First Citizens Bank Offers Free Checking Account

June 19, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. - First Citizens Bank is introducing a Free Checking account that offers customers a true no-cost banking option.

First Citizens Free Checking customers get unlimited check writing, no monthly service charges and no minimum balance requirement. Customers can open the noninterest-bearing account with an initial deposit of only $50.

"The Free Checking account is a great no-frills banking alternative that provides customers with savings, flexibility and convenience," said Jeff Ward, executive vice president and retail segment manager of First Citizens Bank. "Giving customers choices in how they bank with us is a simple and effective way to deliver on our commitment to amazing customer service."

Other features of the account include a free Visa Check Card, free Personal Online Banking through firstcitizens.com and a free first order of 50 personalized checks.

First Citizens' selection of checking account packages also includes Basic Banking, Regular Checking, Checking With Interest, the QuickSilver account for students and Self-Service Checking for people who prefer to bank electronically. The bank offers three premium relationship accounts - the Quest account, which offers high-value banking with minimal fees, Charter Quest, a similar account aimed at senior customers, and UltraQuest, the top-of-the-line checking product with higher yields and plenty of amenities.

First Citizens customers can access their accounts 24 hours a day through a network of more than 400 ATMs, the Customer Contact Center at 1-888-FC DIRECT or online banking through firstcitizens.com.

First Citizens Bank has 345 branches in more than 200 communities in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $11.75 billion in assets. First Citizens is committed to providing amazing financial services to individual customers and small to mid-sized businesses. For more information on the bank, visit its website at firstcitizens.com.

For more information, contact:
Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank