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About First Citizens Bank Reviews
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First Citizens Bank provides customers with a variety of banking services, such as free checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards and business banking. It was founded in 1898 in Smithfield, North Carolina, and has since grown to become the largest family-controlled bank in the U.S.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free checking and savings option
- Low overdraft fees
- Over 500 branches
Cons
- Low interest rates
- Some monthly fees on deposit accounts
- Limited service area
Bottom Line
First Citizens Bank is a family-controlled financial institution with over 500 branches and 590 ATMs throughout the U.S. While it offers a free checking and savings option, many of its other accounts have monthly fees and low interest rates.
First Citizens Bank Reviews
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Reviewed Oct. 25, 2021
I have a huge problem with your bank.
#2 Taking debit card too long to arrive in the mail.
#3 Took way too long for a representative to call my spouse who I added to my account.
#4 Couldn't find the information of my employer who banks with FCB so I had to open an account and pay $50.
#5 Me having to express myself this way about a bank that handles my funds.
Reviewed May 9, 2021
I opened a checking account with First Citizens Bank. It lasted two days. When I was unable to login, I found out to my horror that First Citizens Bank closed my account without notifying me. Not only that, they forced me to pay $103.26 to do that. I had to pay for checks I couldn't use, and the funds were not available because the account was closed without my consent. I will never trust this bank again.
Reviewed March 1, 2021
They caught someone trying to charge $7000 and sent me a text. I never used their debit card once. I happened to log in to my account and a charge to a charity in FL as well as a charge to a Flower shop were allowed. Apparently, this happens a lot to this bank. The charity refunded my money first, so First Citizens got off easy there. Their money is insured, which they don't make well known. The police told me about their money being insured. I contacted the FTC, CFPB, police, etc., because no one in fraud seemed to be empathetic or bright.
I finally got the remaining 42.90 refunded for the flower shop fraud at exactly 10 days and received a curt letter stating they the bank had followed procedure and the case was now closed. No one at the bank seems to have the same information concerning different procedures, anyway. If you want friendly, individual service, avoid this bank. I don't think they care about their customer at all. I am really shocked at this whole experience.
Reviewed March 1, 2021
After 4.5 years as a customer, I received a new $15 fee for online banking. The only reason I am a First Citizens customer was for Free Checking. Customer Service said I could go to a branch and have them switch my accounts to a different online banking system with very little difference with no fee. Could they make it more difficult. AVOID THIS BANK. Worst in class technology and branches closed on Saturdays. Convenience is clearly not a consideration for them. They are so bad, I get my SBA loans through other institutions and just use their checking in case I need a local branch. If they want to nickel & dime small businesses, I'll take multiple accounts and tens of thousands of dollars to a new bank. First Citizens is NOT SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2021
I can't get any support over the phone and continue to be sent to a local office to receive help. Once I drive to the local office, I see a sign posted on the door stating the office is closed due to COVID. I then go back through the drive-thru to talk with someone who gives me the name of the branch GM who can't seem to figure out how to help me either. He is very nice and continues to say he is "pushing buttons" and the back office will fix the issue one of these days. Well, the issue doesn't get fixed so I go on-line and am able to create a Bank of America account and all my issues are addressed and solved within 12 days.
I now want to cancel my First Citizens account and am being told I have to be back to the local office to close my account. This is the local office that is CLOSED and is the reason I am canceling the account in the first place. In the meantime, First Citizen continues to charge fees because I have transferred the majority of the money out of the account. HELP!!!!
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2020
First Citizens Bank purchased the bank that I did business with over a year ago. Since that time, they’ve continued to send monthly statements @ $5 each. I call each month asking them to stop. I’ve tried to close the account-they said my signature didn’t match. My balance has gone to zero, and they had the nerve to charge an OVERDRAFT FEE!!! Once they charged the overdraft fee, they closed my account! (Which is fine because I’ve wanted to close it anyway.) But I shouldn’t have to pay $35 for this. THEY dwindled my account down to $0 and have the nerve to charge me!! Customer service is unhelpful. They talk you in circles and in the end, rob you of your money through a $5 monthly statement fee that they make impossible to cancel.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2020
I have been a First Citizens Bank customer for 9 years. I have a savings, a checking and credit card with them. I needed to open an Estate Account for an inheritance. I checked with them to make sure I had all the proper documents. Went to the bank when I received the check and presented my documents. Their legal department balked because the Letter of Authority from the court was not original. Strange because I had the check in hand. Nothing illegal happening here. I went to First Bank of SC with the same documents that same day and opened the Estate Account there in 20 minutes. This is the 2nd time I have been disappointed by FCB's legal department. The other time was for a simple Notarized Signature that they would not do because it was a property sale. Went to the UPS Store and got it. I don't feel like they really want to assist their customers. Apparently, they don't need my business.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020
This is absolutely the worst bank ever! My bank account was compromised and I called several times and even went so far as to file complaints with the BBB (they never responded so the BBB just closes your case). Someone was making large payments on bills from my account and FC called me a liar and said, "Why would someone pay your bills?" Gee, I don't know? I explained over and over to them it wasn't me and now they screwed up my credit so bad it'll take years to recover. The branch in Brookfield is pitiful and the bank manager doesn't call you back, she just goes on vacation and then calls you back 2 weeks later. I never had an issue with Guaranty Bank and they were friendly. I also reported to the CFPB but, they didn't do anything either. I can't believe they allow this bank to exist.
Reviewed May 12, 2020
As a retired Realtor, don't ever go to a bank branch manager for any credit accounts. They are amateurs. I was produced with HUD statement with three errors on it. Most people would have never caught the errors.
Reviewed March 26, 2020
I'm constantly being hit with over draft fee. I always check the available amount I have before using my card but sometimes they don't add a charge til days later I guess. I went over by 85 cents and deposited money into my acct few hrs later. 5 days after that, they hit me with over draft. A few times I was charged over draft and I added up all the charges and one couple occasions I was not over. When I sent a auto draft out and I did not get the money in the bank in time I was charged insignificant funds fee and I understand that. I did not get the money in the acct in time, that was completely my fault. But when I only go over 85 cents and only because it said I had money in my acct and I deposit my check same day to charge me over $30 is ridiculous.
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2020
I've been working with First Citizens since the first week of December, 2019. I submitted everything they requested within 1 business day of request. I got all inspections I Was told to get done. My closing was scheduled for Friday, 1/17. On Monday, 1/14, 4 days before closing, First Citizens requested additional paperwork. I submitted it.
On Tuesday, 1/14, I was told I have to get a well water inspection. I scrambled to find someone who can do it and put a rush on it. He completed it that day at 6pm, and dropped sample at lab at 630am next day. I got results back and uploaded to First Citizens on Friday 1/17. Closing was rescheduled for Wednesday, 1/22. On Tuesday, 1/21, I am told the USDA hasn't returned the Closing Disclosure (CD) and that there is a 3 business day waiting period after I receive it before I can close.
Rarely do the loan officers reply to mine or my realtor's emails. Sometimes we have to email the same question 2-3 times to get a response. They do not return phone calls. My realtor is still waiting on a return call from last week. I went above loan officer's head and called bank to leave voice mail for her manager last week and haven't received a return call. Today I called again, and this time went above her manager's head, and am awaiting a call. I also submitted emails to the loan officer manager via the website today.
They keep dropping the ball, repeatedly, on this. Not communicative. Not responsive. Now that I'm so far into the loan I cannot back out at this point and find another lender, and am stuck at the whim of them getting their act together, and as it stands, my loan closing cannot be rescheduled because they *just* submitted the info! 6 weeks after initial contact! Bewildering! I will not do business with First Citizens again, ever. This is the 4th house I've purchased in my life and I've NEVER dealt with such indolence.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2020
I've been banking with FC for over 20 years. Since I've been banking online I've been hit with numerous fees. I called to complain and out of 5 fees I was reimbursed 3. The other 2 should have been reimbursed but I got 3 back it felt like a small victory. I had one fee reimbursed and 2 days later they hit me again for no reason. I figure it was to get the reimbursed one back. Every time I complain it's always my fault. They also hit me each month with atm fees for using their atms. When I complained the atm fees stopped. This is a very bad bank to bank with. They will hit you with needless fees and there is nothing you can do about it. Bunch of crooks!!!!
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2019
So, First Citizens is literally the worst bank. Normally, if the bank allows a charge to go through and it results in a negative balance you will not be charged an overdraft fee until midnight. Not the case here. This bank will let the charge go through, allow you to straighten out the account before midnight and then charge you TWO overdraft fees 3 days later.
Reference: I had a charge go through on Friday morning at 8am resulting in -$38.00. At 5pm, the account was still -$38.00. I put money in the account and had a positive balance until TUESDAY MORNING when I was charged a $72 overdraft fee. They say it’s because the account isn’t supposed to be allowed to go negative, but shouldn’t the bank refuse the payment if the account isn’t supposed to go negative? This is a horrible bank. The only reason I even opened an account here is because my employer writes my paycheck from a First Citizens account and they charged me $8 PER WEEK for 3 years just to cash a check that was drawn on their bank! This is a sham. Do not ever bank with First Citizens. They will screw you over and then do nothing about it.
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2019
First Citizens Bank purchased the bank that I did business with. The Result: They shut down my Debit Card while I was traveling. Apparently they do not have customers that travel more than 30 days at a time. It’s MY MONEY. But with the purchase I had to follow their rules which required me to get a new debit card. My bank was sold before and I was not required to get a new debit card. I was FORCED to play by their rules to access MY MONEY. ARROGANT! Charges that never appeared on my past statements started to appear. Nickel and dime is how they they expand their revenue stream. GREEDY!
Keep in mind that I never chose to do business with First Citizens Bank. Suddenly they had MY MONEY and dictated that I play by their rules which are immersed in GREED. ARROGANT responses are all that I have received when questioning First Citizens Bank’s methods. MOVE YOUR MONEY NOW! ARROGANT GREEDY JERKS!
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2019
I banked with FC for decades before moving from NC. Because it was no longer convenient to bank with them and the level of service had been declining I changed banks 10+ yrs ago. The following is the 2nd unscrupulous incident I’ve had with them this year. On 9/26/2019 the treasury department on behalf of my federal agency mistakenly sent my travel reimbursement pay via ACH to my closed FC checking account.
FC did NOT send the money back!!! The electronic check should have bounced back immediately!! I called twice. I provided them with my ssn, the electronic check tracing #, and my old FC acct #. I was asked and answered my mother’s maiden name, but apparently I answered wrong when asked if it was a joint acct - I couldn’t recall - it had been over 30 years!! I was then advised they couldn’t assist me - I had to go to a branch - 100 miles away. I requested to speak to the ACH dept and a supervisor - denied!!
On 11/1/2019 a payroll rep from my agency then called and got the runaround, transferred to several people, was put on hold for over 30 minutes combined, and after 1.5 hours was told that the treasury dept. needed to call them. The rep explained treasury was making the payment on our agency's behalf. She was then told that I needed to call and when she responded that she was calling because I’d gotten a verification question wrong, FC claimed they’d look into where the money went and get back with her or me. This bank is totally desperate, unethical, predatory and insanely bold - they’re actually holding onto money sent by the US dept of treasury on behalf of a legislative branch agency to a nonexistent account. WOW.
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2019
Do not use this bank. They will try to get money from you. We paid our water bill last week and it just now came out of my account today, ending with an overdraft fee. We will be getting that money back, even if I have to fight it in court. This wouldnt be the first time they have done this.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2019
This bank makes their money on fees for things you would expect to be part of the package having a checking account. For instance, an online transfer to a previously recorded bank generates a $3.95 fee. Calling them up to dispute the charge results in customer disrespect and of course they will not remove their unfair fees since they obviously make money on cheating their customers. I will never ever do business with them again.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2019
IF there was a choice for NO stars, that would be it. My mother had been a customer for years. We recently moved, and although we changed her address on line, unbeknownst to us, First Citizen's continued to mail her bills to the old address. So, she never received a bill and did not know she had a balance. Then one day, she received a call from a very rude individual absolutely berating her about non-payment.
My mother is 84. She asked to get me on the phone to discuss as I handle all of her financials, but the collection person would not even consider it. Told my mother she could not talk with me. Now mind you, the contact phone number on the account is mine. Did they ever try to call me? NO! I called to file a complaint and a "manager" was to have called me within 2 business days. It has been a week. Don't EVER bank with First Citizens. Disrespectful, deceitful and can't even change an address. None of this was my mother's fault yet they made her out to be a criminal. How dare you First Citizens harass an 84 year old! HORRIBLE!!!
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2019
When I first opened the account it was set up wrong. I had to go to another branch who closed that account and opened up a new one. The first account opened the agent asked me questions and that I bet have never heard a banker asked. There was no eye contact throughout the M process. Because the amount of money I was depositing it seemed as though she was insinuating that it was drug money. When I went into the next branch a week later is when I found out that she had set the account up wrong. Because of my experience and several customer service calls that week they decided to give me free checks. That was in August. I guess they are on backorder.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2019
I have had this business account for 11 years. Every since that merger occurred with BestBank they have been inconsistent and really don't know their products. The different branches which are very scattered here in Georgia have different policies per branch as it pertains to deposits. I was told by the customer service center it's up to the branch when it comes to holds. Now I have an established history when it comes to this account and the type of deposits that are made but they will sometimes make deposits available immediately and sometimes just decide to do a 2-7 day hold depending on what the teller thinks. In addition, the phone reps never have thorough knowledge of the products they are discussing and somehow the security questions when calling in keep increasing and changing and don't match with what was on file the previous times I've called in... Very inconsistent and I'm closing the account because of it.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2019
This is the absolute worst bank/branch that I have ever dealt with. RUN from this bank. This branch and the First Citizens Bank allowed a third party company (Paysafe- California) to steal money out of my business account, even AFTER I complained to them at least 10 times. I advised them not to let this third party debit my account. I called their fraud department on July 12 and spoke to them for 45 minutes. I went to the branch in person on July 13th, and I spoke to the branch manager. They did not care and the third party continued debiting my account even several weeks after July 13. The bank staff lied about me and said that I threatened to harm them when I never did, period.
When I complained again about them allowing Paysafe to steal money out of my bus acct they made me close out my account after being there almost 20 years. I went to the bank and asked for a redemption of all of my business account money. The bank refused, and instead called the police on me, filed a criminal trespass on me, refused to just give me my money after I asked for it several times, and actually handed all of my money to a Gwinnett County Policemen, and let him walk out of the bank with all of my money IN CASH. Did I mention that I am a minister, pastoral counselor, and ex officer myself? Do not do business with this awful branch.
Reviewed July 22, 2019
Wouldn't choose another bank, great rate and customer service! Compared a variety of banks and some were close but First Citizens offered to match or lower the rate if I could find one less than what they offered. All of my banking is now with First Citizens.
Reviewed July 18, 2019
I am a disabled woman. My husband and I have been banking with First Citizens Bank for a year now. I have received excellent service up until three days ago. An ATM took 200.00 of my money. I reported this to the bank and was lied to and given the run around about my money being returned to me. They are now saying it will take 10 days for it to be returned. I am giving this review because other people need to know about this bank's dishonesty!
Reviewed June 14, 2019
I was a previous Guaranty bank customer of many years and never had one issue with Guaranty. It is almost a year and my debit card has still not arrived. I called explaining that I could not go to a branch as none were now near me since this bank took over and that I am disabled, and so forth, so I just want them to complete the transaction over the phone. I was transferred after a 33 minute with an inept front line CSR who repeatedly (at leas 10 times) called me "Mrs. Ms." - not Ms. after I corrected her the first time.
After the 33 minutes with the deficient CSR that could not remember it was Ms not Mrs. I was then transferred to a person that identified herself as Miesha and stated was a supervisor. When she could not complete this simple request of generating a debit card she became quite rude, cold, and near hostile. She interjected that the call was being recorded and I replied that I also was recording. A person that was not good for anything she became paranoid and stated she was hanging up. She did. Miesha, the grand supervisor of the garbage bank, a marriage of a good fit. Their employees are bottom of the barrel, stay away from this disgusting bank. It is not a normal bank, run.
Reviewed April 23, 2019
I have owned many businesses and dealt with many banks but I must say First Citizens is the worst ever. Their online Customer No Service is amazing how bad it is. You would almost think you have to train to be that bad. Their Customer No Service in the branches are just as bad. Long waits, not enough staff, rude and they don't care about you at all. I don't say these things lightly but you have been warned. If you are looking for a new bank don't bother with First Citizens and go where they appreciate your business.
Reviewed March 30, 2019
These people cannot be trusted. They tell you one thing and then act as if they never said it. I had a loan with a balloon payment which they said would be renewed. Exorbitant closing costs were charged, when confronted about this they promised when loan is renewed in 5 yrs the costs would be much lower and would make up for these high initial closing costs. Well guess what? After paying all 60 payments on time not one payment late, we also had a stellar credit rating. It came time for this loan to be renewed and they would not renew in order to avoid charging me less closing costs which they had promised. Had to pay this loan off. You can do business with this bank if you want to but you will regret it.
Reviewed March 15, 2019
We applied online and they took our deposit but 8 days later they still haven't opened the account. Now they're telling us it'll be 5 more business days until the money will be refunded. Unacceptable!!
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2019
If I could leave 0 stars for this bank I would. Looks like someone else had a similar experience. Years ago I had a business account with this branch for my car dealership for all of 6 months before I had to switch to a different bank. I had an account with BB&T previously and felt lost in the shuffle of a big bank. First Citizens was closer to my business and I felt I would be better served at a local community bank but I was wrong.
We specialize in vehicles under $2500 and do maybe 60% of our annual business at tax time (Feb-April). After 6 months with the bank, we went into tax season and our weekly deposits increased during that time. The female business account manager at this bank all but accused me of criminal activity. I had been in the car business at that point for 10 years and never had anyone act that way. I AM FROM A SMALL TOWN AND WANTED A COMMUNITY BANK FOR THE PERSONAL FEEL. I will forever remember that feeling and that female manager. She came across as cold and non-personable (as far as I could see with myself and other customers, it was directed towards men) and looked past that until she called me to "discuss" my account. I promptly drove to the bank, asked for her specifically and told her that I would be closing my account due to her actions.
I kept my opinion about it to myself until today. Bank policies have turned local bank branches into anything but what banks used to be, which were anchors for the community. This is the only bank in the small town of Hollywood. I have a rental property that had an emergency and needed the septic tank pumped. When I went to pay the bill, the driver did not have change for a $100 bill so I went to the bank. Upon going inside to see 2 tellers, 1 customer and an empty bank otherwise, I was told they could not break the $100 because I was not a customer. I left, drove to the local gas station and without purchasing anything, they changed out the bill for me.
At that point, I was so disgusted that I felt that I should go back and address it with the manager. Again upon entering there were 2 tellers, 1 customer and an empty bank otherwise. I asked for the manager and explained the situation about a need for change to address this emergency I had to pay for at the rental property. I said I could understand that people may try to pass counterfeit bills but banks have machines to detect those bills. Maybe it was a matter of time for their employees because they were too busy and I could understand but that wasn't the case. The manager simply said that because I am not a customer their policy is not to exchange bills. A simple exception would have made all the difference.
So let me put it like this... THE LOCAL GAS STATION CREATES MORE OF A LOCAL COMMUNITY FEEL THAN YOUR BANK BRANCH. I could have gone to any business in the town of Hollywood and they would have given me the change. Your instinct is to go to a bank. As I see it there would be an opportunity to gain a new customer or at least a friend in the community that would refer people to your friendly bank branch or in this case to repair a previously damaged banking relationship caused by your man hating female employee. I wasn't asking to do some that raised concern like exchanging $5000 in small bills for $100 bills, I was asking to break a $100 bill for 2 $50s. Your bank could have made an exception. You could have scanned the bill or took my ID, or even a fingerprint, but you didn't do that.
Bravo First Citizens Bank! You once again showed me that your bank is anything but what it is... A money grubbing corporate machine only concerned about your policies and your bottom line. The community and the people in it are what makes your bank successful and you have obviously forgotten that somehow. You were never going to have my business again after the first experience. However you could have changed my opinion. Now in our small town, I will be happy to share my experience with anyone that will listen or asks for a bank referral or car loan. STAY AWAY.
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2019
Before First Citizens bought out Guaranty Bank, I was a satisfied customer of almost 20 years. Since First Citizens took over I am getting bombarded with overdraft fees. One thing they do is they take out the debt first then they put in your deposit, regardless if you deposit cash before the end of the day when the pending debts come out. Today, I can see that I was in the positive but customer service is insisting my balance was negative $1.50. From what I see online it was still positive until the overdraft fee. I cannot close this account fast enough.
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2019
Overdraft fees! When opening an account you have options and they go over certain things with you. As such is overdraft protection in which I've declined. After reviewing my online account I was charged (Two) times of $36 each in fees on top of the (Company's) auto pay amount which should have declined the auto pay. Instead FCB picks and chooses which items to declined and to accept an overdraft for then charges me this fee. So how can they charge me for something I've declined but still allow to process through to my account when I don't have the funds in there? Scam...
Tomorrow I'm closing my account and going back to a REAL BANK! People please DON'T USE FIRST CITIZENS BANK for anything!!! We work hard for our money. We pay our bills as we can when we can, stop letting banks like this keep taking our money! Every time I go into the bank I cash some of my check and deposit the rest and they never mention once about the account being overdrawn. This is just robbery and the tellers allow it to happen. Someone needs to stand up to them! We all need to stand up for our money!
First Citizens Bank Company Information
- Company Name:
- First Citizens Bank
- Website:
- www.firstcitizens.com
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