Where First Citizens fits
First Citizens is particularly relevant to businesses that expect their operating account to grow with them. The bank makes the progression easy to model because every tier publishes a transaction allowance, a cash-processing allowance and a clear relationship threshold for waiving the monthly fee.
Checking structure
First Citizens publishes one of the more explicit four-step business checking ladders in the regional-bank market: a $0 paperless entry account, then three higher tiers that scale transactions, cash processing and discounted treasury-management capacity.
Transactions and cash deposits
Business Banking includes 100 free monthly transactions and $5,000 of monthly cash processing at no charge. Business Banking I raises those allowances to 250 transactions and $10,000 of cash; Business Banking II to 500 and $15,000; Business Banking III to 750 and $20,000. The higher tiers also add one, two or three discounted treasury-management products.
Relationship economics
The entry Business Banking account has no monthly maintenance fee when enrolled in paperless statements. Business Banking I costs $25 unless the business has an active merchant-services relationship, an active First Citizens business credit card in good standing, or a $25,000 average daily ledger balance. Business Banking II uses the same relationship routes with a $50,000 balance threshold, while Business Banking III is $75 and can be waived with active merchant services or a $75,000 average daily ledger balance.
Who should compare First Citizens closely
Growing businesses that want a branch-led bank with published operating allowances and a clear path from basic checking into treasury-management services.
Current business checking comparison
| Account | Monthly fee | How the fee can be avoided | Operating allowance / notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Banking | $0 with paperless statements | Paperless statements | 100 transactions; $5,000 monthly cash processing at no charge |
| Business Banking I | $25 or $0 | Merchant services, eligible business credit card, or $25,000 average daily ledger balance | 250 transactions; $10,000 cash processing; one discounted treasury product |
| Business Banking II | $50 or $0 | Merchant services, eligible business credit card, or $50,000 average daily ledger balance | 500 transactions; $15,000 cash processing; two discounted treasury products |
| Business Banking III | $75 or $0 | Merchant services or $75,000 average daily ledger balance | 750 transactions; $20,000 cash processing; three discounted treasury products |
Primary sources
A unusually transparent tier ladder for a regional bank, with strong visibility into when transaction volume, cash deposits and treasury needs justify moving up.
Growing businesses that want a branch-led bank with published operating allowances and a clear path from basic checking into treasury-management services.