Investing today is much more than just choosing stocks. Understanding that, First Citizens investment services offer personalized strategies for retirement, college savings, and long-term financial growth. With a wide range of account types and professional support, the bank caters to both beginners and experienced investors.
This review explores how First Citizens investment services stack up in 2025, covering account types, advisor support, tools, fees, and overall experience. Let’s dive in!
Overview of First Citizens Investment Services
Before exploring the investment services they offer, it’s important to understand who First Citizens Bank is and how its dedicated investment arm fits into the bigger picture.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank is part of First Citizens BancShares, Inc., a financial holding company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1898 and has remained a family-led institution for over 125 years, currently managed by the third generation of the Holding family. This long-standing leadership has helped the bank maintain a consistent vision and customer-first philosophy throughout its history.
Over the decades, First Citizens has grown into one of the 15 largest banks in the United States, with more than $220 billion in total assets. It now operates over 500 branches across 23 states, offering a wide range of personal, business, and investment banking services. The bank is known for its tailored approach to banking, and in recent years, the bank has expanded its focus into investment management and wealth planning.
Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned professional, First Citizens aims to offer tools and guidance to help you make informed financial decisions.
First Citizens Investment Arm
To support customers in growing and managing their wealth, First Citizens created a dedicated investment division called First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. (FCIS). This arm is a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and FINRA.
FCIS offers a wide variety of First Citizens Bank investment services, from self-directed investing for individuals who prefer managing their own portfolios, to personalized financial advice for clients looking for long-term guidance. Whether you’re interested in stocks and ETFs, retirement planning, or comprehensive wealth management, FCIS provides tools and professional support to help you make confident financial decisions.
Importantly, First Citizens’ 2023 acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank also brought new capabilities in tech-sector investing and venture capital, expanding the bank’s reach into fast-growing industries and innovation-driven markets. This move has made First Citizens not just a traditional bank, but a modern financial institution with national influence and diverse investment services.
What Investment Solutions Are Offered?
First Citizens Bank, through its investment division, First Citizens Investor Services (FCIS), offers a wide range of investment solutions to meet the needs of both new investors and experienced clients. Whether you’re looking to trade on your own, plan for retirement, save for education, or receive professional financial advice, they have options designed to support your financial goals.
Here’s a breakdown of their three main service categories:
Self-Directed Trading Platform
If you prefer to take control of your investments, First Citizens offers a self-directed online trading platform that’s easy to use and accessible from both desktop and mobile devices. This platform allows you to buy and sell U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) without paying commissions on most trades.
Setting up an account is simple and can be done entirely online. Once you’re registered, you can research investments, track performance, and place trades anytime.
Most stock and ETF trades are commission-free, which is great for keeping your investing costs low. However, there may be small charges for more complex trades, such as options or low-priced penny stocks (under $3/share). This structure makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious investors who want independence and flexibility without hidden fees.
Key features include:
- $0 commissions on most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs
- User-friendly digital platform, accessible anytime, anywhere
- No account opening minimum, making it ideal for new investors.
Retirement Savings Accounts
Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take, and First Citizens makes it easier with a variety of tax-advantaged accounts.
For retirement, they offer several types of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs):
- Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, and anyone with earned income can participate. You can begin penalty-free withdrawals at age 59½. This option is ideal for individuals who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement.
- Roth IRA: Grow your money tax-free and make qualified withdrawals without penalties after age 59½, as long as the account has been open for five years. You can also withdraw your contributions at any time, making it a flexible choice for long-term planners.
- SEP IRA: Designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners, this low-cost plan allows flexible employer contributions and full ownership of investments. It’s easy to manage and offers strong retirement support without annual funding requirements.
- SIMPLE IRA: Available to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees, this plan enables staff to make pretax contributions, while employers can choose between matching contributions or a flat percentage of pay.
These First Citizens investment services allow your investments to grow tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the type you choose. If you’re a small business owner, you can also open retirement plans designed for business use, such as SEP IRAs or SIMPLE IRAs.
Education Savings Accounts
When it comes to saving for college, First Citizens provides 529 education savings plans and the Coverdell education savings account:
- 529 College Savings Plan: Save for college with tax-free growth and tax-exempt withdrawals when funds are used for qualified higher education expenses. These accounts are flexible, accepted nationwide, and allow contributions from friends and family members.
- Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA): Save up to $2,000 per child per year for a wide range of education needs, not just college. Funds grow tax-free and can be used for qualified expenses from elementary school through higher education. Plus, Coverdell accounts are FDIC-insured for added peace of mind.
These accounts allow your money to grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free when used for qualified educational expenses like tuition, books, or room and board. It’s a smart way for parents, grandparents, or guardians to invest in a child’s future while gaining valuable tax benefits.
Advisory and Wealth Management Services
Not everyone wants to go it alone. For those who prefer expert guidance, First Citizens offers a full suite of advisory and wealth management services through its team of licensed financial consultants.
Clients can receive personalized investment advice that’s based on their individual goals, whether that’s saving for retirement, building a long-term portfolio, or managing a large inheritance. First Citizens takes a goal-based approach, meaning your advisor will help you create a plan tailored to your life stage, income, and risk tolerance.
Their wealth division manages over $50 billion in client assets, serving individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Services include:
- Portfolio Management: Custom investment strategies designed to grow and protect your wealth over time.
- Retirement & Estate Planning: Helping you prepare for life after work and pass on your assets in a tax-efficient way.
- Tax & Business Planning: Integrating investment decisions with tax and business strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Charitable Giving: Structuring your donations to maximize both impact and potential tax deductions.
For clients with higher net worth, First Citizens also offers private banking services. These exclusive solutions include securities-backed lending, which allows you to borrow against your investment portfolio, and custom mortgage options tailored to your financial situation. Private banking clients often receive priority service and a dedicated relationship manager who oversees all aspects of their financial plan.
How to Get Started With First Citizens Investment Services
Opening a First Citizens investment account is simple, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin with First Citizens investment services:
- Open an Account: Start by choosing the type of account that fits your goals. Most First Citizens investment accounts can be opened quickly online, and the process only takes a few minutes.
- Explore Digital Tools: Once your account is active, you’ll have access to a range of tools through First Citizens’ web platform and mobile app. You can view your investments, place trades, monitor performance, and access research, all from your phone or computer.
- Choose Your Path: You have two main options:
- Go the DIY route with their online trading tools.
- Or choose a more guided path with professional advisory services that include long-term planning and investment strategies.
- Collaborate with Experts: If you opt for wealth management or private banking, you’ll work with a team of professionals, including advisors, tax planners, and estate specialists. High-net-worth clients may be assigned a dedicated private banker, who offers customized support for more complex financial needs.
- Stay Engaged: To keep up with the markets and your portfolio, you can subscribe to educational updates and market insights. These updates can help you make informed decisions and stay on track with your financial goals.
Working With a First Citizens Financial Consultant
One of the key benefits of using First Citizens investment services is the personal support you get from a dedicated financial consultant. Rather than navigating your financial journey alone or relying on algorithms, you’ll have a trusted professional helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.
What Is a Financial Consultant?
Financial Consultants at First Citizens are licensed advisors trained to provide customized investment guidance. Their job is not to sell you products, but to work with you like a long-term partner. They take time to understand your goals, explain your options, and help you build a strategy that makes sense for your life stage and comfort level with risk.
They bring a human element to the investment process, something digital-only platforms often lack.
What To Expect When Working With a Financial Consultant
When you work with a First Citizens consultant, the process is designed to be straightforward and collaborative.
- Initial Discovery: You’ll begin with a conversation about your financial goals, concerns, and life priorities. Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning for college, or investing for future income, your consultant listens carefully and asks the right questions.
- Portfolio Design: Next, your advisor will assess your risk tolerance, investment timeline, and income needs. Based on this, they’ll recommend a portfolio strategy that aligns with your objectives, whether conservative, growth-focused, or balanced.
- Implementation: Once you approve the plan, your consultant will help set up the appropriate accounts, transfer any existing assets if needed, and ensure everything is positioned for success.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Your journey doesn’t stop once you invest. First Citizens consultants regularly review your portfolio’s performance, track progress toward your goals, and recommend adjustments if your financial situation changes or market conditions shift.
How First Citizens Investment Services Fee Structure Works
Understanding how fees work is important before you start investing. First Citizens Investment Banking aims to keep costs transparent and reasonable, especially for individual investors.
Commission-Free Stock and ETF Trades
If you trade U.S. stocks or ETFs online, you’ll be happy to know that most of these transactions are commission-free, as long as the stock is priced above $3 per share. This helps investors keep more of their returns without worrying about trading fees.
First Citizens Bank Investment Banking offers highly competitive pricing for self-directed brokerage accounts:
- $0 commission on most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs when trading online
- $6.95 per trade for over-the-counter (OTC) equities
- $29.95 + $2.00 per contract for online options trades (minimum charge: $31.95)
- $25 transaction fee for no-load mutual funds
- $50 per issue for new fixed-income offerings (e.g., government, municipal, or corporate bonds)
However, if you need help placing a trade over the phone with a live representative, there’s a $40 service fee. This fee covers the cost of having a broker manually assist you.
Advisory and Wealth Management Fees
For investors working with a First Citizens Financial Consultant under a managed portfolio, advisory fees typically range from 0.50% to 1.25% AUM annually, depending on account size and service level.
These First Citizens investment service fees are often charged every quarter and will vary depending on the services you receive, the size of your portfolio, and the type of advisory program you choose.
First Citizens follows a fiduciary approach, which means their advisors are expected to act in your best financial interest. That’s a good sign for clients who want honest, professional guidance.
Other or Hidden Fees
While stock and ETF trades are mostly free, some investment products, like mutual funds or options, may come with extra charges. These are usually disclosed in trade confirmations or product documents.
Other Fees of First Citizens investment services to note:
- IRA Annual Custodian Fee: $50 (waived if your account is over $100,000)
- IRA Termination Fee: $95
- Outgoing Transfer Fee: $100
- Wire Transfers: $20
- Non-Activity Fee: $50/year if account balance is under $100,000
- Paper statements or tax documents: $5–$10/month (avoidable via e-Delivery)
While many of these are standard industry fees, First Citizens keeps them transparent, and most are avoidable with electronic delivery and active account management. It’s a good idea to read the fine print or ask your advisor before you invest in anything unfamiliar.
Pros & Cons of First Citizens Investment Services
Choosing an investment provider is a big decision, and it’s important to understand what a firm does well and where it may fall short. Here’s a quick look at the strengths and limitations of First Citizens investment services:
Pros of First Citizens Investment Services:
- Access to real advisors who offer personalized strategies
- Comprehensive services for long-term financial health
- Strong trust and estate planning features
- Good fit for existing First Citizens Bank customers
Cons of First Citizens Investment Services:
- Not as tech-driven as robo-advisors
- Less ideal for active traders
- Branch availability varies by region
To sum up, the First Citizens investment services are ideal for:
- People who want a single institution for banking, investing, and wealth advice.
- Self-directed investors seeking no‑commission trades.
- Individuals or families ready for tiered advisory to expand into retirement or legacy planning.
- Clients seeking a trusted, family-owned bank with modern tech.
If you’re seeking a relationship-based approach to investing with personal support and long-term planning, First Citizens is a strong option. However, it may not be the best fit for tech-savvy traders or those who prefer full self-service platforms.
FAQs About First Citizens Investment Services
Does First Citizens have a trading app for investments?
- Yes. First Citizens offers a digital-first trading platform that works on both desktop and mobile, allowing you to monitor your portfolio and place trades anytime.
Can I open a First Citizens investment account online?
- Yes, you can begin the process online or schedule an appointment with a financial consultant.
Is there a minimum investment amount?
- It depends on the account type. Self-directed accounts often have no minimum, while managed portfolios may start at $25,000.
Are First Citizens investment accounts FDIC insured?
- No. Like all brokerage firms, First Citizens investment accounts are not FDIC insured. However, they are protected by SIPC for up to $500,000, including $250,000 in cash.
What types of investments can I make?
- You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, annuities, and more.
First Citizens is focused on relationship-based investing for people who value guidance. With a full spectrum of First Citizens investment services, it’s well-suited for clients planning for retirement, building a family legacy, or simply wanting a trusted partner on their financial journey. While it may not suit tech-savvy traders, this bank is a solid option for investors seeking personalized, conservative, and goal-driven support.
