No, Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank are not the same company

They are two separate banks with different ownership, different headquarters, and different service areas. The confusion is understandable — they have similar names and both operate across the United States — but they are distinct organizations that do not share accounts, branches, or customer records.

Citizens Bank is owned by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a Canadian parent company. It operates branches primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, with some locations in other regions. First Citizens Bank is a separate, independent company headquartered in North Carolina. It has a larger branch network spread across more states, particularly in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

If you have an account at one, you cannot walk into a branch of the other and access your money or conduct business. Your debit card from Citizens Bank will not work at First Citizens Bank ATMs (unless they are part of a shared network), and vice versa. The two banks have different fee structures, different products, and different customer service systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Citizens Bank is owned by Royal Bank of Canada and operates mainly in the Northeast and Midwest, while First Citizens Bank is an independent company based in North Carolina with branches across more states.
  • The two banks have separate accounts, separate ATM networks, and separate customer service systems — opening an account at one does not give you access to the other.
  • If you already bank with one and want to switch to the other, you will need to open a new account and transfer your money yourself.
  • Both banks offer standard checking and savings accounts, but their fees, interest rates, and branch locations differ, so compare them directly if you are considering switching.

Where each bank operates and how many branches they have

Citizens Bank has roughly 2,700 branches across the United States, concentrated in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other Northeast and Midwest states. They also have a growing presence in other regions, but their footprint is smaller in the South and West.

First Citizens Bank operates approximately 500 branches, primarily in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and other Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states. Their network is smaller overall but covers a different geographic area than Citizens Bank. If you live in the Southeast, you may have more First Citizens Bank locations near you; if you live in the Northeast, Citizens Bank is likely more convenient.

Both banks also offer online and mobile banking, so you do not need a physical branch nearby to open an account or conduct most transactions. However, if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person, branch location matters.

How to tell which bank you currently use

Check your debit card, checkbook, or online banking login. The name on your card and the name you use to log in will match the bank you use. If your card says "Citizens Bank," you bank with Citizens Bank. If it says "First Citizens Bank," you bank with First Citizens Bank.

You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or look at your most recent bank statement. Both will clearly identify which bank holds your account. If you are unsure whether you have an account with either bank, you can search your email for account opening confirmations or statements from years past.

What happens if you accidentally send money to the wrong bank

If you transfer money to a Citizens Bank account but you actually bank with First Citizens Bank (or vice versa), the transfer will go through — but it will go to the wrong account. The receiving bank will not automatically know the money was sent by mistake.

If this happens, contact your own bank's customer service when ready. Explain that you sent money to the wrong institution. Your bank can attempt to recall the transfer, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

To avoid this mistake, always double-check the bank name and account number before you send money. When someone gives you their account information, ask them to confirm which bank they use. A few seconds of verification can save you hours of trying to recover a misdirected transfer.

Switching from one bank to the other

If you currently bank with Citizens Bank and want to switch to First Citizens Bank (or the reverse), you will need to open a new account at the bank you want to join. The two banks do not merge accounts or transfer existing accounts between them.

To switch, open a new account at your chosen bank — you can do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Once your new account is open and funded, you can close your old account at the other bank. Before you close the old account, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits have been redirected to your new account.

You will also need a new debit card from the new bank, and you may need to update your login information if you use online banking. The process usually takes a few days to a week, depending on how quickly you transfer your money and how long the old bank takes to process the closure.

Why the names are so similar

Both banks use the word "Citizens" in their name, which is a common word in banking. Historically, many banks chose names that reflected their role in serving the community or the general public. "Citizens Bank" and "First Citizens Bank" both follow this pattern, but they developed independently and are not related to each other.

The similarity in names has led to confusion for decades, especially for people new to banking or those who move between regions where one bank or the other is more common. Neither bank is obligated to change its name to avoid confusion, and both have established brand recognition in their respective markets.

How to find the right bank for you

If you do not currently bank with either institution and are trying to decide between them, consider where you live and where you spend most of your time. If you are in the Northeast or Midwest, Citizens Bank likely has more branches near you. If you are in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic, First Citizens Bank may be more convenient.

You should also compare their checking and savings account offerings, fee structures, and interest rates. Both banks publish this information on their websites. Look at monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, minimum balance requirements, and the interest rate they pay on savings accounts. A few percentage points of difference in savings interest can add up over time, especially if you keep a large balance.

If you do most of your banking online and rarely visit a branch, location matters less. In that case, focus on which bank offers the features and fees that work best for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Citizens Bank ATM if I bank with First Citizens Bank?

Not directly. However, both banks may participate in ATM networks that allow you to withdraw cash at partner banks without a fee. Check your bank's website or call customer service to see which ATM networks your bank belongs to. Some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network.

If I move from a Citizens Bank state to a First Citizens Bank state, can I keep my Citizens Bank account?

Yes. You can keep your Citizens Bank account even if you move away from their service area. You can still use online banking, mobile banking, and ATMs. However, you will lose access to in-person branches, which may be inconvenient if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone face-to-face.

Do Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank share customer information?

No. They are separate companies and do not share customer records, account information, or transaction history. If you have accounts at both banks, each bank only knows about the account you hold with them.

What if I have a check from First Citizens Bank but I bank with Citizens Bank?

You can deposit the check into your Citizens Bank account through mobile deposit (if your bank offers it) or by taking it to a Citizens Bank branch. The check will clear normally because both banks participate in the same check-clearing system, even though they are separate companies.

Is one bank safer than the other?

Both Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank are FDIC-insured, which means deposits up to $250,000 per account are protected by the federal government if the bank fails. This protection applies equally to both banks, so neither is safer in that regard. Your choice should be based on convenience, fees, and features rather than safety.