First Citizens Bank Mortgage Review 2026

First Citizens Bank was founded in 1898 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s currently one of the top 20 banks in the U.S. with more than $200 billion in assets and more than 500 branches throughout the country. Along with banking services, commercial lending and wealth management, First Citizens offers an array of mortgage options.

Pros and cons of First Citizens Bank

Affordability: 3.4 stars

First Citizens Bank offers a down payment assistance program, but it doesn’t publicize its rates online, dinging its affordability score.

• Interest rates: First Citizens Bank didn’t respond to our survey and doesn’t share rates online.
• Down payment: Along with offering government-backed, low-down-payment mortgages — VA loans, USDA loans and FHA loans — First Citizens has a matched savings program for first-time buyers and public service workers. The bank contributes four dollars for every dollar you save toward a down payment, up to $5,000 and $7,500, respectively. Military families can qualify for up to $10,000 in grants. And buyers in qualifying counties can purchase a home with no down payment. 

Availability: 4.9 stars

Because First Citizens Bank offers such a wide range of mortgage products and serves borrowers in most states, the lender got high marks for availability.

• Home loans offered: This lender offers a wide array of mortgage products, including conventional loans and government-backed loans, such as FHA, USDA and VA loans. You can also get jumbo loans, construction loans, renovation loans and physician loans through the lender, and there’s a program for borrowers who lack traditional credit.
• Footprint: First Citizens Bank provides mortgages to borrowers in most U.S. states.
• Where to find: First Citizens Bank offers a prequalification process online, with customer service available by phone and email. There are also branches throughout the country where you can meet in person with a loan officer.

Borrower experience: 3.5 stars

Because prospective borrowers need to contact the bank for a rate quote and phone customer service hours are limited to weekdays, First Citizens lost points for borrower experience.

• Application and preapproval process: Unlike many lenders, First Citizens offers only prequalification online, not preapproval. To get preapproved, you must call and speak with a loan officer directly.
• Transparency: First Citizens doesn’t display mortgage rates online. To get a rate quote and see how much you could qualify for, you'll need to call a loan officer.
• Customer service: Customer service is available by phone at 800-845-3161. Mortgage customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also find a local branch for help in person. 

First Citizens Bank has been in business for more than a century, growing in size and assets over the years. The bank has an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau but does not hold accreditation from the organization.