What you need before you walk in or go online

First Citizens Bank lets you open a business account in person at a branch or online through their website. Either way, you will need the same core documents: a government-issued ID, your Social Security number or EIN (Employer Identification Number), and proof of your business address. If your business is registered as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, bring the formation documents — the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or partnership agreement. If you are a sole proprietor, you may need a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name different from your legal name.

First Citizens also asks for information about the business itself: what you do, how long you have been operating, and expected monthly transaction volume. Have this ready before you start. If you have a business license, bring that too — it speeds things up and shows the bank you are established.

The specific documents vary slightly by state and by whether your business is new or already running. Call your local First Citizens branch before you go in, or check their website for your state's exact requirements. This takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number or EIN, and proof of business address to open an account at First Citizens Bank.
  • Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, LLC articles, or partnership agreement) are required if your business is registered as anything other than a sole proprietorship.
  • First Citizens offers both in-person and online account opening, though online approval may take longer if the bank needs to verify your information by phone.
  • Call your local branch before visiting to confirm which documents they need, since requirements vary by state and business structure.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walking into a First Citizens branch with your documents is usually the fastest route. A business banker will review what you brought, ask questions about your business and banking needs, and often open the account on the spot. Bring originals of everything — the bank will not accept photocopies of your ID or formation documents. If you have a business license, bring the original or a certified copy.

The banker will ask how you plan to use the account: whether you will deposit checks, transfer money between accounts, use a debit card, or need merchant services. Be honest about volume and frequency. This helps the bank set up the right account type and flag any services you might need later. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

After you leave, the account is typically active within one business day. You can start depositing and transferring money right away. Debit cards and checks usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

First Citizens allows you to start the account opening process on their website without visiting a branch. You will upload images of your ID, EIN or Social Security number, and business formation documents. The bank reviews these and may call you to verify information — especially if your documents are unclear or if the bank needs to confirm details about your business.

Online opening takes longer than in-person because the bank cannot see your original documents and may need to ask follow-up questions. Expect the process to take 3 to 5 business days from submission to approval, though it can be faster if everything is clear and the bank does not need to call you.

Once approved, you will receive login credentials and can start using the account online when ready. Physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to deposit checks before your card arrives, you can use mobile deposit through the First Citizens app once your account is active.

What happens if your business is brand new

If you have not yet registered your business with your state, First Citizens may still open an account for you as a sole proprietor using your personal Social Security number. However, the bank will ask when you plan to register and may require you to provide an EIN or DBA certificate within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days. Check with your branch about their specific timeline.

If you are opening the account before your business is officially registered, bring any documentation you have: a business plan, a lease for your business location, or a DBA filing receipt if you have already filed one. These show the bank that your business is real and imminent, not hypothetical.

Once you register your business and receive your EIN from the IRS, contact First Citizens to update your account. This is a straightforward process and usually takes one phone call or a visit to your branch.

Account types and features First Citizens offers for businesses

First Citizens offers several business account structures depending on your needs. A basic business checking account is the most common and includes online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposit. Some accounts come with a debit card; others do not. Ask your banker which account type fits your business size and transaction volume.

If you need to accept credit card payments from customers, First Citizens offers merchant services — but this is a separate process from opening your checking account. You can set it up at the same time or later. Similarly, if you need a business line of credit or a loan, the banker can discuss those options, but approval happens separately and takes longer.

First Citizens also offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit for businesses that want to set aside reserves. These typically earn interest but have withdrawal limits or penalties if you take money out early. Ask your banker which combination makes sense for your cash flow.

Fees and minimum balances

First Citizens charges monthly maintenance fees on most business accounts, though the amount varies by account type and your location. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance — typically $500 to $2,500 — or if you set up direct deposit. Ask your banker for the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

Additional fees explore for services like wire transfers, stop payments, overdrafts, and excess transactions. Mobile deposit and online bill pay are usually free. If you use an ATM that is not part of the First Citizens network, you may be charged a fee by the other bank.

First Citizens publishes a fee schedule on their website and in their account agreement. Read it before you sign, or ask your banker to walk you through the fees that explore to your account type.

What to do if the bank asks for more information

Sometimes First Citizens will ask for additional documents or information before opening your account. This is normal and does not mean you have been rejected. Common requests include a recent utility bill to verify your business address, a copy of your business license, or clarification about the type of business you run.

Respond to these requests as quickly as you can. The bank usually gives you a important date — often 10 to 14 days. If you miss the important date, your process may be closed and you will have to start over. If you cannot find a document, ask the banker if something else will work instead.

If the bank denies your account process, they must tell you why. Common reasons include an incomplete process, a mismatch between your documents, or a flag in the bank's fraud prevention system. If you disagree with the decision, you can ask to speak with a manager or contact First Citizens' customer service line to understand what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account if I do not have an EIN yet?

Yes. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you can use your Social Security number instead. If your business is an LLC or corporation, you will need an EIN, which you can request from the IRS online for free. The process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your number when ready.

How long does it take to get my debit card and checks after opening the account?

Debit cards usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days if you open in person, or 7 to 10 business days if you open online. Checks take longer — typically 10 to 14 business days. You can start using your account online and via mobile deposit before these arrive.

What if I need to add another person to the account later?

You can add an authorized user or a co-owner after the account is open. This requires a visit to your branch or a call to First Citizens. The other person will need to provide their ID and sign paperwork. The process usually takes one business day.

Does First Citizens offer any discounts for new business accounts?

First Citizens occasionally runs promotions for new business accounts, but these vary by location and change throughout the year. Ask your banker whether any current offers explore to you. Promotions may include fee waivers for the first few months or bonus cash if you meet certain deposit requirements.

Can I open a business account online if I live in a state where First Citizens does not have branches?

First Citizens operates in multiple states but not all. Check their website to see if they serve your state. If they do not have a physical presence in your state, you may still be able to open an account online, but call their customer service line first to confirm they can serve you.