What First Bank Credit Cards Offer
First Bank offers several credit card products through its retail and commercial banking divisions. The cards vary by account type — some are designed for everyday spending, others for business use, and some target customers rebuilding credit. Each card comes with its own interest rate, annual fee structure, and rewards or cash-back terms.
Before you move forward, understand that First Bank is a regional bank operating in multiple states, so card features and availability depend on where you bank and which First Bank subsidiary serves your area. The card you can open in Tennessee may differ from one available in North Carolina or Ohio. Your first step is to check what First Bank location or online banking portal serves you, then review the specific card options they list.
Key Takeaways
- First Bank credit cards vary by region and account type, so you need to check your specific First Bank location or online portal to see which cards are available to you.
- Most First Bank cards require you to be an existing customer with a checking or savings account, though some may be open to non-customers.
- Annual percentage rates (APRs) and fees differ by card product, so comparing the terms for each option helps you pick the one that matches your spending and financial situation.
- You can start the card opening process through First Bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.
- First Bank reports card activity to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help build your credit history.
How to Find First Bank Credit Card Options
Start by logging into your First Bank online banking account or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Products," "Credit Cards," or "explore for a Card." If you do not have a First Bank account yet, visit firstbank.com or the website for your regional First Bank branch and search for their credit card offerings.
First Bank operates under different names in different states — First Bank in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Ohio; First Bank in South Carolina; and other regional variations. If you are unsure which First Bank serves your area, use the branch locator on the main website or call the customer service number on the back of any First Bank debit card or statement you have. Customer service can tell you which cards are available in your state and whether you must be an existing customer to open one.
What Documents and Information You Will Need
To open a First Bank credit card, have the following ready: your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your current address, and your employment information. If you are self-employed or a business owner, you may need to provide additional documentation like a business license or tax return.
First Bank will also ask about your annual income and existing debts. Be honest about these figures — the bank uses them to set your credit limit and determine your interest rate. If you have recently changed jobs or your income has shifted, have recent pay stubs or tax documents available to support what you report.
Opening a Card Online, by Phone, or In Person
The fastest route is usually online through your First Bank account or their website. Log in, navigate to the credit card section, select the card you want, and follow the process form. You will enter your personal information, income, and employment details. The form typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. First Bank will perform a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
If you prefer to explore by phone, call the customer service number on your First Bank statement or debit card and ask to speak with someone about credit card options. They can walk you through the process over the phone and answer questions about specific card terms before you commit.
You can also visit a First Bank branch in person. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and recent pay stubs or tax documents. A banker can review the available cards, explain the differences, and submit your process on the spot. This route works well if you have questions about how the card works or want to understand the terms before you sign anything.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
First Bank typically makes a decision within one to three business days. You will receive notification by email, phone, or mail depending on how you applied. If you are approved, the bank will tell you your credit limit and APR. If you are denied, the bank must provide a reason under federal law — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or existing debt that is too high relative to your income.
Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back to set up it before you use it. Some First Bank cards can be activated through the mobile app instead. Set up online access to your card account so you can check your balance, make payments, and monitor your activity.
Understanding Interest Rates, Fees, and Rewards
First Bank credit cards carry different APRs depending on the specific product and your creditworthiness. A card for everyday spending might have one rate; a card for rebuilding credit might have a higher rate. Some cards offer an introductory APR for a set period (for example, 0% for the first six months on purchases), after which the standard APR kicks in.
Annual fees vary by card. Some First Bank cards charge no annual fee. Others charge a flat fee (typically $25 to $95 per year) or charge a fee only if you do not meet a minimum spending threshold. Rewards or cash-back programs, if offered, usually return a percentage of what you spend — often 1% to 2% on most purchases, with higher rates on specific categories like groceries or gas.
Read the card's terms and conditions document before you set up it. This document lists the APR, annual fee, grace period for new purchases, late payment fees, and any other charges. First Bank will also provide this information in your welcome packet or through your online account.
Making Payments and Managing Your Account
You can make payments online through your First Bank account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. The easiest method is usually online — log into your account, select your credit card, and choose "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between.
Set up automatic payments if you want the bank to deduct a fixed amount from your checking account each month on a date you choose. This reduces the risk of missing a payment important date. First Bank credit cards typically have a grace period of 21 to 25 days from the end of your billing cycle — if you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest on new purchases.
Monitor your account regularly through the First Bank mobile app or website. Check your balance, review recent transactions, and watch for unauthorized charges. If you spot something wrong, contact First Bank customer service right away. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges, but reporting them quickly protects you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a First Bank customer to open a credit card?
Most First Bank credit cards require you to have an existing checking or savings account with First Bank, but this varies by card and region. Call your local First Bank branch or check their website to confirm whether the specific card you want is open to non-customers. If you are not yet a customer, opening a checking account takes about 15 minutes in person or online.
What if my process is denied?
First Bank must send you a written explanation of why you were denied. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or high existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, by paying down existing balances or waiting a few months to build more credit history. You can also ask First Bank whether a secured credit card (backed by a cash deposit) is available to you.
Can I increase my credit limit after I open the card?
Yes. After you have used the card responsibly for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase. Log into your First Bank account, call customer service, or visit a branch. First Bank may approve an increase without a hard credit inquiry, or they may perform one depending on how much you request.
How does First Bank report my card activity to credit bureaus?
First Bank reports your payment history, balance, and credit limit to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. On-time payments help build your credit score; late or missed payments hurt it. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit also helps your score. Check your credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com to make sure the information is accurate.
What should I do if I lose my card or suspect fraud?
Call the number on the back of your First Bank statement or debit card when ready. First Bank can freeze or cancel your card within minutes and issue a replacement. Report any unauthorized charges in writing within 60 days of the statement date. Federal law limits your liability to $50 for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly, and many banks waive this fee entirely.