Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

Best Savings Account – North Carolina

Personal Finances 3 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

Finding some of the best savings account in North Carolina may seem like a difficult task. After all, there are hundreds of North Carolina banks offering savings accounts. How do you go about determining which account is right for you?

Savings Account Options with First Bank

Finding the best savings account in North Carolina that meets your unique needs is easy with First Bank. Our account options include:

1. Everywhere Savings — Our most basic account designed to meet the saving needs of anyone. It includes:

  • 2 free withdrawals per month*
  • No minimum balance to earn interest
  • Free online and mobile banking**

2. MyFirst Savings — An account designed to teach children and teens under 18 the value of saving. It includes features like:

  • 2 free withdrawals per month*
  • No minimal balance to earn interest
  • Free online and mobile banking**
  • Only $10 required to open account

3. Money Market — For customers who want to earn interest at a higher rate while still having access to their funds. This account includes:

  • 6 free withdrawals per month*
  • Interest-earning account access
  • $1,000 minimum to open account
  • Free online and mobile banking**

Best Savings Account - North Carolina

First Bank also offers:

To view and compare all of our savings account options, click here.

Visit Your Local First Bank Today

At First Bank, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best savings account options in North Carolina. Visit a location near you to learn more about opening an account, or visit our website today.

To learn more about First Bank, visit these related articles: Best Savings Account Rates in North Carolina, What is a Child Savings Account, or Stress-Free Savings Account – North Carolina.


*Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to six (6) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. You may conduct an unlimited number of withdrawals at the ATM, in person at a branch, or by mail when the check is mailed to you.

**While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking Apps are available for select mobile and tablet devices. There is no charge from First Bank, but message and data rates may apply. Must enroll in First Bank Online Banking and download the First Bank Digital Banking App from the App Store or Google Play. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Online Money Hacks – First Bank If you are active on social media, you’ve probably tried a “life hack” at some point. Life hacks are little things you can do to make your life easier. For example, tying a small piece of bright colored fabric to your luggage makes it easier to tell which bag at the airport. Life hacks are great, but do you know what’s even better? Money hacks! Money hacks not only make your life easier, they help you save your hard earned cash. Money Hacks Worth Trying Money hacks can be anything from saving your spare change in a piggy bank to skipping your morning Starbucks run and making coffee at home. Small money hacks will help you save a little bit of money, but if you’re looking to save in a big way, try these money hacks from Forbes and from your very own First Bank. Borrow against your home’s equity. This money hack is specifically for homeowners, but it’s useful to know if you are ever planning on buying a home. If you find yourself needing a personal loan for a large amount of money, it might be better to borrow money against your home’s equity. Since you already have been approved for a mortgage the loan application process will typically be easier. Another benefit is that interest payments on home equity lines of credit are typically tax-deductible, unlike interest paid on personal loans. Consult your tax advisor for details on the deductibility of interest. Pay insurance premiums once a year. You’re probably currently making monthly payments for policies like life insurance and auto insurance, but it isn’t required that you make your payments that way. You can opt to pay your insurance policy in one lump sum, which can save you money in the long run. Paying by the month may be convenient, but insurance companies typically charge a courtesy fee. Fun Tips to Save More Money Try a service contract. Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a car or home repair, offset the costs by considering monthly payments for an auto warranty or home protection plan. Stay cool. Preserve the longevity of your batteries, hosiery, and candles by storing them in your freezer. Raise a glass to 3 min read
Image for tile. Money Mule Scams: How Criminals Convert Fraud into Profit What is a Money Mule? Money mules are individuals who unknowingly or knowingly assist criminals in laundering money, often by transferring illegally sourced funds between accounts or across borders. The source of the money comes from fraudulent scams or other illegal activities like drug trafficking. Criminals use their mule’s identity and layer the illegal transactions in an attempt to hide the illegal funds from law enforcement. Once properly hidden, the criminals are able to access their funds and cash out on their illegal activity. Common Money Mule Scams There are a number of ways that criminals will try to hide their money from law enforcement. Money mules are a form of money laundering, where criminals attempt to make their illegally sourced funds seem legitimate. Here are a few common ways people can unknowingly fall victim to money mule scams. 1- Deceptive Job Offers Money mule scammers will act as employers offering high-paying, remote positions. Common job titles could be payment processor, financial coordinator, or international fund liaison. While these job opportunities seem legitimate, their primary function is to receive and transfer illegal funds. The criminal will wire a large sum of funds to the mule, then instruct them to keep a percentage and transfer the remainder of the money to a different account or purchase a certain amount of cryptocurrency. The criminal hides behind their mule’s identity and is able to more easily access their funds. 2 – Romance Scams This type of mule scam exploits a victim’s emotions and trust. Scammers will find their victims on social media sites, dating sites or other online chat channels. They will deceive their victims with made up personas often using stolen photos and fake details. Over time, the scammer will attempt to build an emotional connection by sending affectionate messages or personal stories. Once they feel they have earned the victim’s trust, they will fabricate a story requiring financial assistance. These are oftentimes medical emergencies or travel issues that need quick funding into an account. Once the scammer has convinced their victim to oblige, they will continue to exploit their trust to launder their illegal funds. 3 – Lottery, Prize, and Investment Scams If something seems too good to be true – it probably is. These scams typically start via an unsolicited message or phone call informing you that you’ve won a prize. They instruct their victims to take a number of steps before they can claim their prize, and that is where the danger lies. These steps could include gathering your personal details, wiring a “prize tax” or fraudulent fee, accepting a large sum of money, and/or transferring a portion of the winning funds to another account. Similarly, investment scammers typically promise their mule victims “return” for their illegal money transfers – sometimes in the form of cryptocurrency or percentages of the money they wire. What are the Consequences? Large overdraft balances are most often the first consequence to the money mule. Once the criminal has access to their mule’s account, they typically push a large lump sum out of the account. This amount oftentimes will exceed the typical balance in the mule’s account, leaving them with a substantial negative balance to dig out from. Acting as a money mule is illegal, whether the crime is knowing or unknowingly committed. The punishment for these crimes include imprisonment and federal charges. Additionally, your identity and personal information could be stolen from the criminals involved in the money mule scheme. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): The IC3 is run by the FBI and accepts online internet crime complaints from the victim at www.ic3.gov How to Protect Yourself As with most methods of protecting yourself against fraud – remain cautious whenever someone requests your personal information or banking information. Only share those details with people or organizations that you trust. If you receive a job offer from an online business, do your due diligence to confirm they are a legitimate company. Additionally, a legitimate employer will not ask you to form a company or open a new bank account on their behalf. Always be cautious if anyone asks you to wire or transfer money on their behalf. Be weary if something seems too good to be true, like you’ve won an unsolicited prize or been chosen to participate in a giveaway. Scammers act on urgency. If someone is pressuring you to do something that you’re uncomfortable with, walk away. If you or someone you know is afraid they are involved in a money mule scheme, it’s not too late to stop.  Stop communicating with the person giving the directions. Tell your financial institution and consider changing accounts. Report suspicious communications or activity to law enforcement. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the Nation’s central hub for reporting cyber crime and run by the FBI.  Visit www.ic3.gov for resources and more information about how to file a report. Maintain receipts, contact information and communications (emails, text messages, voicemails) so that information can be passed to law enforcement, if needed.   5 min read
Image for tile. How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters Potential Scam Scenarios Scammers use a variety of tactics to exploit people during the aftermath of disasters. Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for: 1. Imposter Scams Scammers often pose as safety inspectors, government officials, or aid workers, claiming they are there to help. They may ask for sensitive information or upfront payments for services, such as inspections or applications, that are usually provided for free by legitimate organizations. 2. FEMA Impersonators One common scam involves individuals impersonating FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) representatives. They may offer to help you with your FEMA application but will charge an upfront fee, which is not a part of any legitimate FEMA process. FEMA does not charge for applications or assistance. 3. Home Improvement and Debris Removal Scams After a natural disaster, many people need repairs to their homes or businesses. Scammers may pose as contractors offering quick debris removal or repairs but will often demand large sums of money upfront or perform subpar work, leaving victims with little recourse. They may also disappear after taking payment, leaving your property in worse condition. Recognize the Signs of a Scam While scammers can be clever, there are warning signs that can help you spot fraudulent behavior. Keep an eye out for these red flags: No Licensing Required: Scammers may claim they don’t need a license to do the work, which is false. Legitimate contractors should always have a valid license and insurance. Pressure to Sign a Contract Immediately: Scammers often offer a “discount” or say they can only fit you in if you sign a contract on the spot. This tactic is meant to pressure you into making a decision without careful consideration. Signing Over Your Insurance Check: If a contractor asks you to sign over your insurance claim check, beware. This can leave you vulnerable if the work is incomplete or of poor quality. Full Payment Upfront: Asking for full payment before any work is completed is a big red flag. Reputable contractors typically ask for a partial deposit, with the balance due upon completion of the work. Unusual Payment Methods: If someone asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam. These payment methods are difficult to trace and recover if the contractor disappears. Ways to Avoid a Scam Protecting yourself after a natural disaster requires both awareness and due diligence. Here are steps you can take to reduce the risk of being scammed: 1. Know that FEMA Doesn’t Charge Application Fees FEMA provides disaster assistance for free, and they never charge for processing your application. If someone asks for money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. Always verify through FEMA’s official website or hotline to ensure you’re dealing with legitimate representatives. 2. Verify Your Insurance Coverage Don’t rely on a contractor to tell you what your insurance covers. Always contact your insurance company directly for details about your policy. Additionally, never sign over your insurance check to a contractor. You want to maintain control over how your funds are spent to ensure the work is completed properly. 3. Be Skeptical of Immediate Offers for Repairs or Clean-Up In the rush to clean up or make repairs, it can be tempting to accept the first offer that comes along. However, unlicensed contractors and scammers often show up in disaster-affected areas promising fast fixes. Be cautious of anyone who demands cash upfront or won’t provide copies of their license, insurance, or a written contract. If they refuse to give you any of these, walk away. 4. Get a Written Contract and Read it Carefully Contract requirements vary by state, but even if your state doesn’t mandate a written agreement, always request one. A contract should outline the scope of work, materials to be used, payment schedules, timelines, and any guarantees. This provides you with legal protection if the contractor fails to deliver on their promises. Take Action: Protect Yourself and Your Community As we work together to rebuild after disasters, staying informed is the best defense against scams. Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors so that everyone in your community is aware of these fraudulent schemes. If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam or have been the victim of fraud, report it to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline. Recovering from a natural disaster is hard enough without having to deal with the fallout from scammers. By recognizing the signs and taking the proper precautions, you can help ensure that your recovery is smooth, safe, and scam-free. Additional Resources: Hurricane Helene: Recovery Scams How to Avoid Imposter Scams How To Avoid Scams After Natural Disasters Picking Up the Pieces After a Disaster Stay safe, stay informed, and protect yourself from those who might try to take advantage during these challenging times. 5 min read