
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina offers a range of services and benefits that make banking easier and more convenient.
With over 100 locations throughout the state, you can easily find a branch near you to take care of your banking needs.
Their online banking platform allows you to manage your accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds from the comfort of your own home.
You can also use their mobile app to deposit checks, check your account balances, and make transactions on the go.
Their customer service team is available to help with any questions or concerns you may have, either in person or over the phone.
History
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina has a rich history that spans over a century.
The bank's roots date back to 1913 when the Homestead Bank was founded in Columbia, South Carolina. It later became Commercial Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina.
The bank underwent significant changes in the 1960s, particularly after the Holding brothers acquired Anderson Bank of Dillon, South Carolina in 1964. This marked the beginning of the bank's expansion.
In 1968, Anderson Bank changed its name to Citizens Bank of South Carolina, and later merged with Commercial Bank and Trust to become First Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina, headquartered in Columbia.
First Citizens continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including Summerville National Bank in 1995 and Citizens Bank in Georgia in 2002.
The bank expanded its presence in Georgia further by acquiring First Bank and Trust and The Bank of Toccoa in 2003.
In 2005, First Citizens made two significant acquisitions: Summit Financial Corporation in Greenville and People's Community Bank in Aiken.
On July 23, 2010, First Citizens took over the operations and five branches of Kingstree, South Carolina-based Williamsburg First National Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
First Citizens also absorbed Atlantic Bank & Trust in 2011, which had three locations and $208 million in assets.
The bank's expansion continued with the conversion of Exchange Bank of South Carolina branches to First Citizens branches in 2011.
By 2014, First Citizens had grown to the point where it was acquired by First Citizens Bank of Raleigh, marking a significant milestone in the bank's history.
As of January 1, 2015, First Citizens Bancorporation of Columbia, South Carolina merged with and became a wholly owned subsidiary of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Account Types
First Citizens Bank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, including the standard Online Savings account, which comes with a free Visa debit card. This account is great for tech-savvy customers who want easy access to their money.
The bank's savings options don't offer the strongest interest rates, but they do offer a range of benefits, including no monthly service fee as long as you maintain a certain minimum balance or meet other requirements. The bank also offers a Money Market savings account, which carries a slightly higher interest rate and waives the monthly service fee if you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $1,000.
The Premier Checking account offers additional features, such as access to preferred CD rates and equity Lines, and waives the monthly service fee if you maintain a combined minimum balance of $5,000 in all your First Citizens Bank accounts or set up ACH direct deposit transfers of at least $4,000 per month.
Account Types
First Citizens Bank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts. The bank's savings options include the Online Savings account, which comes with a free Visa debit card, and the Regular Savings account, which requires a $100 minimum deposit.
The Regular Savings account has a monthly service charge of $5, unless you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $2,500. You'll also have to pay $3 per withdrawal or transfer after your second one, unless you meet the balance requirement.
The bank's Money Market Savings account carries a slightly higher interest rate and has a $10 monthly service charge, unless you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $1,000. This will also clear you of the $0.30 PIN-based transaction fee.
You can waive the monthly service fee on the Premier Checking account by maintaining a combined minimum balance of $5,000 in all your First Citizens Bank accounts or setting up ACH direct deposit transfers of at least $4,000 per month.
Additional reading: First Premier Bank Program Fee
The Prestige Checking account offers the same benefits as the Premier Checking account, in addition to waiving all non-network ATM fees and the overdraft protection transfer fee.
Here are the key features of each account type:
CD Accounts
CD accounts are a type of savings account that offers a fixed interest rate for a specific term, usually ranging from a few months to several years. You can access your CD account online, by phone, or at a branch.
The minimum deposit required to open a CD account is $500. If you withdraw your money before the term ends, you'll face an early withdrawal penalty.
First Citizens Bank offers CD accounts with terms from 7 days to 60 months. The term length with the highest APY is 60 months.
Here are some key features of CD accounts:
You can't take your money out before the term ends without facing an early withdrawal penalty. Be sure to compare CD rates before you decide to open an account.
Special Accounts
First Citizens Bank offers a range of special accounts that cater to different needs. Their Online Savings account is a great option for tech-savvy customers, and it comes with a free Visa debit card.
The bank's savings options don't offer the strongest interest rates compared to some online banks and even some of their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Features and Benefits
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina offers a range of checking and savings accounts with low or waivable monthly service fees. You can maintain certain minimum daily balances or meet other requirements to have them cleared.
The bank's checking accounts provide easy access to your money, with options like online banking, mobile banking, and a free Visa debit card for the standard Online Savings account. You can use the debit card at over 475 ATMs throughout the country.
To waive the monthly service fee on the Free Checking account, you need to sign up for e.Statements within 60 days of opening the account. This account also comes with a free Visa debit card and no minimum balance requirement.
Here are some benefits of the bank's checking accounts:
- No monthly service fee on the Free Checking account if you sign up for e.Statements
- Free access to digital, mobile, and tablet banking
- Free Visa debit card with access to over 475 ATMs
- Option to get a First Citizen Together Card for $3 a month
The bank's savings options, like the Money Market Savings account, carry a $10 monthly service charge unless you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $1,000. This will also clear you of the $0.30 PIN-based transaction fee.
Free Checking
The Free Checking account from First Citizens Bank is a great option for those who want a basic checking account without breaking the bank. It's inexpensive to manage, but you do need to sign up for electronic statements (e.Statements) within 60 days of opening the account to avoid a monthly service fee.
The minimum deposit to open the account is $50, and you can access your account online, by phone, or at a branch. Your deposits are also insured up to the maximum allowed by law, giving you peace of mind.
To avoid monthly service fees, you just need to sign up for e.Statements within 60 days of opening the account. This is a simple requirement that's easy to meet.

With the Free Checking account, you get free access to digital, mobile, and tablet banking, as well as a free Visa debit card that you can use at over 475 ATMs throughout the country.
You can also get a First Citizen Together Card for $3 a month, which is a reloadable debit card designed for college students. This card won't take on overdraft fees or insufficient fund fees, and you can easily transfer money from your checking account or deposit money into it at a branch.
Intriguing read: In a Fractional Reserve Banking System Banks Create Money Because
Account Features
First Citizens Bank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, with low or waivable monthly service fees. To avoid fees, you can maintain certain minimum daily balances or meet other requirements.
The bank's online savings account comes with a free Visa debit card, but its savings options don't offer the strongest interest rates compared to online banks and some brick-and-mortar counterparts.
The Free Checking account is a great option for tech-savvy individuals, with no monthly service fee if you sign up for e.Statements within 60 days of opening an account. This account also comes with a free Visa debit card and access to digital, mobile, and tablet banking.

To get a First Citizens Together Card, which is a reloadable debit card designed for college students, you can sign up for a Free Checking account for $3 a month. However, if you sign up for a Premier or Prestige checking account, you can get the Together Card free of monthly service charges.
The Premier Checking account offers additional features such as access to preferred CD rates and equity lines, and waives its own fees on the first five out-of-network ATMs you use per month. To waive the monthly service fee, you can maintain a combined minimum balance of $5,000 in all your First Citizens Bank accounts or set up ACH direct deposit transfers of at least $4,000 per month.
The Prestige Checking account offers the same benefits as the Premier Checking account, plus waiving all non-network ATM fees and overdraft protection transfer fees. You can also waive the monthly service charge by maintaining a combined minimum balance of $5,000 in all your First Citizens Bank accounts or setting up ACH direct deposit transfers of at least $4,000 per month.
The Regular Savings account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and comes with a monthly service charge of $5 unless you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $2,500. Withdrawals and transfers are free as long as you maintain this balance, otherwise it's $3 per withdrawal or transfer after your second one.
Check this out: Bank Charge

The Money Market Savings account requires a minimum deposit of $500 and comes with a monthly service charge of $10 unless you maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $1,000. This account also comes with a $0.30 PIN-based transaction fee unless you meet this balance requirement.
Here are the requirements to waive monthly service fees for each account:
Opening an Account
Opening an account with First Citizens Bank is a relatively straightforward process. You can start by visiting their website and filling out an online application. To do so, you'll need your government-issued ID or driver's license, Social Security number, and basic contact information.
First Citizens Bank has over 500 branches across the country, so you can also finish an account application in person at one of their locations. You can open an account from the comfort of your own home or visit a branch near you.
To be eligible to open an account, you must be a legal resident of one of the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. You also need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Open Banking
Catch and Comparison
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina has its fair share of trade-offs. It doesn't offer the highest interest rates on savings accounts, but it does eliminate some unwanted fees and gives you the chance to waive them by meeting certain requirements.
You can calculate your savings growth with First Citizens Bank, but you might find stronger savings accounts with online banks. Having access to physical branches and real people in your community can be a big plus, though.
If you're looking for a savings account, you can compare options to find the best fit for you. First Citizens Bank also offers money market accounts, CDs, and checking accounts, which you can compare to other options.
Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Calculate your savings growth
- Compare Savings Accounts
- Compare Money Market Accounts
- Compare CD Rates
- Compare Checking Accounts
Bottom Line
First Citizens Bank is a great option for someone who wants a bank with strong ties to the local community to handle all their banking needs. They offer a wide range of services, from basic checking accounts to insurance and investment options.
You can find everything you need at First Citizens Bank, from everyday banking to more complex services. Their small-business services are also top-notch.
Here are some of the specific products and services they offer:
- Savings accounts
- Money market accounts
- CDs
Overall, First Citizens Bank is a solid choice for anyone looking for a bank that truly cares about the community.
Leadership and Management
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina has a strong leadership and management team that has been instrumental in the bank's growth and success.
The bank's leadership team has a deep understanding of the local market and economy, allowing them to make informed decisions that benefit the community.
With a focus on customer satisfaction, First Citizens Bank of South Carolina has implemented various initiatives to improve customer service, including extended banking hours and a user-friendly online banking platform.
The bank's commitment to community development is evident in its partnerships with local organizations and events, such as the annual "First Citizens Bank of South Carolina Community Day".
First Citizens Bank of South Carolina's leadership team has also prioritized employee development, offering training programs and opportunities for advancement to ensure that employees have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
The bank's management team has been able to balance the needs of customers, employees, and shareholders, resulting in a strong and stable financial institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states are First Citizens Bank in?
First Citizens Bank offers banking services in 22 states across the US, including Arizona, California, and Texas. To see the full list of states we serve, visit our website.
How many First Citizens banks are in South Carolina?
There are 140 First Citizens Bank locations in South Carolina. Find your nearest branch by submitting a search on our website.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Citizens_Bank_of_South_Carolina
- https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/First-Citizens-Bank-buys-SC-based-bank-a-516910
- https://archive.fdic.gov/view/fdic/3677
- https://whosonthemove.com/chetwood-joins-first-citizens-bank-as-manager-of-commercial-banking-in-columbia-s-c/
- https://smartasset.com/checking-account/first-citizens-bank-banking-review
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