Overdraft Prevention and Protection

Tools to track and manage your spending

Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your finances

When you have a clear picture of where your money's going, it's easier to plan ahead and make decisions. The tools and services on this page can help you track and manage your funds, so you're always in the loop and up to date.

Prepare for the unexpected

Be proactive and layer multiple levels of protection.

Enjoy purchase assurance

Always know your balance and keep track with our online tools.

Avoid service disruptions

Stay in the know with security, card and account alerts.

Proactive protection

Educational resources

Brush up on your expertise by exploring our growing library of Insights. Browse dozens of simple, easy-to-read articles in a range of financial categories:

  • Budgeting and Saving
  • Banking and Security
  • Calculators and more
Explore our insights

Overdraft protection and services

Your checking account is automatically provided Basic Overdraft Service, but it's not your only option. Layering overdraft protection options or opting in to Enhanced Overdraft Service can help you prepare for unexpected expenses.

  • Overdraft protection allows funds from your linked accounts to be used to cover overdrafts
  • Enhanced Overdraft Service extends our Basic Overdraft Service to include potential coverage for ATM and one-time debit card transactionsD
Learn more about overdraft protection

Direct deposit

Enjoy the convenience of recurring automatic deposits with our direct deposit service.

  • Great for regular monthly income (salary, pensions, SSI benefits, etc.)
  • Receive an alert when your money is deposited
  • Get same-day access to your deposited funds
Learn more about direct deposit

Manage your money online

Digital Banking

It's easy to keep a bird's-eye view of your finances with our online banking platform.

  • Check your account balances anytime, anywhere
  • Set up a budget and track your expenses
  • Easily move money between accounts
  • View your monthly statements and set up alerts
Log in to digital banking , Opens in a new tab Enroll in digital banking , Opens in a new tab Learn more about digital banking

Mobile banking

Download our secure mobile app and access Digital Banking on the go. You can even deposit checks without visiting a branch.

Learn more about mobile banking

Zelle® payments

Zelle® makes it easy and safe to send money directly to almost any bank account in the US—usually within minutes.D

Learn more about Zelle

Stay updated with alerts

Log in to Digital Banking to set up and manage your security, card and account alerts. You'll receive a text, an email or both whenever an alert is triggered.

Account alerts

These alerts help you track your account balances, and they can be customized to suit your needs.

  • Get daily balance updates
  • Receive an alert when overdraft protection is used
  • Be notified when your balance drops below a specific amount
Set up account alerts , Opens in a new tab

Card alerts

If you want to track debit or credit card activity, these alerts will keep you in the loop.

  • Get a reminder before payment is due
  • Be alerted if transactions exceed a specific amount
  • Know when your card number is used to make a purchase
Set up card alerts , Opens in a new tab

Security alerts

Turning on security alerts will help you stay informed about changes to your Digital Banking profile.

  • Know if your login ID or password is changed
  • Be alerted when someone logs in to your account
  • Get notified when an external transfer is authorized
Set up security alerts , Opens in a new tab
Insights

A few financial insights for your life

Calculator

Balance Your Checkbook

Use our checkbook balance calculator to determine your current account balance.
Use this tool to easily and accurately balance your checkbook.
Budgeting

Account Alerts for Better Money Management

Life is already busy. These account alerts make managing your money easy.
Account alerts can keep you from overdrawing your accounts and keep them secure.
Saving

Preparing for Unexpected Expenses

It can be hard to plan for the future when you don't know what to expect. Here are some tools that can help you lay the right foundation.
Creating a safety net to buffer you from unexpected expenses doesn't need to be difficult, but it does involve planning to cover all your bases.

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. 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.

Please see our Digital Banking Fee Schedule and Digital Banking Agreement (PDF).

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

Please see the Zelle® Terms of Service.

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.

A US checking or savings account is required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes and generally do not incur transaction fees.

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