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

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal Checking

How do I reorder checks?
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
  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:

Where do I find my bank account number and/or ABA routing number?

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

First Citizens ABA Routing Number:
Check Order (Paper)
Electronic Payments
(direct deposit, ACH payments & transfers) 		  
Wire Transfer   
International Wire SWIFT Code   

You can also find your bank account numbers 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.

What are the benefits of having a checking account?
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.
How do I know which checking account is right for me?
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.
How do I open an account?
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.
What kinds of overdraft protection do you offer?
We offer a variety of overdraft services. To find the option that best suits your needs, visit our Overdraft Protection page.
Do you offer any interest-bearing checking accounts?
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.
What does it mean when your accounts are FDIC insured?
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.
What is an insufficient funds fee?
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.
What is an overdraft fee?
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.
I wrote a check that hasn't been returned to me and has never shown up on my statement as having been processed. What's going on?
You have probably experienced a payment process called Accounts Receivable Conversion (ARC). Check out our ARC handout to learn more.
Are ATM and Visa® Debit Card transactions deducted immediately from my available balance?
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.
Can I access telephone banking without a PIN?
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.
How do I place a stop payment on an outstanding check? What is the fee?

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.

I received an ATM fee on my statement, but I was also charged when I made the withdrawal. Why am I being charged twice?
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.
How do I deposit money into my First Citizens checking account?
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

What is a debit card? Is it the same as a credit card?
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.
What is the benefit of having a Visa® Debit Card?
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.
Why do I need checks if I have a debit card?
While you can use your debit card almost anywhere, some businesses still require checks or cash as a method of payment.
When will I get my checking account statement?
You will receive a paper statement monthly by mail, or you can sign up for e.statements.
What are the system requirements to open an account online?

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 Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. Minimum system requirements are:

Internet Explorer (IE) 11 and higher

Chrome 38 and higher

Firefox 33 and higher

Safari 7.0 and higher

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Account openings and credit are subject to Bank approval.

1. Upon clicking this link, you will leave the First Citizens Bank website and go to a third party site. Third party sites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this site. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services, and content on any third party website.

Can’t find the answer you need?

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, please send us your questions directly.

Email us

Or call

1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732)

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1. Upon clicking this link, you will leave the First Citizens Bank website and go to a third party site. Third party sites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this site. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services, and content on any third party website.