First Citizens Bank Launches Redesigned Firstcitizens.com Web Site

February 6, 2003

RALEIGH, N.C. - First Citizens Bank announces a major redesign of its Web site, firstcitizens.com. The site, developed with input from customers, places financial information at users’ fingertips to help them meet real-life personal and business needs.

“The updated firstcitizens.com gives customers what they’ve told us they want — an easy-to-use online resource that allows them to control their finances,” said Jeff Ward, executive vice president for the bank’s retail segment. “The site demonstrates how First Citizens can help people make the most of their money at every stage of their lives.”

In keeping with the bank’s commitment to customer service, firstcitizens.com pays special attention to the total online experience, according to Jim Cook, the bank’s Internet banking manager.

“During the course of development, customer groups gave us feedback about all aspects of the site — content, look, navigation, organization and ease of use,” Cook said. “The result is a Web site that engages our customers, meets their online needs and educates them about the value of a First Citizens banking relationship.”

Vialogix, a Charlotte-based Web design company, was selected by First Citizens to develop and test the site’s design and layout. Some new and unique features on firstcitizens.com:

• The site shows how First Citizens can help people find solutions to their personal and business goals. A personal services page prompts visitors to think about how life events — getting married, buying a home or funding retirement — affect their financial needs. The business services page invites customers to consider the financial objectives for their business, such as financing growth, managing cash flow, increasing efficiency, growing and managing wealth or managing risk.
  
  
• The Web site reflects First Citizens Bank’s “Do something amazing” brand. When customers access a page describing a specific product, they’re invited to “Get Started” and given instructions on how to do so. Pages suggest links to other products or services that can help them achieve their financial goals. The site is designed to make it clear how First Citizens can help people “Do something amazing.”
  
  
• The redesigned site takes into consideration customers’ online preferences. The home page provides easy-to-find access to many of the most requested customer services such as product applications, account information, customer service questions and branch locations.

Top features of firstcitizens.com have been retained, including personal and business online banking that give customers secure access to their accounts 24-hours-a-day. With personal online banking, customers can view account details, transfer funds, view check images and make loan and credit card payments, all at no charge. Customers who sign up for personal online banking receive access to First Citizens’ bill pay service for four months free.

For more information about First Citizens and its services, visit one of the bank’s branches, call toll free 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732) or visit the new firstcitizens.com.

Founded in 1898, First Citizens operates 341 branches in 202 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., the bank has $12.23 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank is committed to providing superior financial services to individual customers and small to mid-sized businesses.

Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank