Yes, you can start a First Citizens Bank account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by mail

First Citizens Bank does not let you complete a full account opening entirely online. You can begin the process on their website — you will fill in your personal information, choose your account type, and review terms — but you must verify your identity in person at a branch or by mailing documents to them before the account becomes active.

This is different from some online-only banks, which complete everything digitally. First Citizens is a traditional bank with physical branches, and federal banking rules require them to see proof of who you are before they hand you access to an account. The online part saves you time on paperwork, but not on the final step.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your account process on First Citizens' website, but you cannot finish it there — you must verify your identity in person at a branch or by mailing documents.
  • The online process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and which account type you want, but does not complete the account until identity verification happens.
  • If you have a First Citizens branch near you, going in person is usually faster than mailing documents, often taking one business day instead of one to two weeks.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, to complete the account opening.

What the online part of the process covers

When you go to the First Citizens website and start an account process, you will provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. You will also tell them what type of account you want — checking, savings, or both — and review the account terms and fee schedule.

The system will ask whether you are opening the account for yourself or as a joint account with someone else. If it is joint, you will need the other person's information as well. You will also set up online banking access and choose a username and password during this step, though you will not be able to use it until the account is fully open.

At the end of the online process, First Citizens will tell you what to do next. That instruction depends on whether you chose to finish in person or by mail.

Finishing your account in person at a branch

If you have a First Citizens Bank branch in your area, this is usually the fastest route. After you submit your online process, you will take your government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address to the branch. A teller or new accounts representative will verify that the information matches what you entered online, check your ID against their system, and set up your account on the spot.

Bring your driver's license, passport, or state ID card — something with your photo and signature. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name showing your current address. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days, though this can vary by branch.

Once the teller confirms everything, your account is open and you can use your debit card and online banking when ready. Most branches can do this within one business day of your process.

Finishing your account by mail

If there is no First Citizens branch near you, or if you prefer not to go in person, you can complete the account opening by mail. After you submit your online process, First Citizens will send you a packet with instructions and a form to sign. You will need to include copies of your government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, then mail everything back to the address they provide.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the day First Citizens receives your packet. You can track whether they have received it by logging into your online banking account or calling their customer service line. Once they verify your identity and process your documents, they will send you a confirmation email and your debit card will arrive separately in the mail.

Keep copies of everything you mail for your records. If First Citizens needs to ask you a question about your process, they will contact you by phone or email using the information you provided online.

What you need before you start the online process

Have your Social Security number ready — First Citizens will not let you proceed without it. You will also need your current address and a phone number where they can reach you. If you are opening a joint account, gather the same information for the other person.

If you plan to finish in person, bring your government-issued photo ID and proof of address to the branch. If you plan to finish by mail, you will need to make copies of those documents to send with your signed forms. Do not mail original documents — always send copies and keep the originals.

Account types you can open online

First Citizens offers several account types through their online process. Their basic checking account is designed for everyday spending and bill payments. They also offer savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs), which are savings products where you agree to leave money untouched for a set period in exchange for a higher interest rate.

The online process will show you the current fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates for each account type. These can change, so check the website before you explore to see which account fits your needs. Some accounts have monthly fees that are waived if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit.

What happens if First Citizens cannot verify your identity

If the documents you provide do not match the information in your process, or if First Citizens cannot verify your identity through their system, they will contact you to ask for more information or different documents. This is not a rejection — it is a request for clarification. Respond to their call or email as soon as you can so your account opening does not stall.

In rare cases, if First Citizens cannot verify your identity even after you provide additional documents, they may decline to open the account. This can happen if there is a discrepancy in your Social Security number, if your address cannot be confirmed, or if there is a flag in their fraud detection system. If this happens, they will tell you why and you can ask what documents or information might help resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a First Citizens account online?

The online process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you finish in person at a branch, your account opens the same day. If you finish by mail, the whole process takes one to two weeks from when First Citizens receives your documents back.

Do I need to have money to deposit when I open the account?

No. You can open the account with zero dollars. However, some First Citizens accounts have a minimum balance requirement to avoid a monthly fee, so check the account terms before you choose which type to open.

Can I open a joint account online with someone who is not present?

You can start the process online, but the other person will need to verify their identity as well before the account opens. They will either need to go to a branch with you or mail in their own documents. First Citizens will tell you the process when you indicate you want a joint account.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

First Citizens requires a photo ID to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some branches may accept other forms of ID — call ahead to ask what they will take.

Can I use an online process I started but never finished?

First Citizens may keep your incomplete process for a limited time, but it is safest to start fresh. If more than a few days have passed, begin a new process on their website rather than trying to find the old one.