What you need to open a savings account at First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank lets you open a savings account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have the documents ready. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work.
First Citizens also asks for your employment information and income level, though you do not need to be employed to open an account. If you are retired, unemployed, or a student, you can still open an account — just be ready to say so. The bank uses this information to comply with federal banking rules, not to decide whether you deserve an account.
You will also choose which type of savings account fits your situation. First Citizens offers a standard savings account and money market accounts, which pay higher interest but usually require a larger opening deposit. Ask the bank representative which account has no monthly fee, because some accounts charge a maintenance fee if your balance drops below a certain amount.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a savings account online, by phone, or in person at a First Citizens branch, and online is usually fastest if you have your documents ready.
- Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address — a utility bill or lease works.
- First Citizens asks for employment and income information for federal compliance, but you can open an account whether you work or not.
- Different savings accounts have different minimum balances and monthly fees, so ask which one has no fee for your situation.
- You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash deposit at a branch.
Opening an account online
The online route takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents in front of you. Go to the First Citizens Bank website, find the "Open an Account" or "Savings" section, and choose the account type you want. The bank will ask you to enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information.
You will upload a photo of your ID and proof of address — take a clear picture with your phone or scan the documents if you have a scanner. First Citizens will review these within a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, the bank will give you an account number and routing number, and you can fund the account right away by linking a debit card or another bank account.
If the online system cannot verify your identity automatically, the bank may call you to confirm details by phone. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong — it just means the verification took an extra step. Have your ID and documents nearby when you answer.
Opening an account in person at a branch
If you prefer to talk to someone face-to-face, visit a First Citizens branch near you. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number (or have it memorized), proof of your address, and any information about your income or employment. A bank representative will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and interest rates, and help you fund the account on the spot.
The in-person route usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can open the account and leave with a debit card the same day at some branches, though others may mail it to you. Ask the representative whether your branch can issue a card when ready or if you will need to wait for it in the mail.
Going in person is useful if you are not comfortable with online forms, if you want to understand the account options before choosing, or if you have questions about how savings accounts work. The representative can also show you how to use First Citizens' mobile app and online banking once your account is open.
Opening an account by phone
You can also call First Citizens to open a savings account. Find the customer service number on the bank's website or on the back of a First Citizens debit card if you have one. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form — your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information — and will guide you through the process step by step.
The phone route works well if you have questions while you are opening the account or if you want someone to explain the different account types. However, you will still need to upload or mail in copies of your ID and proof of address after the call, so the process takes a bit longer than opening online.
After you hang up, First Citizens will send you a link or instructions for uploading your documents. Once the bank verifies them, your account is active and you can fund it by transferring money from another bank account or by depositing cash at a branch.
Funding your new account
Once your account is open, you have several ways to put money in. The easiest is to link a debit card or checking account from another bank and transfer money online — this usually takes one to three business days. You can also deposit cash at any First Citizens branch, and the money is available when ready.
If you opened your account online or by phone, you may not have a debit card yet, so transferring from another account is usually the fastest way to fund it. Once your debit card arrives in the mail, you can use it to withdraw money from First Citizens ATMs or to make purchases.
Some people open a savings account but do not fund it right away. That is fine — your account will stay open and ready to use whenever you are ready to deposit money.
Understanding First Citizens savings account features
First Citizens savings accounts earn interest, which means the bank pays you a small percentage of your balance each month. The interest rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does, so the rate you earn today may be different in a few months. You can check your current rate on the First Citizens website or by calling customer service.
Most First Citizens savings accounts have no monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance — often $100 or $500, depending on the account type. If your balance drops below that, the bank may charge a monthly maintenance fee of $5 to $10. Ask the representative which account has the lowest minimum balance for your situation.
Your money in a First Citizens savings account is protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This means if First Citizens fails, the government guarantees your deposits up to $250,000. For most people, this means your savings are completely safe.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking. First Citizens will also send you a debit card if you requested one — this usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Set up online banking and the First Citizens mobile app as soon as you can. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. You can also set up alerts so the bank texts or emails you if your balance drops below a certain amount or if a large withdrawal happens.
If you have questions after opening your account, call First Citizens customer service or visit a branch. The bank can help you understand your statements, change your account settings, or move money between accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a First Citizens savings account?
First Citizens does not require a deposit to open most savings accounts, though some account types ask for a minimum opening deposit of $100 to $500. You can open the account with $0 and fund it later, but check with the bank about which account type has no opening deposit requirement.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The online form takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. First Citizens usually verifies your identity within a few hours, and your account is active the same day. You can start using it when ready by transferring money from another bank account.
Can I open a savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?
First Citizens requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have one, you will need to contact First Citizens directly to ask about alternatives, as policies vary by location.
What is the difference between a savings account and a money market account at First Citizens?
A money market account usually pays higher interest than a regular savings account, but it requires a larger minimum balance and may limit how many withdrawals you can make each month. A savings account is simpler and has fewer restrictions. Ask a First Citizens representative which one fits your needs.
Will opening a savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Opening a savings account does not affect your credit score because First Citizens does not report it to credit bureaus. Your credit score only changes when you borrow money, like taking out a loan or using a credit card.