First Citizens Bank Review 2026

First Citizens Bank charges a $10 monthly maintenance fee on its Basic Checking account, which can be waived with a $300 minimum daily balance or $500 in monthly direct deposits. This fee structure sits between Wells Fargo's $10 fee (requiring $1,500 balance waiver) and Ally Bank's fee-free checking. The bank's overdraft fee of $36 per transaction matches industry standards set by Bank of America and Chase, though it offers overdraft protection transfers for $10. First Citizens provides no-fee access to over 55,000 ATMs through the AllPoint and MoneyPass networks, comparable to regional competitors like Regions Bank but fewer than Chase's 16,000 proprietary ATMs.

First Citizens Bank's digital platform offers standard mobile banking features including mobile check deposit, bill pay, and account management, but lacks advanced tools available through Chase's mobile app or Bank of America's Erica virtual assistant. The bank's website provides basic online banking functionality with account transfers, statement access, and loan applications, though the user interface appears dated compared to Wells Fargo's redesigned platform. First Citizens recently upgraded its mobile app to include person-to-person payments and mobile wallet integration, bringing it closer to par with regional competitors like BB&T, though it still lacks the comprehensive financial management tools offered by Ally Bank's digital-first approach.

First Citizens Bank operates a relationship-based banking model that provides interest rate discounts on loans and reduced fees based on combined account balances, though it lacks a formal points-based rewards program like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bank of America Preferred Rewards. Customers with checking, savings, and loan relationships may receive mortgage rate reductions of 0.125% to 0.25%, comparable to relationship discounts offered by Wells Fargo and Regions Bank. The bank's loyalty approach focuses on tenure-based benefits and personalized service through dedicated relationship managers for higher-balance customers, contrasting with the standardized tier systems employed by national banks like Citi and PNC Bank.

First Citizens Bank maintains over 550 branch locations across 22 states, primarily concentrated in North Carolina, Virginia, and California, providing regional accessibility that exceeds online-only banks like Ally but falls short of Wells Fargo's national presence. The bank's ATM access through AllPoint and MoneyPass networks totals over 55,000 surcharge-free locations, matching the accessibility provided by many credit unions but fewer than Bank of America's combined ATM and branch network. First Citizens offers extended branch hours at select locations and Saturday banking services, though weekend availability remains more limited than Chase's widespread Saturday and Sunday hours. The bank's customer service operates during standard business hours with phone support available Monday through Friday, providing less extensive availability than Bank of America's 24/7 customer service.