First Citizens Bank vs Bank of America
First Citizens Bank is a full-service bank with waivable fees and low APYs. How does it compare to Bank of America? Read our comparison chart below.
First Citizens Bank is a full-service bank with over 500 branches in 23 states. It offers a basic Free Checking account with just $50 deposit. Plus, it has premium checking options, savings, loans, credit cards, and business accounts.
While Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the U.S. with approximately 4,300 locations and 17,000 ATMs. It is known for good customer service with extended hours. It offers checking, savings, CDs, IRA, and investment accounts through Merrill Edge.
Compare First Citizens Bank with Bank of America, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
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| Learn More | Learn More | |
First Citizens Bank | Bank of America | |
|---|---|---|
Online Savings - | Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer | |
Benefits and Features | ||
| Savings | Bank of America Advantage Savings Standard Rate: 0.01% APY | |
| CD |
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| Checking |  | |
| Mobile App | ||
| ATMs | ||
| Customer Service | Monday to Sunday 7:00AM - 11:00PM (ET) |
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| IRA CD | | |
| Locations | ||
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
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| Savings |   | |
| Checking | | |
| Mobile App |  | |
| Customer Service | | |
| CD | | |
| Pros & Cons | Pros:
| Pros:
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| Bottom Line | Full-service bank with waivable fees and low APYs... | National bank with widespread accessibility and wide range of services... |
| Learn More | Learn More | |
Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details. First Citizens Bank: Pricing information from published website as of 04/18/2025. Bank of America: Pricing information from published website as of 05/07/2025 based on 91107 zip code. | ||
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 05/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new eligible business checking customers only.
- Offer expires 12/31/2025.
- To qualify, deposit $5,000 or more in New Money* directly into a new eligible Bank of America Business Advantage Banking account within thirty (30) days of account opening.
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 in that new Business Advantage Banking account during the Maintenance Period**.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *New Money is new funds deposited into your business checking account that are not transfers from other Bank of America deposit accounts or
Merrill investment accounts.
- ** The Maintenance Period begins thirty-one (31) calendar days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
- Banking that helps you stay within your balance.
- No monthly maintenance fee each statement cycle when you meet one of the following: an owner of this account is under the age of 25 or maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Which is Better: First Citizens Bank or Bank of America?
Still need help deciding which bank reviews & deals is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing First Citizens Bank or Wells Fargo.
In short: Bank of America's checking and customer service are noteworthy.
Articles on First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank Review
First Citizens Bank offers many account options with low opening deposits and fees. But there are downsides. Find out if First Citizens is a good bank for you.
First Citizens Bank Problems
First Citizens Bank provides affordable banking with fee-free checking and savings options. However, they may not be available for you.
Articles on Bank of America
Bank of America Review
Bank of America is a national bank with many account options and user-friendly online banking. But does this convenience come at a cost? Read on.
Bank of America Savings Account Interest Rate
Bank of America's Advantage Savings has a standard APY way below the national average. Read on to find out more.
Bank of America High Yield Savings
Bank of America offers various banking products and services. But does it have a high-yield savings account? Find out here.
Bank of America Problems
Bank of America may be one of the biggest banks, but many customers find a lot of issues with their banking services. What are they? Keep reading.
Bank of America CD Rates
Bank of America is one the biggest banks in the U.S. But are their CD rates worth it? Read on to find out.
How to Close a Bank of America Account
Want to close your Bank of America account? Learn how and what you need to do before you close your account.
Bank of America Hours
Bank of America is open 5-6 days a week, depending on the location. Take a look at their business hours below.
Bank of America Routing Number
Find your Bank of America routing number and learn about money transfers in our guide.
Which Do You Think is Best?
Which Bank Account is Right for You?
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