A denial from another bank does not automatically disqualify you from First Citizens. However, if the denial was due to a ChexSystems report—such as unpaid overdrafts or fraud—First Citizens will see the same report. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems record before applying. Contact ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if needed.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Debit cards arrive by mail within five to seven business days after your account opens. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or pay bills immediately, even before the card arrives. Some branches may issue a temporary card in person.
What is the minimum opening deposit for a First Citizens checking account?
The minimum opening deposit typically ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the account type and your location. Confirm the current minimum on the First Citizens website or by calling 1-800-922-9999 before you start your application.
Can I open an account for my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian must be present in person or complete the application online with the child's information. First Citizens offers youth savings accounts designed for minors, often with no monthly fees and parental controls. The parent's ID and Social Security number are required along with the child's information.
What happens if my application is denied?
First Citizens will send a written notice explaining the reason for denial. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report, an unverifiable address, or a Social Security number mismatch. You can dispute the ChexSystems report or reapply after correcting the issue. Contact First Citizens customer service at 1-800-922-9999 to ask what specific issue caused the denial.