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  1. Personal
  2. Banking
  3. Checking
  4. Checking FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal Checking

If you're running low on checks, we've got you covered. Whether you need checks or accessories for your personal accounts, we offer a quick and simple online ordering process through our supplier, Harland Clarke.
  1. Access Harland Clarke — Check Ordering1, Opens in a new tab
  2. Log in with your routing/transit number and the account number from your checking account. Don't know where to find these numbers? Don't worry — an example check is available for clarification.
  3. Choose the checks and accessories you want to purchase.

    If your name or address has changed, or you have not ordered checks in the past, please call us or visit your local branch to update your information or place your first order.

Reorder checks quickly and easily:

Your routing and full account numbers can be viewed in Digital Banking. Select the account you want to see, and then look for the account details section and select "View Routing and Account Numbers" as shown below:

A screen shot showing where to find your routing number within Digital Banking

You can also find your routing number by selecting the state you opened your account in below:

Use the arrow keys to select your state and then use the tab key to access a table that displays routing numbers for various transactions.
First Citizens ABA Routing Number
ServiceRouting Number
Check Order (Paper)
Electronic Payments
(direct deposit, ACH payments & transfers) 		  
Wire Transfer   
International Wire SWIFT Code   

Additionally, both your routing and bank account numbers can be found on checks.

Your bank routing number is listed as the first sequence of numbers at the bottom left corner of your personal checks — typically a nine-digit number. If you have a business account, the routing number will follow the six-digit check number at the bottom of your checks. Routing numbers are often referred to as "check routing numbers", "ABA numbers", or "routing transit numbers" (RTN). Routing numbers may vary by location (where your account was opened) and the type of transaction made. Have your routing number handy when reordering checks, setting up direct deposit, making electronic payments and transferring funds.

Your bank account number is listed as the second sequence of numbers at the bottom left corner of your personal checks — typically a twelve-digit number. If you have a business account, the account number is also typically a twelve-digit number.

Checks display the routing number in the bottom left corner followed by the bank account number.
A checking account offers you a convenient and safe place to keep the money you need to make purchases and pay bills without having to use cash.
You can find the best checking account for your needs by using our account comparison chart. It breaks down all of the features and benefits of each account so that you can compare them to find the one that works best for you.
You have a few options. You can quickly and easily open a First Citizens account online. Or, you can visit your local branch or call our Customer Care Center to open any of our checking accounts.
We offer a variety of overdraft services. To find the option that best suits your needs, visit our Overdraft Protection page.
Yes, our Premier checking, Prestige checking, and Premier Executive checking accounts pay interest on account balances. Plus, they are loaded with other valuable features to help streamline the way you manage your money.
It means that the FDIC guarantees all traditional types of deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market savings and CDs) up to $250,000 per depositor and guarantees individual retirement accounts (IRAs) up to $250,000 per owner.
You are charged an insufficient funds fee (NSF) whenever you do not have enough money in your checking account to cover an expense and we have to decline the transaction or return the item unpaid.
You're charged an overdraft fee when you write a check or make a withdrawal for an amount that is more than the balance in your account, but we pay the transaction anyway.
You have probably experienced a payment process called Accounts Receivable Conversion (ARC). Check out our ARC handout, P D F opens in a new tab to learn more.
Yes. Your available balance immediately reflects your ATM and debit card deductions; however, they will not appear in your transaction history until the next business day's postings.
No. A valid PIN (personal identification number) is necessary to access our automated telephone banking service. Use the same PIN as you do with your ATM or Visa® Debit Card. If you do not have a PIN, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732) and speak with one of our telephone banking representatives.

There are several ways to stop payment on a check, each with an associated fee. If you would like to save money, try one of the two options below which both have a lower stop payment fee.

  1. Log in to Digital Banking and select Service Center then Stop Payment, or
  2. Call 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732) and use our automated system.

If neither option above is convenient, you can also stop payment on a check by calling the Customer Care Center at 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732) and speak with a telephone banking representative or by visiting your local branch.

Specific fee information is found in the Disclosure of Products and Fees for Checking and Savings Accounts.

The fee charged at the time of the withdrawal is a surcharge by the bank that owns the ATM you are using. The fee listed on your First Citizens statement is charged because you were using a non-First Citizens Bank ATM.
You can deposit money at a local branch, through Mobile Banking using Mobile Check Deposit, at full-service First Citizens ATMs, by setting up direct deposit or by mailing your payments to:


First Citizens Bank
DAC15
PO Box 27131
Raleigh, NC 27611

They may look the same, but they function differently. A debit card (also known as a check card) is linked directly to your checking account. When you make a purchase with your debit card, the money is deducted immediately from your checking account. A credit card, on the other hand, is linked directly to a line of credit. When you use a credit card, your credit balance accumulates over time and must be repaid plus interest.
Visa Debit Cards make it quick and easy to access the funds in your checking account. You can make purchases anywhere you see the Visa® symbol.
While you can use your debit card almost anywhere, some businesses still require checks or cash as a method of payment.
You will receive a paper statement monthly by mail, or you can sign up for e.statements.

All you need to open an account online is an Internet connection and a current version of a web browser. We recommend you use the most up-to-date versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. Minimum system requirements are:

Desktop Browser Support

Current version of Chrome

Current version of Firefox

Current version of Safari

Current version of Edge


Mobile Browser Support

Safari on iOS 7.0 and higher

Chrome 4.0 and higher

First Citizens uses sophisticated real-time fraud monitoring to monitor for possible signs of fraudulent activity. In the case of unusual activity, First Citizens will promptly notify you by phone, text, or email.
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Account openings and credit are subject to Bank approval.

First Citizens does not charge fees to download or access First Citizens Digital Banking, including the First Citizens mobile banking app or First Citizens Text Banking. Mobile carrier fees may apply for data and text message usage. Check with your carrier for more information. Fees may apply for use of certain services in First Citizens Digital Banking.

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Additional Information

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1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732)