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Updated August 2026.
How much is First Citizens Bank’s overdraft fee? First Citizens Bank charges $25 each time it pays an item into overdraft, capped at 3 fees a day. There is no fee for overdrafts of $5 or less, and First Citizens does not charge a separate fee for items it returns unpaid.
| First Citizens Bank overdraft, at a glance | What it means |
|---|---|
| Overdraft fee | $25 per item, up to 3 charges per business day |
| No-fee cushion | No fee for overdrafts caused by transactions of $5 or less |
| Returned-item (NSF) fee | $0. Not charged for items returned unpaid |
| Basic Overdraft Service | Automatic on account opening. Covers checks, automatic bill payments, recurring debit card purchases |
| ATM and one-time debit card coverage | Off by default. Requires opting in to Basic Overdraft Service with ATM and Debit Card Coverage |
| Overdraft Protection (savings link) | Free, transfers rounded up to the nearest $100 |
Fees verified August 29, 2026 from First Citizens Bank’s Overdraft Protection and Service page.
How First Citizens Bank’s overdraft fee works
First Citizens Bank charges $25 each time it pays an item that overdraws your account, up to a limit of 3 overdraft charges per business day. This applies under Basic Overdraft Service, which is automatically included when you open a checking account and covers checks, automatic bill payments, and recurring debit card purchases.
The $5 cushion and free NSF
First Citizens will not charge you for an overdraft caused by a transaction of $5 or less. The bank’s own overdraft page also confirms it does not charge a fee for items returned unpaid, so there is no separate NSF charge to worry about, only the $25 paid-overdraft fee.
ATM and one-time debit card transactions
By default, First Citizens will decline an ATM withdrawal or a one-time debit card purchase at no cost if you do not have enough available funds. If you want those transaction types covered too, you can opt in to Basic Overdraft Service with ATM and Debit Card Coverage, which carries the same $25 fee and 3-per-day limit as the basic service.
Overdraft protection options
First Citizens offers two ways to avoid the fee entirely. Overdraft Protection Savings links your savings account and moves money automatically at no charge, rounded up to the nearest $100. Checkline Reserve is a revolving line of credit you can apply for, also free to use for overdraft coverage, though it carries its own interest rate on any balance drawn.
How First Citizens Bank compares to the average U.S. bank
Bankrate’s 2025 checking account and ATM fee study found the average overdraft fee across U.S. banks is $26.77 and the average NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee is $16.82. 61% of accounts surveyed still charge an overdraft fee at all, and 66% offer some kind of grace period or no-fee cushion before charging one.
| Category | First Citizens Bank |
|---|---|
| Overdraft fee vs. $26.77 average | $25 per item, below the $26.77 average |
| NSF fee vs. $16.82 average | $0, well below the $16.82 average |
How to avoid overdraft fees and mistakes
- Stay inside the $5 cushion to avoid a fee on small overages.
- Skip the ATM/debit card opt-in if you would rather have a purchase declined than pay $25.
- Link a savings account for free Overdraft Protection Savings transfers.
- Consider Checkline Reserve if you want broader coverage and don’t mind paying interest on what you use.
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How this compares to other banks
Here is how this account lines up against a few named banks we track, using each bank’s own current fee schedule.
| Bank (typical account) | Overdraft fee | No-fee cushion |
|---|---|---|
| First Citizens Bank | $25, up to 3/day | $5 cushion, no NSF fee |
| Huntington (Asterisk-Free) | $15, up to 3/day | $50 Safety Zone + 24-Hour Grace |
| Chase (Total Checking) | $34, up to 3/day | $50 buffer + Overdraft Assist |
| U.S. Bank (Smartly) | $36 per item over $5 | $50 buffer + Fee Forgiven |
| Ally Bank (Spending Account) | $0, none charged | No cap needed |
See fee details for more banks in our overdraft fees by bank comparison page.
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FAQ
How much is First Citizens Bank’s overdraft fee?
First Citizens charges $25 per item it pays into overdraft, up to a limit of 3 charges per business day.
Is there a cushion before First Citizens charges an overdraft fee?
Yes. Overdrafts caused by transactions of $5 or less are not charged a fee.
Does First Citizens Bank charge an NSF fee?
No. First Citizens does not charge a separate fee for items returned unpaid.
Can First Citizens overdraft my debit card or ATM withdrawal?
Only if you opt in to Basic Overdraft Service with ATM and Debit Card Coverage. Otherwise those transactions are declined for free.
Does First Citizens charge for overdraft protection transfers from savings?
No. Overdraft Protection Savings transfers are free, rounded up to the nearest $100.
What is Checkline Reserve?
A revolving line of credit you can apply for to cover overdrafts. There’s no charge to use it for overdraft coverage, but interest applies to any balance drawn.
