First Citizens Bank vs Wells Fargo

First Citizens Bank is a full-service bank with waivable fees and low APYs. How does it compare to Wells Fargo? 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 Wells Fargo is one of America's largest banks with approximately 4,100 locations and more than 11,000 ATMs. Offers many checking options, including Everyday Checking and Clear Access Banking for those who have financial troubles. 24/7 customer service. Special CDs offers high rates with $5,000 minimum opening deposit.

Compare First Citizens Bank with Wells Fargo, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.

	First Citizens Bank	Wells Fargo
	Member FDIC	Member FDIC
	Learn More	Learn More
	SPECIAL OFFER Online Savings - Learn More Read First Citizens Bank Review	SPECIAL OFFER Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus Read Wells Fargo Review
	Benefits and Features
Savings		0.01% APY. Minimum opening deposit of $25. Monthly service fee of $5, unless you maintain a minimum daily balance of $300, make 1 automatic transfer each fee period of $25 or more from a linked Wells Fargo checking account, make 1 automatic transfer each business day within the fee period of $1 or more from a linked Wells Fargo checking account, make 1 or more Save As You Go® transfers from a linked Wells Fargo checking account, or primary account owner is 24 years old or under.
CD		Standard Fixed Term CD available online: 2.00% APY. Terms of 3 months to 1 year. Minimum deposit of $2,500. Relationship APY: 2.01% APY when you link a Wells Fargo Prime Checking, Premier Checking, or Private Bank Interest Checking account to the CD. More CD terms are available in branch.
Checking		Clear Access Banking, Everyday Checking, Prime Checking, Premier Checking
Mobile App		iOS & Android
ATMs		11,000+ ATMs across the country
Customer Service	Monday to Sunday 7:00AM - 11:00PM (ET)	Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
IRA CD		Standard Term CD: 0.01% to 2.75% APY. Terms of 1 month to 144 months. Minimum deposit of $1,000. Relationship APY: 0.02% to 2.76% APY when you link a Wells Fargo Prime Checking, Premier Checking, or Private Bank Interest Checking account to the CD.
Locations	over 600 branches in 22 states	approximately 4,100 retail banking branches coast to coast
	CreditDonkey® Reviews

Savings
Checking
Mobile App
Customer Service
CD
Pros & Cons	Pros: Low opening deposit on some accounts Monthly fees can be waived Overdraft protection available Cons: Low APYs Only available in 23 states	Pros: Low requirements for Everyday Checking Full service bank 24/7 customer service Cons: Low savings rates Not in all states
Bottom Line	Full-service bank with waivable fees and low APYs... Read full review	A "big 4" bank with a good range of checking accounts and full services... Read full review
	Learn More	Learn More
	Online Savings Free Checking Savings Account - $25 Bonus
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. Wells Fargo: Pricing information from the published website as of 05/09/2025 is based on the 91101 zip code.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus

Learn More

Expires 7/8/2025

Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

Which is Better: First Citizens Bank or Wells Fargo?

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 CIT Bank.

In short: Wells Fargo's checking and customer service are worth mentioning.

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.

First Citizens Bank vs Chase

Articles on Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Bank Review

Wells Fargo offers nationwide access with thousands of ATMs and branch locations. But are their checkings and savings accounts right for you? Read on to see the best options.