First Citizens Rewards Visa Card with No Annual Fee Review

Who is the First Citizens Rewards Visa Card with No Annual Fee for?

The First Citizens Rewards Visa card with No Annual Fee is for those on a budget but still looking to hold a credit card. This card provides some useful perks, with its lack of an annual fee as the largest one. Despite its benefits, this card has positives and negatives, so prospective applicants should carefully consider realistic payouts before making a decision.

The First Citizens Rewards Visa card is also good for frequent travelers. This card provides many perks that aid in unexpected travel scenarios such as rental car insurance and travel/emergency assistance. All of these perks with no annual cost makes this card attractive for those wishing to travel with a tight wallet.

However, this card is somewhat exclusive. To apply, you must have excellent credit entailing a score of over 750. Given the low rewards and potential of higher-payout cards available to those with excellent credit, this card is truly for those who really want to save money and take advantage of its few uses.

This card is only available to existing bank members, and applications are completed in person or by phone. First-Citizens only serve customers in certain states, so if you don’t live in one of the locations below, this card is not for you. Eligible states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Rewards Rate

The rewards rate for this card is somewhat low. Cardholders earn 1x points per dollar for all purchases they make using their card. These points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, and merchandise. If you are trying to save money and don’t mind a low rewards rate, this card is a decent choice. However, other cards with higher rewards may be more beneficial for your wallet.

The 1x rewards rate of the First Citizens Rewards Visa card corresponds to 1% cashback on purchases. This is an average rate for many bank cards, but it is still very stingy. If you spend $2,000 a month, you will only be able to earn $20 back, or one dollar for every $100 spent.

Benefits & Credits

Despite modest rewards rates, the First Citizens Rewards Visa card has some perks that make it worth considering, especially with those looking to save money. It provides a variety of benefits that, if used frequently, could be a very good deal given the lack of an annual fee.

For starters, this card has a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers in the first 12 months of account opening. This means that cardholders can freely transfer balances to this card without additional charge. If you are looking to quickly relieve debt, you can transfer the debt to this card in the first year of sign-up for no extra price. For those looking to make a large purchase, this card is also helpful, since you can transfer money to help make that purchase without further charge.

The First Citizens Rewards Visa card has a unique cell phone protection policy. If you pay your phone bill using your card, First Citizens will protect your phone and first two additional lines listed on your provider’s statement. This program covers you if your phone is ever stolen or damaged. In our current age where cellphones are a must, this benefit is more essential than ever.

Because this card is issued by Visa, cardholders also enjoy various Visa benefits. Visa Checkout and Visa discounts are both perks that make purchasing easier and more enjoyable. For travelers, this card provides travel and emergency assistance in the case of an unexpected situation. It also gives cardholders car rental insurance, covering possible accidents during travel. For those who travel often for business or leisure, these perks can be the difference between a positive and negative experience. For zero annual costs, these benefits are definitely a good deal.

Welcome Bonus

This card sadly does not have a welcome bonus. It doesn’t offer any perks specific to the time of sign-up. However, with no annual cost, the perks of this card are worth its drawbacks for some.

Annual Fee

Perhaps the most attractive feature of this card is its zero annual fees. Given its modest rewards, no annual fee is this card’s biggest offering. Cardholders can enjoy the humble benefits of this card for no yearly charge, helpful for those on a tight budget.

However, this card has a foreign transaction fee of 2% per US dollar. Although this number seems low, it can quickly add up. Cardholders who spend much time abroad should be wary when using this card and watch out for miscellaneous fees.

Conclusion

The First Citizens Rewards Visa Card with No Annual Fee is a decent card for travelers on a budget. It has multiple benefits that contribute to a more enjoyable travel experience. However, given its exclusivity to those with excellent credit, restrictions to certain states, and limited rewards, aspiring applicants should really think about if this card is worth it.