Does First Citizens Bank Use ChexSystems?

A checking account denial can happen even when your credit score is in good shape. Banks often review a separate record that covers past deposit accounts, unpaid balances, and account closures.

First Citizens Bank offers several checking options, but it doesn’t market any of them as second chance accounts. Before you apply, it helps to know how the bank uses ChexSystems and which account terms may matter most.

First Citizens Bank Uses ChexSystems

First Citizens Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report may cause the bank to deny your application.

The bank may look at the full record instead of one isolated entry. An old overdraft that has been paid may not receive the same treatment as recent fraud or a balance that’s still unpaid.

First Citizens doesn’t publish exact approval rules for people with ChexSystems records. The bank makes the final decision after it reviews your application and verifies your identity.

Which Records May Cause Problems?

Some ChexSystems entries are more serious than others. Recent and unresolved problems are more likely to affect approval.

First Citizens may pay close attention to:

• Unpaid balances: Money still owed to another bank or credit union may reduce your chances.
• Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or identity concerns may lead to a denial.
• Forced account closures: An account closed by another bank may raise questions.
• Repeated overdrafts: Several unpaid overdrafts may show a pattern of account problems.
• Returned payments: A history of returned checks or electronic payments may affect the review.
• Debt owed to First Citizens: An unpaid balance from a past First Citizens account may need to be resolved first.

The bank may also deny an application when it can’t confirm your name, address, Social Security number, or other personal details.

Primary Checking Is the Simplest Option

Primary Checking is First Citizens Bank’s basic personal checking account. It requires a $50 opening deposit and doesn’t have an ongoing minimum balance requirement.

You must enroll in paperless statements within 60 days after opening the account. If you don’t, First Citizens may convert the account to Select Checking, which has different fees.

Primary Checking includes:

• Visa debit card: Use the card for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
• Mobile banking: Review account activity, transfer money, and deposit eligible checks.
• Online bill pay: Schedule payments through digital banking.
• Account alerts: Receive text or email notices about transactions and balances.
• Digital budgeting tools: Track spending and account activity online.

The account may work well if you want simple terms and plan to use electronic statements. Its low opening deposit doesn’t change the bank’s ChexSystems review.

First Citizens Doesn’t Offer Second Chance Checking

First Citizens Bank doesn’t advertise a second chance checking account for people with negative ChexSystems records.

Primary Checking may look accessible because it has no ongoing minimum balance, but it still uses the bank’s standard approval process. A low-cost account isn’t the same as an account with more flexible screening.

The bank also offers Together Card, a prepaid-style deposit account that can’t be overdrawn. However, it isn’t promoted as a replacement for second chance checking, and approval may still be required. First Citizens states that Together Card and Sure Advantage don’t receive overdraft service.

Review Your ChexSystems Consumer Report First

Check your ChexSystems consumer report before you apply. This gives you time to find errors, resolve unpaid balances, and see what First Citizens may review.

Look for:

• Accounts you don’t recognize: These may be linked to identity theft.
• Incorrect balances: Confirm that each amount matches the original bank’s records.
• Paid debts listed as unpaid: A resolved balance should show the correct status.
• Wrong closure reasons: Check whether each account was described correctly.
• Incorrect dates: A date error may make an older problem look recent.

Accurate negative information can usually stay in a ChexSystems consumer report for five years. Paying a balance normally won’t remove the entry early, but the status should be updated.

You can dispute information that’s wrong or incomplete. Include payment receipts, account statements, identity theft records, or other documents that support your claim.

Watch the Overdraft Policy

Primary Checking allows overdraft service unless you decline it. First Citizens may charge $25 each time it pays an item that takes the account below zero, with a limit of three overdraft fees per business day. The bank doesn’t charge this fee for transactions of $5 or less.

You can decline overdraft service or link another First Citizens account for overdraft protection.

This decision matters if overdrafts caused your earlier ChexSystems problems. A low-balance alert and declined overdraft service may help you avoid another negative account history.

How to Improve Your Approval Chances

You can’t guarantee approval, but you can fix some problems before the bank reviews your application.

• Pay valid debts: Contact the bank that reported the balance and ask how to settle it.
• Dispute errors: Challenge incorrect balances, accounts, dates, or closure reasons.
• Wait for updates: Make sure paid debts and completed disputes appear correctly.
• Check your identification: Use the same name and address shown on your current documents.
• Apply once: Don’t submit several applications before you know why one was denied.
• Prepare the deposit: Have at least $50 ready for Primary Checking.

First Citizens says all account openings are subject to bank approval.

What to Do if First Citizens Denies You

Ask whether ChexSystems affected the decision. When a consumer reporting company contributed to the denial, the bank should send a notice that identifies the company and explains how to request the information it supplied.

Review the record before you apply somewhere else. Dispute it when it’s inaccurate. When the information is correct, contact the financial institution that reported it and ask how to resolve any unpaid balance.

You may need to choose a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems or one that clearly offers second chance checking.

Alternatives to First Citizens Bank That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If First Citizens Bank isn’t an option for you, the following banks make it easy to open a checking account without a ChexSystems review:

Learn More

• Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Take the first step to rebuilding your banking history with our list of banks that do not use ChexSystems for account approval.
• Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Find a credit union that will work with you, not against you. Learn about the credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems.
• Am I in ChexSystems? – Unsure if you’re in ChexSystems? Learn how to find out and take control of your financial status.
• How to Get Out of ChexSystems – Learn how to get out of ChexSystems in four simple steps.
• Second Chance Checking Accounts – Take control of your financial future with our list of over 450 banks that offer second chance checking accounts.