
First Citizens Bank Reviews
Albermarle, NC
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About First Citizens Bank
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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.
- Free checking and savings option
- Low overdraft fees
- Over 500 branches
- Low interest rates
- Some monthly fees on deposit accounts
- Limited service area
First Citizens Bank Reviews
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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!
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2019
Aggravating and inconvenienced - I was at the drive up teller and instructed to come inside to cash my check. The check was written from their establishment. Once I entered I asked why I had to come to cash the check. She said it is a convenience for their account holders and non-account holders had to come inside.
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2018
I made my first payment over the phone and I paid extra and wanted the extra to be applied to the principle and I stated this three times because I wanted to make sure that they were doing that and I call today to make my second payment and they state they cannot apply it to the principle over the phone and I am very upset and wish my loan was not through them.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2018
Do yourself a favor please. Please do not bank here. I have worked for JP Morgan Chase and never in my life have I had overdraft fees, I am 34 years old. In the last 6 months I have paid $700 in fees. If I pay my bills through the account it takes 10 days! For it to go through. I honestly believe that this bank has some algorithm issues because I will have funds in my account and as soon I'm close to very little funds EVERYTHING magically gets processed. Let me say this again, it take 10 days for transactions to clear. Also if I make two transactions for instance one at 10:00 am for $30 and one at 11:00 am for $10 (and I have funds in my account) the later transaction will go through immediately but the first transaction goes through 10 days later.
I call and ask questions because I am wondering why this is happening. I was a banker, am a finance advisor and it seems like I can't manage my money. That's not the case. One customer service rep said that each transaction has an expiration date and after that date THEN will the transaction be deducted. Then another rep said rudely to keep a register. Um we are in almost 2019. I'm a millennial. Everything is done through electronics in this time. I can't bank with Chase because I live in NC. Let me also comment that this bank is NOT ACCREDITED!!! I wonder why?! They have their own rules. Obviously they have free accounts but at what cost to the customer? Don't trust them with your money.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2018
Please never bank here. They stole 600 dollars from me in the course of a year. Closed my account without telling me. Gave me mysterious charges after the account was closed. They don't communicate well at all. The tellers act like they can't pull information up even though I was told on the phone they could. And to top it off they make and act like it is the customer's fault. I wish I could sue. 0 stars if I could. Also important to note I've been with this bank since I was 11.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2018
I am a First Citizens client since 2016. I came to deposit 2 checks and I was with my 4 year old who was running around. The branch manager told me, "You need to fill out forms" and I said I have a child with me and never completed one. She was extremely rude, and after I complained of her lack of customer service skills she completed them for me. I will change the account with another bank. I felt like I was in the ghetto and not in a bank. Lindsay ** should be fired. Thank you.
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2018
So for the past two years, I've been seeing trumped ATM fees, 3, 4 & 5 times. But this ATM fee isn't from the ATM machine. It's been charged by First Citizens Bank. I firmly believe this problem is grounds for a class action lawsuit.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2018
Before FCB took over at Guaranty bank I did a change of address, once again when it switched and my debit card along with pin number was sent to old address. Job sent direct deposit after closed account. FCB Did Not redirect funds back to my employment, instead they tell me they would send a check to only send it to old address again. I called several times, went into a branch to be told I have to wait for 3 months to get my funds. I worked hard for or for old address to return mail. They also refuse to cancel check. If I could rate this bank it will be 0!
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2018
My wife and myself both had accounts plus a joint account with G Bank. Then FCB took over. Several of the local banking locations closed making banking harder but still bearable. Then they sent out new debit cards or so they said. Of the 3 accounts we only received one debit card and for that one the pin never came as promised. Activated the new card and for 2 weeks it was refused for every transaction. Getting online access to the account with their new code refused to work several times until I finally got lucky I guess and I could finally match a new pin to the card.
Twice I called customer service and in total wasted over an hour and a half (wait times over 25 min) and all I got was a run around and NO help at all. For my wife to get her debit card she never received they want her to waste more time on the phone before they will mail it to her. We'll be transferring all accounts to the credit union as FCB has had their 3 strikes. They currently advertising on the radio about their customer service but in my experience it only services them and is the worst I have ever encountered.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2018
First Citizens took over the bank I have used for many years. During this time they never sent me nor my fiance our debit cards or account info on time which locked us from accessing our money. Then they screwed up nearly all auto deductions causing late fees. Then they reject withdrawals. I went to talk to the very rude tellers there and they denied everything. Then they wanted to charge me $7 to get a print of my transaction history. This place should be shut down. Do not use this bank.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2018
I was a recipient of a First Citizens gift card. I attempted to inquire the balance on the card and the website stated that the card was inactive. I do not believe that the card was ever used and it was within the expiration date. I attempted to call their Customer Service department and was totally unable to get access to the information on the account. I was asked the original purchaser. I was unsure of the purchaser. I was also asked the original balance. I did not have that information either. I am totally frustrated with their procedures to access the transactions on this account.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018
First Citizens bought out my bank’s loans from FDIC for pennies on the dollar in 2009 when banks were crumbling. Profiting millions. My loan was a construction loan that was complete but not converted to conventional loan yet. First Citizens refused to refinance the loan and would only keep it as a home equity loan that was closed to draw upon. Since it was a “home equity” loan in their status, it allowed them to apply balloon payment demands once the term hit. During this recession no banks were doing jumbo refinancing so First Citizens tried to steal my house from me because of the equity it had. This bank only wants your deposits and to use and suck the life out of anyone they can get. Since they’re based out of NC, no one in any branch has a clue what is going on or how to do anything. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS BANK!
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2018
I just opened my account & I'm already having issues. Money is there & then suddenly it's gone. I filed a dispute & nothing so far. Meanwhile the place that took my money is still charging the membership fee. Supposed to be once a month and they have taken it out twice this month. Don't hear anything from bank.
Reviewed July 13, 2018
Attempted to get an online account for two years. It has worked about 2 week off and on for that. It is difficult to reach a human being thru the robots. Service online is confusing with the speaker giving out unseen entry points on the computer. Seemingly uncaring and possessing questionable intellect. It is truly a hardship and indicative of 21st Century Technology. Banking credits/debits so far have been excellent. They just seem to have no customer service that is viable.
Reviewed June 30, 2018
I reached out to First Citizens customer service due to a charge on my account of $** when it should have been $**! I spoke with Janet and she informed me that there was nothing she could do and that I would need the merchant that made the error to call in and resolve the issue. I am appalled that this is supposed to be MY bank and they should resolve issues concerning MY money for me, not allowing a third party to take the responsibility of making a phone call. This payment could have been easily voided or stopped and I would have access to my funds but neither Janet or her supervisor Avery were willing to do anything other than tell me to have the merchant call back on Monday.
What if I need my money now, an emergency situation or I could be leaving to go on vacation, and I have no access to my funds? Thankfully this is not the case, but it could easily have been. First Citizens doesn't care about their customers and their policies are not designed in a way that is helpful to their customers. Please avoid going through what I have had to go through and don't open an unsecure account with this bank. It's not worth the headache!
Reviewed June 4, 2018
I called on April 16, requested my accounts closed. The agent told me exactly what I needed to do. I followed the instructions and sent memo. They received my letter, but decided my signature wasn't good enough and wanted a notarized signature. I don't have a problem with this, except they failed to inform me and locked my accounts. It's now June 4, and I still can't get into my accounts, because they have a certain form they want notarized now. They refused to give me access to any of my money in my accounts. They keep charging me fees every month as they take money out of my account, but locks me out! I hate this bank!!
Reviewed May 10, 2018
I have been a member with First Citizens Bank since 2006, when I was in high school. I got my first auto loan through them, co-signing with a parent since I had no credit history. Even with a co-signer, the interest was 14% for an auto loan. I went to college and used the account often, having both a debit and credit card. Throughout college and after, I had a couple high-interest personal loans that I paid off. I also had another auto loan through them, around 10% interest that I got by myself. I maxed out my credit card during college, but paid it off once I graduated. I have EXCELLENT pay history, never delinquent on payments. I paid all personal loans off, all car loans off early, and brought my credit card back to $0.00 balance.
Since then, I have applied for a small personal loan, as well as a credit line increase. I tried this multiple times over the course of two years, getting denied every time. Their reason for denying me has always been debt/income ratio. I can't help that I have student loans from college. First Citizens completely ignores my payoff history, as well as my promptness in payments every month. I have great credit as well, which apparently does not matter to them. I have already deactivated my debit and credit card with them and will close both my checking and savings account as well. I am disappointed that my history with them means nothing, when applying for new loans or small credit increases. I am taking my business to SECU.
Reviewed April 6, 2018
I have had a checking account with First Citizens Bank since 1991. Today I was told by the local branch supervisor that because they had reversed an overdraft fee for me 14 months ago, that they would not be overturning anymore ever. See, I actually did cause myself to overdraft and asked if they could overturn the fee. Last year when they overturned it, the customer service person informed me that they normally could do one per calendar year. So when I initially called yesterday, I had to leave a message with someone in the bank because the supervisor was busy. She never returned my call.
Flash forward to today when I had to call back again, I finally spoke with her when she gave me that information in a not so matter of fact manner. I've paid fees, overdrafts, and everything else over the course of 27 years and you guys won't overturn one simple 36 dollar fee because you overturned one for me fourteen months ago? I informed her that I would be taking my checking account elsewhere, and there wasn't even an attempt made to try to keep me as business. I'm looking forward to going to PNC bank on Monday! Good riddance!
Reviewed March 12, 2018
They cheated. You call and tell them there a mistake and they tell you, "No that your correct balance" and you repeatedly ask if they're sure and they say yes. Three weeks later they take 5000 and place it on hold and said, "Oh we didn't do the transaction right" and now they tell you, "Sorry but we're taking this money."
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2018
For the second time in 3 yrs I’ve caught First Citizens Bank STEALING money from my account for absolutely no reason. And the kicker is... they are still KEEPING half of it. They don’t even know what a Calculated Service Charge Type 37 is. They even alluded that it was partially MY fault. And yes I should have caught it sooner, but I had TRUST that the bank wouldn’t just take money out of my account for no reason. They ADMITTED they made a “MISTAKE”, which they didn’t have an explanation for, yet their “POLICY” says they could only refund less than half of what they STOLE. The legal term for this is called EMBEZZLING! How can a bank take money for an account and keep half of it and say this is JUSTIFIED? How is this right? It didn’t cause the bank a loss of money to take from an account. So why First Citizens?
I have had an account with First Citizens since 1991 and it has absolutely sickened me that the bank that I have loved has chosen to risk losing my account for money that they TOOK and have the arrogance to KEEP it. Even the bank manager who I spoke with about this defended this business practice. Saying that it was policy not to fully refund money that they blatantly took. But, could not explain why this POLICY was in place. Just their POLICY. In closing, I will be TERMINATING my 26 year relationship with First Citizens Bank. It is obvious that they don’t care about personal accounts and doing what is RIGHT for their loyal customers. From their actions it looks like they’ve gone from being a family bank to falling right in line with all the others in CHEATING their customers. SHAME ON YOU FIRST CITIZENS!
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2017
I've been banking with FCB for at least 2 years, and my family has been with them 40+ years. I've never had a problem with them until the last couple of days I end getting a call from the branch manager here in Crewe, Virginia - stating that my account had been hacked and my money and info had been jeopardized. I was told that it was never my fault, but that I should use "harder passwords". A lady from NC was using my info, putting money in, and taking money out of my account. A check was deposited in my account (which I knew nothing about and had been Christmas shopping the previous day) and that it was a fraud check. Immediately I was scared and needed answers immediately so we sat down for a meeting and she ended up calling another lady from another branch for more info and help. She was very rude to me and kept pushing her issue that I had given my account number out on a check.
I NEVER in my life have used checks let alone even know what my account number is. Whoever the person was got my password from that mobile banking app in which I hate so much! So why exactly was this my fault I asked? Well, leave it to the lady. My passwords were too easy and that somewhere down the line I had given my account # and router # out. Eventually, she said that she'd investigate but I never gave her enough information whereas she could know more, and that I was hindering information. The end of the conversation was complete BS because I'll end up having to pay back the money that I spent (that I was NOT notified about being in my account). Lesson learned, and I will be banking elsewhere!
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2017
I have been with First Citizens for over 30 years and never have I been so frustrated!!! I feel as though someone else is duplicating my charges! I keep up with my daily balance on my app thinking that would help me stay on top of my balance. Went to bed with over $600 in my account to wake up to $300!!! Went to the banks and they showed me a statement of what was taken out and they were charges that were already taking out (pending) but they said after pending it goes back into your account for a day or three and is taken back out. How do I know I'm not getting doubled charged? Their answer is to keep a ledger. I have never been so confused, frustrated and taken advantage of in my whole life! Leaving First Citizens!!
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2017
First of all, what kind of bank shows the deductions before they show your deposit? Example, I get paid on the 1st, the deposit is there on the morning of the first. That afternoon I make three purchases with my debit card. When I look at my account online, I actually had the purchases taken out first, which put my account in the negative, and then they put in my direct deposit. What sense does that make?? And then even if I had a positive balance before the deposit, once they finish putting in all the pending things and/or purchases, I'm in the negative! I called one time and the girl kept trying to explain it to me, and would then have to put me on hold, because she didn't have answers to my questions. After her putting me on hold a few times I was conveniently disconnected.
This is the worst bank I have ever dealt with. Because of their stupid way of keeping account of my funds, I had more bounced checks and fees with them than I've had in my WHOLE LIFE. I only had an account with them maybe 7 or 8 months. The final straw was when I went and took out the majority of my funds when it was deposited into my account from direct deposit (to put in my other bank account because I no longer trusted them with my money and had planned to have my direct deposit switched), and when I got the text with my balance the next day my account was, again, in the negative. I closed my account the same day. See photo attached.
Before the deposit was made there were some pending transactions, but the balance was positive. They somehow managed to finalize the pending transactions, but still I ended up in the negative. Again, how do they do their accounting??? When I found these reviews I realized I was not alone. I wish I had done some research before I opened my account. They offered people at my job discounts if we opened an account with them. The biggest mistake of my life! Horrible! Horrible! Horrible! Please don't put your money in this bank. You'll regret it. Signed, At least $180.00 lost.
Reviewed Sept. 3, 2017
Years ago my father's account # was stolen off of a check somewhere locally and checks were printed with his account # and NAPA's name & Logo as the account holder (didn't match). My father had a CP who checked the transactions against the bank statement monthly. Because the account was checked 30 days after the fraudulent charge, I noticed when I got the copies of the canceled checks and not only did First Citizens refuse to give him the money back, they closed his account and refused to service him. They reserve the right to close any account at any time. My dad had only $90,000 in that account at that time. I still kept my account there.
Now since the merger/online changes, I am charged $36 to $200 a week in overdraft charges. I received $650 this week in child support alone. I made $1300+ last week and right now I am -$40 in my account. I've paid $600 for my car to be fixed, and $250 for my ATT bill. And the rest were $5.00 to $30 charges. I always check my account online to see what's pending before I spend any money.
They reorder all of my charges to the point that they don't know what was spent when. I had my card stolen and someone spent $233 at my local Walmart. I knew it wasn't me but because of the reordering, it appeared that I used my card at McDonald's (where it was stolen by the lady at the drive thru and used a couple hours later) after the Walmart charge at 8:00 am that morning. Anyone who knows me knows I was NOT anywhere at 8:00 am. I am so sick of this bank and the money they have essentially stolen from me and my family. I am leaving and filing a class action lawsuit. Local customer service is great. It's the policies and higher up practices that are the issue.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2017
I recently had some really amazing customer service at my local branch. After having all of my personal information stolen out of my vehicle, they were very helpful in helping me take precaution when closing an account and opening a new one even though I did not have the typical forms of ID due to it all being stolen. However, almost 3 weeks later I noticed that I had funds that were attempted to come out of that account when I was told the account would be closed. This led to me needing to make several calls to customer service. Come to find out there is a service fee if you make more than 4 phone calls to speak to a rep. I never would have needed to make these calls if my account would have been handled properly and been closed when I requested it.
Most of the customer service reps were very nice and extremely helpful. However, the most recent rep that I spoke with REALLY had an attitude problem. In my situation, I have been a victim of crime and have needed a lot of help and support from my banks and accounts all around. She really made me feel unimportant and like I was in the wrong and that my problem didn't matter. I have never been so annoyed with First Citizens bank. Just yesterday, I was bragging about my bank. Especially after a lady called me from First Citizens bank in Lexington to tell me that someone was in the drive thru teller trying to act as if they were me. She reported to the police and did not give the person my ID or my card back. This circumstance today is what made me want to write this review. Yesterday I would have given 5 stars, today is much different.
Reviewed July 28, 2017
I was double charged by Walmart Online Groceries almost $600. This and it incurred 3 OD charges! Customer service for my bank had to 3way call with Walmart online to verify that the charge was inaccurate. They argued when the Walmart associate said the initial charge is an 'authorization charge' and would fall off and customer service said "no, the money has been removed from her account". Customer service took off the charge and refunded 1 OD (they are only allowed to refund one) so I was referred to my local branch to get the other 2 OD refunded. Thursday AM I called every single branch in Clayton, Smithfield, Zebulon & left messages for management & got not 1 return call.
Today, I got in touch with a very nice lady at the Smithfield Branch. She was very helpful and understanding. She referred me to her manager after speaking to him. His name was Kevin. Kevin said he was not going to refund the two OD fees of $36 each totaling $72 I incurred through NO fault of my own but rather by being double charged a large sum by a company mistakenly. Kevin explain that it was not "bank error" and I explained it was not "the error of his longtime client". Essentially First Citizens is taking the opportunity to MAKE MONEY off a bad thing that happened to one of their clients! What kind of bank that advertises this 'helpful' 'you’re safe' attitude but takes every opportunity to take your money.
We are a family of 7 and a lot of money goes through the bank and we are seriously thinking we need to take our money elsewhere... and our groceries for that matter. So Walmart Online Groceries stinks because you get charged twice and you better have enough money to cover multiple charges! I hope "Kevin" and the CEO's enjoy my $72 in their bonus that could be going to my kids! All the money that bank takes from us over the years we could have bought our little’s a playset outside already! It is shameful that our bank is blatantly using this opportunity to screw their long term clients over. Wal-Mart gave me an 'oh well' and my bank flew in like a vulture. Perhaps spending a little extra at Harris Teeter would be worth it!
Reviewed June 27, 2017
I called First Citizens and told them that I had a discrepancy on my account and wanted to cancel my credit debit card. Then after 10 days I call back to find out why I have not received a new one. They told me that I did not ask for a new card even though they got my new PIN number. Then after the 10 days I go back to my bank in person and talk to one of the Reps and they tell me they will order me a card and since I'm so close to the main office it should only take 3 to 5 days. That was on the 20th of June. 9 days later I called back and they tell me it was just mailed out yesterday so for seven days they sit idle. This is a bunch of crap. I will do my business somewhere else.
Reviewed June 20, 2017
I did my mortgage through First Citizens because they had the best rate at the time. This was a big mistake. It began well, I was able to sign on and view my mortgage online and set up auto-payments. Shortly after, however, First Citizens did away with their mortgage website with NO REASON WHY. They claim that they may bring it back but it has been over a year. Only one reason for a business to hide the details of your account... Looking to refinance with another company shortly.
Reviewed May 23, 2017
I loved First Citizens before they upgraded to the Digital Banking. It's the worst thing ever. It never shows the proper amount and then you never know which amount shown you should actually go by. To top it off one time I had a double charge by accident. It was pending and eventually fell off my account but I still got an overdraft charge for a pending transaction. I had to call several times and eventually got a refund.
Reviewed May 14, 2017
If you read all of the reviews of this bank, I believe they can be summed up in just one word: INCOMPETENCE. No need to bore anyone with the details of my experience... and that means that I will leave out the part about the smug attitude of one of the local Naples, Florida tellers... just my opinion anyway.
Reviewed April 18, 2017
Overdraft fees are nothing new to our generation. Including switching purchases around to collect more fees. Today I was informed that a cash deposit was held for 2 days because I had an overdraft fee in the last 6 months. The bank also has a hold on a transfer from another bank. Ironically, they're assessing overdraft fees and holding my deposits back. If this isn't an illegal practice, it should be.
Reviewed April 7, 2017
I read many of your posts as we are with First Citizens Bank (Bethlehem Office) Hickory, NC area. We have a Business account, Personal account, Savings account, and even (2) different Lines of Credit, plus checking overdraft account. We have been with them approx. 7 years now... But today, NONE of your branch managers get to know you or your local business or dealings like they used to do and NONE of them are allowed or capable of making any common sense decisions. Everything is "one size fits all" and they only send requests off to corporate out of State to get answers and decisions from people who do not even know of you locally...
But the other day I receive letter from FCB saying I had a Line set to mature in May and stop in any office to get it renewed. I never received such letter before. All my Lines have always been used responsibly, always making higher monthly payments than required, and FCB has made lots of interest off of us having these and they have always been renewed automatically before.
Well, after I went to Viewmont Office, I was only asked couple questions about what I expected to earn and what my mortgage payment was and loan balance left there- that's all... I assumed since I am well known in my region as a reputable small business owner, regular banking with literally daily deposits going into business/personal accounts etc and even have bank people as my customers, the Line would still continue as it always had. The next day I receive call from some young guy saying "They decided not to renew your Line". "What" I said! Why? All he would say is "They decided to take your existing balance open on Line, change that to a 36 month fixed loan at 2.5% higher interest rate." As if I should be happy hearing this! I was not!
That particular Line was my damn Business LOC and now FCB effectively has canceled that Line I use, and now charging me higher rate (to pay off existing balance open) and effectively have attacked my business operation here doing so. I have NEVER had problems with any account, even have other credit union account with Federal CU, and now FCB does this to me? Makes no sense. I have great credit, many local supplier credit/charge accounts established to all in good standing. But FCB don't seem to care it seems. I built a consistent reliable business over 13 years ago here from nothing, making 6 figures annually now today and they close my Business Line down!!! So much for supporting your local businessman.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2017
After 15 years with FC I am leaving. The online services upgrade debacle is the last straw. The true insult is that they don't do anything about it. Not even an, "Oops". The President and VP's need to be FIRED. If they can't do online in 2017 then it's over. The OL services have been hosed since the upgrade last year, October... LAST OCTOBER! The response, or lack of, is inexcusable, but they just plod on. They lost some of my pay-to accounts, my scheduled payments went dark - got some late fees for that. Thanks a lot FC.
The latest pain is that their new OL can't seem to connect to Duke Energy to set up auto-pay. I've tried for several months, waiting for them to correct. But, Hey. It's just Duke Energy, no one needs that, right? It really is a horrible system now. VP of IT... FIRE HIM. Truly unbelievable that a bank could perform this poorly in 2017. It really is a struggle to find words to express my disappointment and incredulity.
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2017
I opened up a checking account online. It did not require a minimum balance, and that was the reason I opened the account. Later, I added my wife to the account and we started getting charged $35 overdraft fees. It happened numerous times. So many times we were unable to make the mortgage payment because my wife lost her whole paycheck. The bank paid checks that did not clear, but charged us the $35 fee plus the amount the check was for. Which in turn kept the account in a negative balance.
Plus whenever we deposited a check using the ATM it took 2 days to post to our account. I will never use or recommend First Citizens Bank again. They do not put the customer and his/her needs first, and the customer service is terrible. They don't care about the customer, but only about making money off him/her by charging fees. I was even charged a fee for calling the 24 hr automated phone line to check my account balance. Bank of America would at least work with us, and give us a grace period of 24 hrs to make a deposit to cover checks they paid due to insufficient fund. However, they do not offer the account with no minimum balance anymore. Both my wife and I work hard and try to make a living so we can provide for our 7 year old son and pay our bills on time. We can't afford to be charged all kinds of service fees by a bank. So, we will be doing our banking elsewhere now where the customer comes first.
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2017
I banked with First Citizens for over 15 years since I moved to North Carolina, now I am closing all my accounts. The system "upgrade" is a joke, and in my opinion a way to generate fees. My husbands pension check has always been available by the last day of the month or even a day before if the last day of the month fell on a weekend. Now the pension payment is "pending" but I cannot transfer any money between accounts for FIVE DAYS. The pension payment is done electronically, so they have the funds. All of the bills I scheduled to have paid in the first few days of the following month show as being overdrawn.
Although they do not charge od fees for these, it is all very confusing. So many payments are "pending". There is no way to know what your balance is so the chance of being overdrawn is very high if you are not careful. For example under the old system if I went to the food store the charge would show up immediately as "pending" and settle the following day. Now when I go to the food store, I do not see the charge for a day or two and it is pending for another two or three more. I AM CLOSING ALL MY ACCOUNTS. THIS IS THE WORST BANK EVER.
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2016
First Citizens Bank shut down their mobile banking for an upgrade. Although inconvenient, there was adequate notice of this. The system did not work on the promised date with no notification to clients by email. Long holds and no specific information. The last straw was the corruption of the First Citizens Bank link with Quickbooks which I have used without difficulty for 15 years... Again, no admission of the problem. Long holds on the phone and a promise that it would be fixed ONE WEEK LATER. (Oct 31, 2016). It's November 5, 2016 and I'm still waiting. I can't reconcile accounts. I am the sole owner of a small business and this is crippling and so time consuming. I give you one more day, then I walk. I'm sure I can save money, but as a decades long customer, wanted to keep going.
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2016
I answered an ad on Ziprecruiter.com for a home based job, didn't realize it was a scam! This started on Sept 28th, 2016 now it is November 4th, 2016 and my problem has not been completely settled. Bottom line is that I will NEVER use First Citizens Bank ever again, nor will I refer anyone to use their services! My account still has not been completely fixed. With the bank being down for the week, I could not do any kind of business, then my Bill Payees were all ERASED? I have been treated like I was in cahoots with the scammer! SHAME on you! Plus make note the bank is NOT accredited! I will be moving my funds on Monday to Bank of America!
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2016
This bank is garbage. Before the website update I was able to transfer money between my other financial institutions and First Citizens free. Now I cannot transfer money in unless I use my out-of-state bank which doesn't have the option of adding external accounts from other institutions which is why I chose First Citizens in the first place a few months ago since I moved out of state. My old bank is a local hometown bank which I use to take care of my finances in that state and doesn't have a lot of options but they do allow you to connect to their bank to transfer money out if needed. However First Citizens has stopped that service and now I am forced to fly back to New York to close that account, and call over a dozen businesses to notify them they will now be getting paid from a new, out-of-state bank and we must set up new automatic payments, which should be an unnecessary headache.
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2016
I was a customer of thirty years until the bank attempted to upgrade its online system but failed horribly and ignobly. As part of the upgrade, the bank warned its customers that online bill pay would be unavailable from 17 - 24 October and access to accounts unavailable from 21 - 24 October. The upgrade failed and on October 24, many/most/all (?) customers could not access their accounts. The outage lasted between 48 and 96 hours. It was a debacle as customer service reps often passed on information that was in direct contradiction that the bank displayed on its Facebook site while (initially) displaying nothing on its home page.
Updates were by anonymous postings to the banks Facebook page and initially downplayed the significant problems ("We faced some technical challenges" and characterized the outage as an inconvenience). It would have been easy for the bank's CEO to post a calming video to the bank's homepage or Facebook page but he chose not to. This fiasco cost the bank its credibility and trustworthiness and caused this thirty-year customer to find a new bank. I'd be wary of using this bank until it proved itself capable of telling the truth and having a competent IT team.
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2016
I have been with First Citizens for many years but the quality of the FC services has really gone down the tubes. Our local branch here in Laurens has a great staff that have been cordial and accommodating. But since the merger of NC and SC, First Citizens seems bent on finding ways of screwing their customers. We received notice from FC on or around Oct 10th 2016 that their online banking would be down from the 17th to the 24th. WOW a whole week without being able to pay bills etc. So, I paid most of my bills early so I would have them be on time.
The 24th arrives and no online banking??? I called support twice and it was as if FC had hired a bunch of temps to answer the phone and say, "sorry you're having problems," and when I made a statement I would get an, "uh huh or OK," but no intelligent comments at all. After 2 attempts to reach someone, anyone, in tech support that would have an IQ above that of a potato, I gave up. I checked Tuesday morning the 25th and still could not log in. Now we are 9 DAYS without service... This is not bubba's tire fix it shop down at the end of some off-road rural area ran by some guy named Goober who didn't finish the 7th grade. This is First Citizens Bank servicing both Carolinas, I expect better service than Goober would give me but looks like Goober is at least honest.
At 2:00PM on the 24th, I finally got some indication that I might be able to get into my account but I could not log in without error after error. I made 2 more calls lasting several hours and finally got a person on line. As we would walk through one stage of connecting and get an error message, she would say, "Well, good news and bad news." The good news was I could get that far in the login process but IT was keeping some part down??? WHAT??? I FINALLY got into my account after 4:00PM and took about 20 minutes to figure out how to navigate the new and much more confusing layout which REALLY STINKS. Only to discover all of the history of payments I have made are no longer there. No HISTORY??? So now, I am faced with going into my checking account and fish to see if I did or did not pay AT&T yet, Did I pay the trash service and on and on.
The new software is a huge CLUSTER **. Now to add insult to injury, I had been sending one of my nieces a little money each month to help her out. Now since she is not a commercial account FC wants me to set something up like PayPal and pay for a service I have had free for years. That's not going to happen. I'll buy a stamp each month and be money ahead.
Just after FC, NC and SC merged I had an incident where my wife and I made payments without talking to each other and we overdrew one of our accounts by $12. NO problem, we have a $1000 overdraft protection account. WRONG. Next day FC had charged me $15 for using the service I had been told was FREE. I went to FC's online rules and read Overdraft Protection is now FREE (AS LONG AS YOU DON'T USE IT). WHAT??? That's like me offering someone who is thirsty a FREE glass of water BUT, if you drink any I am going to SCREW YOU OUT OF $15 for EVERY SIP...
SHAME ON FIRST CITIZENS BANK. This is nothing but **, low intelligence, money grabbing, jerks just trying to screw their customers every chance they can. It will take a month or two to set up bill paying at another bank and transfer all of the funds in our multiple accounts but I have had it with FIRST CITIZENS. KINGS OF RIPOFFS. It's bad enough they pay .01% interest on our savings while charging 18%-24% to their credit card customers but this once great bank has devolved into a circus of jerks looking for ways to cheat and steal from the very people who directly pay their salaries.
Go google, "Salaries for First Citizens CEO" and you will see he's making $625,000 and his top financial officer is making $500,000. Look for yourself. They can't afford to pay more than .01% interest on our money and the CEO is walking home with $625,000/year not to mention all of his perks like free travel, vacations and other benefits paid on the backs of their clients.
But he's going to squeeze you out of every penny, nickel and dollar he can. THIS IS JUST PATHETIC. Any possible banking I will do with FC while I am closing my accounts will be only due to the great people at our local branch. I'm DONE WITH FIRST CITIZENS. My only complaint is I didn't abandon this bank a long time ago. Look at the multiple reviews for FC and they are all the lowest allowed by the review survey. ALL ZEROS.
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2016
DO NOT choose First Citizens Bank. They are awful. It will take at least a week for payments to come out of your account. I never know if my account information is correct. They recently did an upgrade for the online banking. Online banking was down on a Friday and said it would be available by Monday. It was not available. I got locked out of my bank account after entering my login information and then sat on hold for a long time before I eventually hung up the phone. This new "system upgrade" has been a pain to deal with. They need to get it together for their customers which I no longer want to be one of them.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2016
On several occasions, it looks like they have deliberately held transactions from going through until I do not have enough money to cover it and then subsequently charging me an overdraft charge. The last one that has not cleared yet (they must be waiting until I do not have enough money), I called both the toll free customer service and also contacted my local branch. Local branch just said that the transaction had not gone through (this was for a transaction done 2 days earlier and cleared according to the local electric company) and said it was more than likely the electric company holding it up.
I explained that on their website, it was reading as cleared. I contacted the electric company and they assured me that they even had an authorization number for that transaction going through. So, I need to find out how to report this to whatever agency is responsible for overseeing banks in the state of NC. Clearly, at least in my opinion, this is deliberate. I am now keeping records of this. It's insane.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2016
I have been with First Citizens for 11 years! My first problem was when they issued the card with a chip in Feb 2016 but I didn't get it, but called customer service for help with another issue in July and that's when they told me and that they needed to deactivate my current debit card and they were issuing a new card with a chip. Three weeks later, I still didn't have the card. I called several times and was told it was mailed. About a week before leaving one state to move to another I called again and expressed my frustration, everyone at customer service has a different answer. I ended up hanging up on the first lady because I wasn't getting anywhere. Called back and was able to get it resolved by them issuing another card and having it delivered by FedEx. This issue seemed to set off a trickling effect with this bank.
At the end of August my family relocated from GA to CA. I called the bank the day before we left GA to tell them we were moving and would be driving across country that I needed to set up a travel alert. Answered all the security questions and the travel alert was placed on my account. In Arizona, I stopped for gas and my card was declined, I knew the money was there! I call and wasted over 30 minutes of travel time to resolve the issue. The travel alert had been lifted that's why it was declined. I had to go back through all the security questions again to put the travel alert back on my account so we could finish the drive. This was the second issue. A few days after arriving in CA, I received a call from someone who works at First Citizens to confirm all the charges from the gas stations in the different states we drove through.
Here I am thinking everything is fine now. I go to check my account balance before paying a bill and my balance that was well over $600 had only .82 in it. I start looking through the charges and see over the past two days someone in Arkansas withdrew all money out of an ATM in Arkansas. I called my dad first and he told me when we stopped in Arkansas for the night and got gas there, that people set up the gas pumps to steal your card and pin #. I call First Citizens right after. I'm told they are deactivating my card, issuing a new one and in 7-10 business days the money would be back in my account and that I can go and file police reports. She didn't explain that they were doing an investigation or made it seem like they were interested that someone compromised my info and fraudulently took my money.
After venting to friends and hearing how their banks dealt with similar situations, I was irritated and felt their handling was unacceptable. I called back, I went off and expressed my frustration. The rep got with supervisor, they explained they were doing an investigation. I advised the time frame on getting my money back was not acceptable and I needed it asap. She said she would send a message to the fraud dept and it was at their discretion if they would approve the expedited credit. She told me they would see it in the morning and she would call TBD next day with an update. I never heard from her again.
I called back the next morning to get the times of the transactions and to confirm the notes from the day before and also to confirm that because a tip I left a few days prior for a business didn't hit until after this person took all my money and now my account is negative that I would not get a overdraft charge. I called back later that day because I still had no call with info on my expedited credit. I'm told they couldn't do anything until after the charges posted and they didn't post until that day so everything I was told the day before was wrong. I explained there was no possible way I made a transaction in CA and 40 minutes later was in Arkansas withdrawing all my money, this was clear that it was fraud and I needed my money immediately back in my account. I was put on hold while the rep spoke with the fraud dept to explain and she if I could get my credit expedited.
After a lengthy hold she came and advised they were expediting my refund. I asked how long does that take. She had to put me back on hold to find out. She comes back and tells me 24-72 business hours the money would be in my account. I checked later that day and it showed a credit pending. I went to the bank the next day to withdrawal my money since I had no other way to access my money. I left .57 in the account. I should have withdrew it all that day and closed the account but I was an idiot. I got my new debit card about three days ago, haven't activated it yet.
After all this happened I set up the alert that I get notified any time a debit occurs over $20. On 10/5, I wake up. I see I have emails so I check them. I see one is the alert of a debit transaction over $20 occurred. I was confused, one the account has NO active debit card and two the account had only .57 in it. I login to the app to see a negative 382.95. I call the bank, frustrated and confused and explain to the rep that it doesn't seem logical that someone could successfully withdraw $380 (assuming the 2.95 was a fee to use the ATM) from an account with only .57 in it while using a debit card # that hasn't been active since 9/27 and also explained the recent fraud. She doesn't understand either and asks me to hold. This was also a lengthy hold but she checked in a few times to let me know they were trying to figure it out.
Around 30 minutes later the answer I get is the person tried to get the money out but it was declined and they had a system glitch that's why it appears they did get the money out. She advised the fraud team would resolve it and put the .57 back in my account and get my account out of the negative. At this point I am overly done with this bank and I was ready to close the account so I asked the lady could I go to the local branch (about 25 minutes away) to close it and she confirmed I could.
I go and open a new account with another bank. I then drive to First Citizens to close the account. The lady at the bank informs they can't close it because the charge is still pending and my account is still negative. Extremely annoyed I tell her what the lady at customer service told me and that she advised they could call to confirm. She said they still couldn't close it. I said "Well I'm not driving back here to close the account" and asked how else could I close it and she rudely just stated they couldn't do it at that time. I told her again that's fine that I wasn't coming back to close it and said I would just not use the account anymore and leave the .57 in there and just forget about it and she said well if it goes negative again and it's not resolved it'll be a charge off after 45 days and would be reported to my credit.
I said right before I came I called again to see if I could close the account over the phone and I was told no, either in person or by sending a letter. So I ask about sending the letter, she confirms I can mail a letter to the branch that opened my account. Now I'm fuming because I wasted time and gas. I just want to close the account and be done with this bank.
I angrily leave and get in the car and call customer service again and immediately start going off. She asks me to hold advising she was getting a supervisor. The supervisor gets on after like a 5 minute hold. She's rude of course. She's not listening. I recap everything with her. She confirms that yes the charge was pending and no I can't close the account while it's negative. I express how frustrated I am by all the different answers I'm getting. She just apologizes and confirms that yes I keep getting wrong information. She also told me since this as fraud that it would not get reported to my credit. She also advised me that this person was able to successfully withdrawal $380 from the ATM, that it wasn't denied. I asked her how that was possible when the card # they are using was deactivated on 9/27 and the account only had .57 in it. She of course said she didn't have an answer.
I confirm with her I can send a letter to close the account once it is out of the negative and she said yes and gave me a fax # so apparently the lady at the branch I left wasn't right either because I could fax it to the main office and didn't have to send it to the branch where I opened the account. After getting the fax #, I hung up on the rep because she was rude just like they all are and had different answers just like they all do. Hopefully tomorrow my account will be out of the negative so I can fax this letter and get the account closed before someone else fraudulently takes money that doesn't exist in the account with a debit card # that has been deactivated days prior.
After 11 years, I can't believe this is how I'm treated. I want everyone to know how they do business, how they aren't secure at all, how no one that works for this bank has the same answer as their co-worker, they have no common sense, they are unprofessional, they aren't helpful. Their procedures are unacceptable. They are unethical. This bank is horrible! I can't believe they are still in business. Please, get accounts with a real bank, your money is not safe with First Citizens.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016
I've been trying to get a lien release for a boat from this bank for MONTHS. I keep getting the runaround. NOBODY EVER has any explanation as to WHY I cannot seem to get this lien release. CAN YOU HELP!!!!???
Reviewed July 7, 2016
I have both a personal and business account with First Citizens. They have stolen thousands of dollars out of my account by "rearranging" debits to go through on a different day to reflect a negative balance, thus charging me $35. Many many times this has happened. Too many infractions to remember them all! I am furious and fed up with this bank! A temporary hold was placed on funds for an item I sent to Apple and Apple released the hold, but First Citizens never returned my previous balance to reflect it. It just disappeared and they won't answer me about it. That was another $750. DONE with this bank! Don't waste your time people!
Reviewed May 14, 2016
I opened an auto loan with First Citizens Bank when I bought my Ford Explorer in December 2015 from Chestatee Ford in GA. I normally like to make payments well in advance and to pay some additional principal so the loan is paid off quickly. I sent my second payment 30 days early for 3 monthly payments in advance plus $2000.00 towards principal with a note on how to apply the check. I received a "past due" notice about 45 days later saying my account is past due. They did not apply the amount correctly, so after a phone call they told me NOT to ever send in additional principal amounts because they could not apply it correct. So after getting that straightened out, I sent in another check for (4) months payments with the payments dates on the bottom left on the check, payment coupons and a letter on how to apply the check.
Of course, First Citizens Bank didn't not apply the months correctly to my account and told me never to send in more than one months payment at a time. I'm thinking First Citizens Bank might have the lowest IQ ever in the banking industry at this point. Today I get a new coupon book since it looks like they've moved payment processing centers from Raleigh to Charlotte, with payment coupons for a year that have already been paid. Now I know this bank has the lowest IQ in the industry. I normally wouldn't bother to write a review but if you're worried about your credit score, money and don't have time to burn, stay FAR away from this bank. Yes, I'm going to pay off this account in full and never have to deal with these hillbillies again!
UPDATED ON 09/03/2016: I paid off my Ford Explorer 22 days and still received a past due notice today for my August 10, 2016 payment that I paid on March 22, 2016. This bank cannot apply funds correctly; even with the account number and payment date to be applied written on the check. Stay as far away as possible to First Citizens Bank - they're horrible business people.
Reviewed March 12, 2016
On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, my bank account was compromised by phishers from www.mycashday.com. Scammers stole my identity and were trying to steal my money from my First Citizens account. I called my local branch at 301 Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, (910) 862 - 4027. My first point of contact was teller **. She stated that she would cancel my debit card and send the new one to my working PO box out of state since I verified my identity through the questions asked. She also told me to call Fraud Central at 866-567-7760. I did and spoke with Lamar. He closed my old account and opened a new one. He sent me an email with the procedure to open a new acct with the new number. Problem was, it requested my current 16 digit debit card number. I had no access to it since it was just mailed to me, so he told me to call customer service.
I did and spoke with Alisha and Shanequa. They both told me that they could not give me that information and I would have to speak with someone at the local branch. I called the ET local branch. They also told me that the local branch COULD NOT MAIL MY DEBIT CARD TO THE ADDRESS I REQUESTED, but to the address on the system. Problem was I was not there at the time and had a house sitter there while I worked out of town. Not the kind of mail you want a house sitter to get a hold of. Had customer service not told me, I would STILL be waiting for the card to arrive.
I called the local branch and spoke with **. The worst of anyone I spoke with. I explained the situation. She bluntly stated that customer service was correct and MY CARD WAS BEING SENT TO THE WRONG ADDRESS. I had them cancel it and requested to speak with **. ** stated ** had left on a break. She lied. Because I had a mortgage payment due that was time sensitive, I requested to get the new account number so that I could pay my bill over the phone with my mortgage company. She said she couldn't because she couldn't confirm who I was over the phone. I told her that ** opened my account in that brick and mortar branch and had recently been my referral for Hope ** and Kristy ** of Camp Clearwater in order to purchase a trailer at their privately owned campground. I have the text from ** stating she'd be glad to be my referral on February 22, 2016. ** bluntly CALLED ME A LIAR and stated verbatim, "You did not open your account here." The nerve.
They lost or ** put in the wrong information and do not have me listed. I will be calling ** on Monday to get it cleared up since one of the security questions is "where did you open your account." When I told them at the fraud and customer service departments, they said the records show me opening the account somewhere else but could not tell me where since they do not know me in person. That I understand, but THE BRANCH SHOULD HAVE ME IN THEIR SYSTEM and I want to know what the records state as to where it was opened.
During this process, ** stated that she would cancel the debit card, cancel the new account, and reinstate the old one and that everything was fine if I moved the money before the scammers steal it. She lied. I called the fraud company back and they had already closed the old account and in process of closing the new one if I could not get to a local branch to verify who I was. I was OUT OF TOWN and could not do that. All I needed was the full acct number to my new account that had over $2000 in it. If the local brand did their job correctly, they would have me in their system, could have called ** on her cell phone (which I have since relocated myself on my old phone...wish I had thought to get it during this horrific time) to verify. ** lied and said she tried to call **, but in reality did not.
She slipped up later in the conversation and said is not allowed to call ** while she was on vacation. ** then gave me a number to a different local branch that was closer to where I was working. I called the fraud center first to let them know so that they would know what to expect to see on the records on their end. I called the other branch in VA before going in. Turns out that after asking a lot of questions that only I would know the answer to, they found my records, reinstated the new account opened by the fraud department, and gave me my acct number over the phone so that I could pay my mortgage account. The manager is ** and I also spoke with Teller, **. They were very helpful. Had it not been for them, my money would be electronically and permanently GONE if both accounts were closed. All because of the misinformation given and totally incompetent actions of **, **, and ** of the Elizabethtown Branch.
In regard to **, I am not sure if she is at fault if she did not put my name in their system correctly or that ** and ** had no idea what they were doing and didn't know how to find it. I will be finding that out by phone on Monday, March 14 when I call. I am putting in a complaint to them at their corporate office as well as soon as I can find the contact information. If anyone knows it, please email it to me at **. Thank you! They truly turned two days of my life into an absolute nightmare. No apologies from ANY of them. Not even for sending the debit card to the wrong address.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2016
We tried to withdraw money from our account at an ATM, and we're notified that the account did not exist. We called the local First Citizens where we opened the account and we're told that we had closed the account, and our ID had been checked in order to do so. We were then told that the account had been closed a month ago. A second employee said that she couldn't see anything and we should call a 1800 number. A third employee then said that we had called in by phone to close the account. We were then told by a fourth employee that the account had been closed because of suspicious activity of the card being used internationally. This suspicious activity was relayed to us over a year ago, and we told the concerned employee that we spend time overseas, and we would be using the card overseas.
Despite this, the account was closed over a month ago, and a letter notifying us of this was never sent, nor was the cashier's check containing the balance of the account ($1587). The address on file was verified to be correct, yet we never received any form of communication, or funds. We couldn't check this online either. The account doesn't exist for some reason. Not closed, with a history of events. It just does not exist. Worst customer service I've ever experienced. Instead of researching the situation, false stories were fabricated that led me to believe that my identity had been stolen. Poor decisions were made back to back to back. Unbelievably disappointed.
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2015
Run! This bank takes advantage of those who fall on hard times and need a bank account. They WILL NOT POST YOUR MONEY ON TIME - IN FACT DAYS AFTER THE DATE THAT THEY RECEIVE THEM FROM YOUR EMPLOYER! They are awful. Do not bank with these people. Go to Walmart or get a prepaid card! These people will steal your money!
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2015
Fraudulent charges on my bank account. Called them about it. They assured me they would be removed. Almost two weeks later, they are still there. When this happened to me with another bank in Florida 15 years ago, I was credited within 2 days. Other problems with them. Their business website is beyond horrible.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2015
This bank is trash!!! I followed their requirement to open a new account on July 10 and sent many times messages to confirm with them if I would receive this bonus. They told me many times I would GET IT soon (about 10 times confirmed). Recently I haven't received the bonus, then went to online to ask them. They told me "This is a promotion for new customers and you have a credit card with us, so you would not be classified as a new customer." Then I called them, they said NO!!! Lie, cheat me. Not responsible. Trash!!!
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2015
A month ago I cashed a large check and was shorted $1000. Bank closed after I left and it was Monday before I could get back to the bank to report the shortage. The bank employee told me they did a bank audit and they were not over so I just lost this money. 10-27-15 I went to bank at 2:10 PM and another teller shorted me $100. The teller counted money three times. I wanted to count again because I counted twice and the money was still short. Teller recounted twice and after second count said I was right she had shorted me the $100 and counted for the third and final time. I have lost trust in First Citizens Bank because of constant inaccuracies.
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2015
I don't like way how First Citizens bank charges people for getting their own money from their account. Even if you go inside to withdraw they charge you $5 out your own money. $5 at the ATM. $19 for a money order too. Now my grandma had First Citizens Bank for a long time and now they start charging people just to take their own money out. This bank need to be shut down all over South Carolina. First Citizens Bank are scam artists.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2015
Every time I try to make a purchase with my Debit card this bank denies the purchase or calls me to see if I made the purchase. And the other day I checked my account because I hadn't used it for over a month. It said that I had over $200.00 in my account. I made a $169.00 purchase and now they say I have an overdraft from a charge made over a month ago. They are charging me $80 for something they didn't have posted on my internet account. I wish someone could investigate this place. This is NOT the first time that my online account says I have a certain amount of money and as soon as I make a purchase all of a sudden I'm in the hole.
Reviewed July 23, 2015
On 07-22-15 I received a call from First Citizens Bank about overdrawn charges on my account. I told the man they were not mine - I do not live in that state. He went through all my charges and told me to go to my local First Citizens Bank and cancel the card and issue me a new card and tell them what happened. He said everything was being taken care of. I found out nothing had been done and called First Citizens account info line because the bank representative told me she is not allowed to help their customers on fraudulent charges anymore! I then called customer service and was told that it could take 10 to 30 days to fix the problem, meanwhile the charges are more than my part time check that I and my husband have to live on nothing. We have animals that need to be feed. Need information on how to correct this!!!
Reviewed July 22, 2015
I attempted to make a deposit in the night depository this morning at 8:05. I am a branch manager at another bank and I work 60 hours per week. So I need to make my deposits via ATM or Night Drop. Rarely, am I able to get to the bank during banking hours. So anyway, while at the Night Drop this morning I read a sign that stated at the deposits made after 8:00 am will not be credited until the following business day. So I thought about it for a moment and decided to use the drive-thru - which does not open until 8:30. So I sat in the drive-thru for 25 minutes.
FINALLY, a young lady turned the camera on (their drive-thru system is via camera) and said, "Good Morning". I replied and told her that I did not need a receipt. She did not acknowledge this and replied with a, "Do you have a deposit ticket?" I was very confused by the response but told her I did. She then said, "ok" and then turned the camera off and walked away from the video system. Again, I was thoroughly confused and did not want her to send a receipt through the tube and I not be present to receive it. So, I hung there for 5 minutes. She turned the video system back on and said, "Ma'am, are you sure you don't want a receipt?" I said, "No, I just wasn't sure if you heard my request because you asked me about a deposit ticket and walked away without acknowledging what I had requested". THIS IS WHAT BLOWS MY MIND. Her response to this was, "HAVE A NICE DAY!" She then turned the camera off and walked away.
So, ultimately, there is a 30 minute time frame that you cannot do your banking. Then after waiting 30 minutes the tellers don't hear your request and never acknowledge your need. I will say that most of my interactions with the branch have been poor. Customer Service, however, have always been incredibly helpful and friendly. I have attempted to use the ATM for deposit also, but that day the person that pulls the deposit out of that machine simply forgot.
Reviewed June 16, 2015
It may be not be breaking any laws that I am aware of but this is most unethical by good business practices. As they are changing the arranging of checks from which they arrive to the dates posted on the checks to gain an overdraft fee and additional zero balance fee which are $35.00 for each fee. They post a false balance available resulting in addition overdraft fee. A simple check of say $50.00 will now cost you $130.00. You may as well get money from a loan shark. It may be cheaper!! When confronted about this type of practices I was informed that's how they make their money. Feeding off the blood from the poor and unfortunate. I can understand why we have so many laws; because people like First Bank are not fair or ethical.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2014
I notice on several times the bank would change the order of purchase to make it look like I overdraft. At times they would put my direct deposit in late so it looks as though my money had not post. My job makes pay available late Thursday night but the bank will not make it available until Friday afternoon. First Citizens will keep the deposit pending until late Friday so if I use my money they turn around and charge an overdraft fee. There have been times where there is money in the account and I noticed there is an overdraft charge. When I go back later to check it out the purchase order are different and it looks like there wasn't enough money to make the purchase.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2014
The purchase of a Security under the agreement that 200 shares for the corporation that vesting title of 33 years formed Aug 25 1975, Stock Purchase LOI April 2007 and closed May 15, 2008 that the Ownership that no change in Ownership under the name Oakhurst Lodge Inc. A single asset of 4.77 acres in Oakhurst California, 15 miles from the Gate of Yosemite Nation Park. The Property provided 60 room hotel Office and a Home on Highway 41 was condition to Mixed use inconsistent Zoning ** with 44 rooms and R-1 on the rear Parcel with 16 Units and a single Family Home. General Plan Overlay but failed to conform to the zoning due to egress and degress.
Vesting title of the Corporation prohibited the conditions that the Recording of a 2nd TD that was interest only Loan for 675,000.00 Chain of Title and Order Number conflicted and the Lender actions for the foreclosure and stripping the asset of a corporation under the Federal Court Order with the confirmed Plan for chapter 11 to prevent the actions taken with "no relief of stay" given the Lender failed to comply and Federal Order and actions under the protection of the Stay confirms.
Due process and the Amendment 4 and 14th of the Stockholders and the Corporation by the facts confirmed by the Evidence Code, Impairment of Contract BY THE TITLE COMPANY. And have been in a legal battle since 2010 and the Lenders displaying declaration that provide a quagmire of Legal Blur that supported by No documented fact "Obstruction of Justice" and requires criminal intervention Bank Fraud and Fraud confirmed unclean hands and Criminal Action filed with the OIG given the 7 a Commercial Guarantee loaned for 2 million has been confirmed by 4 legal attorneys and had tried the Case in Federal Court and the Lender simply has no action and no security that is Notarized that is recorded in the County of Madeira, California. Fraud on the corporation and the federal court.
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2014
My 85-year-old mother received a counterfeit 100 dollar bill from First Citizens Bank in Monroe, NC. She has used them for many years checking, CDs, mutual funds, etc. They are not responsible. So the bank doesn't have insurance? Why not place a sign so all can see? If you receive a counterfeit bill from us tough **. First Citizens is just like BOA... Crooked.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2014
First Citizens Bank took three consecutive penalties amounting to seventy five dollars taken from my personal checking account within the last several weeks. I have CD's, IRA's, Roth Accounts totaling almost thirty thousand dollars in First Citizens Bank. They refused to drop any of the penalties. Their business practices are unprofessional, unethical, and irresponsible.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2012
I opened an account with First Citizens. Months later, I made a large deposit and they gave me a sheet that said some funds available after 1 day, more after 2, the rest in 7. I said that's fine. Next day, I called to see why funds were not available; they said "Risk Management" adjusted the hold, citing "unable to verify funds". I contacted the bank that the check was drawn on. They said the check was presented and funds were cleared, even sent a letter to the bank stating this.
After 6 calls to the bank, no relief, I checked FDIC laws. It appeared, the bank violated laws regarding these matters. They are required to send me a letter detailing the change within one business day. But days later, I still had no letter and customer service was rude and would not transfer me to a supervisor saying, "They will tell you the same thing." As soon as the check cleared, my account will be closed.
I think they were hiding something because they could not give a coherent explanation despite my proof that the check had already cleared with the other bank. Stay away from them and pass the word. No wonder banks went under.
Reviewed June 19, 2012
First Citizens Bank provided a construction loan for the building of our home on property we owned in Hendersonville, NC. When our original builder was bought out by another, that builder brought a new contract to the bank in the name of RAD Construction. The bank asked him for his license. He provided a friend's brother's license in the name of Boston South Investments. They asked him for insurance and he provided insurance in the name of Double R Windows. The guy, Ronald **, was not licensed at all. The bank didn't question this nor did they alert us. They just started to pay him money from the loan whether we authorized it or not. As you can imagine, the building was substandard and the bank paid for things that remain undone from 2010 to date.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2011
I am unemployed. I opened a bank account with Citizens Bank and put a small amount of money in the account. At the time I thought I had a new job lined up. But it fell through and I didn't get the job. Some of bills were directly tied to this account. I thought I had withdrawn all of them, but I missed two. My account at Citizens became overdrawn. But the amount was only $26.49.
They charged me two different insufficient funds fees which add up to $59 and eight separate service charges of $6.99 which added up to $55.92. These two sums totaled are $114.92. By the time they were done with all of these charges, they said I owed them $124.30. I have recently paid them $74.08. But they say I still owe them $50.22. All of this for two small overdrafts that added up to $26. Their service charges and insufficient funds fees seem blatantly excessive and unfair given the small original amount I owed them. They ended up penalizing me $100 for $26 in overdrafts.
Reviewed May 23, 2010
I applied for a business loan and I presented all my required documents. The gentleman in which I was working with refused to send my application in because of speculation. I believe it was because of my race.
First Citizens Bank Company Information
- Company Name:
- First Citizens Bank
- Website:
- www.firstcitizens.com
