Free Checking Account

Keep it simple with a free checking account

The no-fee, no-fuss online bank account for managing your money

Life gets easier with better banking—especially when it's free. Take advantage of our free checking account and discover all the great benefits it has to offer.

No fees

Enroll in paperless statements to avoid the monthly fee.D

No minimum balance

Never worry about maintaining a balance on your account.

Bank when you want

Enjoy free Digital Banking,D bill pay and 24/7 mobile deposits.

Drop the fees

Get a free checking account when you go paperless

Enroll in paperless statements within 60 days of opening your account to keep your checking account fee-free.D

  • Minimum opening deposit of $50
  • Choose your overdraft protectionD level
  • Manage and monitor your funds with free online banking tools

Not quite sure? Answer a few questions to find the right checking account for you.

Free Checking Benefits

Convenience without costs

Forget the fees

Avoid any fees on your free online bank account by meeting the above criteria.

Get overdraft protection

Choose the right level of overdraft protection coverageD for your free checking account.

Easily move your money

Pay your bills online or from any device, transfer funds to other accounts and send money with Zelle®.

Take control of your finances

Use proactive protectionD to track and manage your money with convenient services, online tools, account alerts and more.

Get alerts

Securely keep track of your account activity with text and email alerts.

Spot spending trends

Use the Manage My Money trends tool to visualize your spending habits.

Pay with your phone

Link your debit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®.

Free Checking FAQ

People often ask us

A free checking account lets you safely and easily deposit and withdraw money for everyday purchases. You can use personal checks or a debit card to buy gas and groceries, pay bills and get cash from ATMs.

You can open a free checking account with us online. You can also visit your local branch or call us at 888-FC DIRECT to get help from a representative.

Yes. Your free checking account comes with a Visa debit card that makes everyday spending simpler, safer and quicker than carrying cash or checks. You can request a debit card by logging in to Digital Banking.

You can use Digital Banking to manage your online bank account. Easily track your transactions, set up budgets, transfer money and make payments online—all in one convenient place. Download the First Citizens mobile banking app to manage your free checking account and deposit checks on the go.

We offer multiple ways to protect your free checking account from overdrafts. Go beyond basic overdraft service by linking to a savings account or opening a Checkline Reserve. Learn more about your options for overdraft protection coverage.

Yes. We use top-of-the-line security to protect your online bank account, including data encryption and multi-factor authentication. You can also set up alerts to monitor your account balances, transactions and settings in real time.

Bank on Customer Service

Need help with opening your account?

Account openings and credit are subject to bank approval.

For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account Disclosures.

Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the US and other countries.

Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks of Samsung Electronics, Ltd.

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Paperless statements are required. To be eligible for Free Checking, you must sign up to receive First Citizens paperless statements within 60 days of account opening. If you do not sign up and receive paperless statements, your account will be converted automatically and without prior notice to you to a Select Checking account and will be subject to the fees and charges applicable to a Select Checking account. The applicable fees and charges will be debited from your account without further notice to you and will appear on your account statement. If you overdraw your account, fees may apply. Refer to our Personal Account Disclosures for full details.

First Citizens does not charge fees to download or access First Citizens Digital Banking, including the First Citizens mobile banking app. 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.

With the exception of the Sure Advantage and Together Card products (which are ineligible for overdraft service), if the available funds in your account are insufficient to pay an item when presented, First Citizens Bank will make a decision on whether to pay the item or return it unpaid. When we pay an item for which there are insufficient funds, it results in an overdraft. The following overdraft fee structure applies to eligible Consumer accounts: First Citizens Bank will charge you $10 each time we pay an item resulting in an overdraft, up to our limit of four (4) overdraft charges per business day. We will not charge you for overdrafts caused by transactions of $5.00 or less, nor for items returned unpaid. You are obligated to repay overdrafts immediately. Consumers have the option to decline overdraft service. First Citizens Bank also offers overdraft protection programs. Please see our Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) for additional details.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. icon: sys-ehl.

NMLSR ID 503941