No — First Citizens Bank and Citizens Bank are different banks with different owners, different locations, and different histories.

Citizens Bank is owned by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and operates branches mainly in the Northeast and Midwest United States, plus some locations in other regions. First Citizens Bank is a separate, independent company headquartered in North Carolina that operates across a much wider geographic footprint, including the Southeast, Midwest, and West.

The confusion is understandable — both have "Citizens" in the name, and both are real, legitimate banks. But they are not affiliated with each other, do not share accounts or systems, and do not recognize each other's cards or checks. If you have an account at one, it does not work at the other.

The easiest way to tell them apart: Citizens Bank uses the RBC logo and branding in some materials and is part of the Royal Bank of Canada corporate structure. First Citizens Bank operates independently and has its own branding and leadership.

Key Takeaways

  • First Citizens Bank and Citizens Bank are completely separate companies with no ownership connection or shared systems.
  • Citizens Bank is owned by Royal Bank of Canada and primarily serves the Northeast and Midwest; First Citizens Bank is independent and operates across more states.
  • An account at one bank cannot be used at the other, and their ATM networks, debit cards, and online banking systems are separate.
  • Both are FDIC-insured banks, so deposits at either one receive the same federal protection up to $250,000 per account type.

Where Each Bank Operates

Citizens Bank has branches concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Michigan, with additional locations in other states. The exact number and locations change as the bank opens and closes branches, so checking their website or calling their customer service line will give you the current list for your area.

First Citizens Bank has a much larger footprint, with branches in more than 20 states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. Like any bank, their branch network changes over time, so their website is the best source for current locations near you.

How to Know Which Bank You Use

If you already have an account, your debit card, checks, and online banking login will tell you which one it is. Look at the name printed on your debit card — it will say either "Citizens Bank" or "First Citizens Bank" clearly. Your monthly statement will also show the correct bank name at the top.

If you are looking to open a new account and want to know which bank serves your area, search for "Citizens Bank near me" or "First Citizens Bank near me" on Google Maps or visit each bank's website directly. Both have branch locators that show you exactly where you can walk in or call.

Differences in Services and Products

While both are full-service banks offering checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and credit cards, the specific products, fees, and interest rates differ between them. Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank set their own terms, so a checking account at one will have different monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates than the other.

If you are comparing the two banks to decide where to open an account, look at their current offerings on their websites. Pay attention to monthly maintenance fees, minimum opening deposits, ATM network access, and whether they offer online-only accounts with higher interest rates. What works best for you depends on your location, how you prefer to bank, and what features matter most to you.

FDIC Protection at Both Banks

Both Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected by the federal government up to $250,000 per account type at each bank. This protection is the same whether you bank at Citizens Bank, First Citizens Bank, or any other FDIC-insured institution.

The $250,000 limit applies per depositor, per bank, per account type. So if you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, each is covered separately up to $250,000. If you have accounts at both Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank, each bank's accounts are covered separately, so you could have $250,000 protected at each one.

What Happens If You Confuse Them When Banking

If you try to use a Citizens Bank debit card at a First Citizens Bank ATM, or vice versa, the transaction will be declined. The two banks do not share ATM networks, so you will need to use an ATM owned by your own bank or a network your bank participates in.

If you write a check from a Citizens Bank account and try to deposit it at a First Citizens Bank branch, the teller will not be able to process it directly. You would need to deposit it through your own bank's mobile app, ATM, or branch. The same applies in reverse — First Citizens Bank checks cannot be deposited at Citizens Bank branches.

How the Names Became Confusing

Both banks have used variations of "Citizens Bank" for decades. Citizens Bank was founded in the 1800s and has changed ownership multiple times; it is now part of Royal Bank of Canada. First Citizens Bank was also founded in the 1800s and has remained independent. Over time, both names became common in the banking industry, which is why multiple unrelated banks use similar names.

This is not unusual — there are several banks with "First" in the name, several with "Citizens" in the name, and some with both. The banking industry does not prevent similar names as long as the banks operate in different regions or are clearly distinct entities. That is why it is always important to verify which bank you are actually using by checking your account statements, debit card, or the bank's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money between Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank?

Yes, but you would do it the same way you transfer money between any two different banks: through an external transfer using your account number and routing number, or by visiting a branch and withdrawing cash to deposit elsewhere. The two banks do not have a direct connection, so transfers take the standard time — usually one to three business days.

If I move to a state where only one of these banks operates, can I keep my account?

Yes. You can keep your account open even if you move away from where the bank has branches. You can manage it online, by phone, or by mail. However, you will lose convenient access to in-person services like deposits at a branch or speaking to someone face-to-face.

Are Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank both safe?

Both are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected by federal insurance. Both are regulated by banking authorities. Safety in terms of your money being protected is the same at either bank. Your choice should be based on location, fees, services, and which one you prefer to use.

What if I have an old Citizens Bank account from years ago — is it still the same bank?

It depends on when you opened it and where. Citizens Bank has been bought and sold over the years. If your account still exists, it is still insured and valid, but the bank may have changed ownership or merged with another institution. Call the number on your old statements or visit a Citizens Bank branch to confirm the account is still active.

Can I use my First Citizens Bank card at Citizens Bank ATMs?

No. First Citizens Bank and Citizens Bank have separate ATM networks. Your First Citizens Bank debit card will only work at First Citizens Bank ATMs and ATMs in networks First Citizens Bank participates in. To find ATMs you can use, check your bank's website or mobile app for an ATM locator.