First Citizens Credit Cards in 2025: Smart, Simple, and Rewarding Options for Every Wallet

With many First Citizens credit cards in 2025, choosing the right one might be overwhelming. Each options boasting different flashy rewards and confusing terms. Finding a card that truly fits your financial lifestyle is crucial whatever your main purposes.

Known for their simplicity, transparency, and customer-focused features, a range of First Citizens credit cards designed to serve real financial needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through their lineup, benefits, application process, and more. Consequently, we can help you decide if a First Citizens credit card is right for you.

Overview of First Citizens Bank

With a legacy of more than 125 years, First Citizens Bank has been a steadfast financial partner for families and businesses across the U.S. From helping customers achieve lifelong goals to guiding smart budgeting and secure investments, the bank has built a solid reputation for service, stability, and reliability.

Today, First Citizens ranks among the Top 20 financial institutions in the United States. It operates with more than 16,000 associates nationwide and manages over $200 billion in total assets, underscoring its strength, resilience, and growth.

First Citizens stands out not only for its size and history but also for its unique service approach. More importantly, it blends personalized customer care with strong, user-friendly digital tools. As a result, customers receive the warmth of a local bank alongside the innovation of a national institution. In addition, its products ranging from checking and credit cards to loans and investment guidance are both accessible and practical.
Ultimately, First Citizens delivers banking that’s simple, smart, and built around your needs.

First Citizens Credit Cards: Full Lineup (2025)

First Citizen credit cards makes it simple to find the perfect fit for different personal lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to earn unlimited cashback, travel with rewards, or build your credit, there’s a card suitable for you.

Cash Rewards Credit Cards

The First Citizens Cash Rewards Credit Card is for people who value simplicity, flexibility, and dependable returns on everyday spending. With this card, there are no rotating categories, no quarterly activation requirements, and no complex earning rules but just a straightforward rewards structure that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.

Cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on every qualifying purchase such as: groceries, gas, streaming services, or online shopping. Unlike some rewards programs, your cash back doesn’t come with limits or confusing tiers. Better yet, earned rewards are posted to your account daily, so you can watch your balance grow in real time.

One of the standout features is the ability to redeem your cash back your way. Moreover, this First Citizens credit card also comes with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles, giving new users the opportunity to consolidate existing debt, particularly valuable for anyone juggling high-interest payday loans. After that, the APR adjusts to a variable rate between 17.24% and 26.24%, based on your credit profile.

There’s more to this card than rewards. It’s convenient and securable in mind. Cardholders can make fast, secure transactions using contactless payment technology. With text and email alerts, you’ll receive real-time updates about purchases or suspicious activity. Additionally, Digital Banking features allow you to automate bill payments, monitor your credit card activity, and track rewards.

Importantly, this card charges no annual fee, so every dollar in rewards stays in your pocket. However, users should note that rewards do expire after three years from the month they were earned. The card also carries a 3% foreign transaction fee, which may make it less ideal for international travel.

Rewards Credit Cards

The First Citizens Rewards Credit Card is the go-to option for anyone who wants to earn points on daily purchases with minimal hassle. Designed for versatility and everyday value, this card turns ordinary spending like gas, groceries, drugstores, and streaming services into meaningful rewards.

With each purchase, you earn:

• 3 points per dollar on gas

• 2 points per dollar on streaming, groceries, and drugstores

• 1 point per dollar on all other spending

You can redeem your points on your way, including cash back, gift cards, and merchandise. Alternatively, use the exclusive Pay Me Back® feature to reimburse a recent purchase or offset travel expenses booked on your terms.

This card also offers valuable financial breathing room with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable purchase APR ranging from 17.24% to 26.24% applies, based on creditworthiness. It’s a convenient option for consolidating debt while enjoying everyday perks.

Like other First Citizens credit cards, this one includes modern conveniences that enhance your experience. Even better, the card comes with no annual fee, allowing you to enjoy all of its rewards and benefits without any extra cost. It’s designed for everyday people who want consistent earnings and practical, valuable ways to redeem them, whether for travel, savings, or even long-term investing goals.

Secured Cash Back Credit Card

The First Citizens Secured Cash Back Credit Card offers a balanced path for those who are new to credit or working to rebuild it. This card combines responsible credit-building tools with real cashback benefits, providing a practical solution..

To get started, you’ll need to make a one-time refundable deposit of $500, which helps determine your credit limit. From there, you can use the card just like any other First Citizens credit cards. For example, you can make purchases, track spending, and earn 1% cash back on every dollar spent on qualified purchases, including essential payments like utilities, or checking account services.

Moreover, responsible usage, such as paying on time and maintaining low balances, can improve your credit profile over time. As your credit history grows stronger, you may become eligible to upgrade to an unsecured First Citizens Cash Rewards card, which offers even more perks and flexibility.

In terms of fees and rates, the card comes with a $29 annual fee and a variable APR of 26.24% for both purchases and balance transfers. A foreign transaction fee of 3% applies to purchases made outside the U.S. Furthermore, cash back is also easy to redeem. All of this can be managed conveniently through Digital Banking.

Smart Option Credit Card

The First Citizens Smart Option Credit Card is the lowest-interest First Citizens credit card. It’s ideal for individuals looking to save on interest while managing big purchases such as auto loans, home repairs or consolidating high-rate balances.

What makes this card particularly appealing is its 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, the variable APR ranges from 14.24% to 23.24%, depending on your credit profile.

Moreover, it charges no annual fee so you can get competitive rates and premium benefits without paying to hold the card. Additionally, this card is relatively suitable for large expenses, as it helps minimize interest accumulation while offering added perks like cell phone protection and roadside assistance, available through its built-in credit card benefits. It also supports modern convenience through different forms.

Cardholders can manage all activity through Digital Banking, making it easy to schedule payments, track transactions, and stay on top of due dates. There’s also peace of mind in knowing that, even with advanced features, you won’t be hit with surprise fees.

Travel Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who simply enjoys earning more for every trip, the First Citizens Travel Rewards Credit Card was especially for you. Designed with flexibility and value in mind, this card helps you turn everyday travel expenses into meaningful rewards without the hassle of blackout dates or complicated redemption systems.

With this premium rewards card, you earn points at a competitive and rewarding rate:

• 3 points per dollar on travel purchases including airlines, hotels, and rental cars

• 2 points per dollar on dining

• 1.5 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

All points are credited to your rewards account daily, giving you immediate access and complete visibility into your earnings.

Redemption is just as user-friendly. Points can be used for a variety of travel rewards such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. Additionally, you can take advantage of the exclusive Pay Me Back® feature to reimburse travel booked independently or to cover eligible purchases on your own terms. As a bonus, cardholders also receive a $100 annual travel credit, adding even more value to their journeys.

Like other First Citizens credit cards, Travel Rewards Credit Card also includes a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers during the first 12 billing cycles. Therefore, you can consolidate debt while earning travel rewards. After the intro period, the variable APR ranges from 17.24% to 26.24%, depending on your credit score.

Unlike many travel cards, this one offers no foreign transaction fees so you can make international purchases with confidence. Although the card does carry a $95 annual fee, it’s waived for the first year. Finally, it also has some features designed for security and convenience.

First Citizens Credit Cards: Compare Different Options 

There are versatile range of First Citizen credit cards, each designed for different financial goals and spending habits. Let’s have close look at the following comparison:

To help you quickly compare the key features across First Citizens credit cards, the table below highlights differences in rewards, APR, fees, and benefits so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.

First Citizens Credit Cards: Key Benefits

First Citizens credit cards offer a compelling blend of flexibility, value, and user-focused features that make them suitable for a wide range of financial needs. Most cards come with no annual fee, allowing cardholders to earn rewards or enjoy low interest without additional costs. Whether you’re managing day-to-day spending or planning large expenses like home loans, these credit cards provide reliable support.

Nearly all cards also include a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles so they are ideal for consolidating debt and reducing interest. Rewards, whether in the form of cashback or points, are credited to your account daily, so you can track and redeem them without delay.

Moreover, cardholders also enjoy modern conveniences like contactless payments and compatibility with digital wallets, enabling fast, secure checkouts in stores or online. Real-time alerts via text or email add an extra layer of financial awareness and fraud protection. Every card is backed by Visa® benefits, including purchase protection and emergency roadside assistance, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.

For those starting or rebuilding credit, First Citizens offers upgradeable secured card options that can transition into unsecured cards over time. Additionally, redemption is flexible: you can choose to apply rewards as statement credits, transfer them to other First Citizens accounts, reimburse past purchases with Pay Me Back®, or even cover eligible travel expenses. Altogether, these features make First Citizens credit cards a smart, reliable choice for everyday use, credit growth, or long-term financial strategy.

First Citizens Credit Cards: Application Requirements & Process

Applying for a First Citizens credit card is a straightforward and secure process designed to get you approved quickly, often within minutes. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid government-issued photo ID. While a minimum credit score of 640 is generally for unsecured cards, First Citizens also offers a secured option for those building or rebuilding credit. Moreover, you’ll need to provide proof of income and verify your address through a utility bill or lease agreement.

The application process begins online at firstcitizens.com, where you can browse card options and select the one that best fits your goals. After completing the secure digital form, you’ll upload any necessary documents and submit your application.

Most applicants receive a decision instantly, while others may hear back within 3–5 business days. If you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify, First Citizens offers a pre-qualification tool that lets you check without affecting your credit score. Once approved, you can manage your card through the First Citizens Digital Banking platform, set up auto-pay, and start earning rewards or saving on interest right away.

With multiple First Citizens credit card options available in 2025, choosing the right one comes down to matching your financial goals with the features that matter most. Backed by over 125 years of banking experience and enhanced with secure digital tools, First Citizens credit cards offer transparency, flexibility, and everyday value. No matter your spending style, there’s a smart, reliable option designed to help you take control of your finances with confidence.