First Citizens (CIT) Small Business Financing Review

Pros and cons of First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank small business loans review

If you’re looking for information on CIT Bank or First Citizens Bank, you’re in the right place. In 2022, CIT became a division of First Citizens after a merger. Though the CIT website is still live, the only lending option listed is a home loan, i.e., a mortgage loan. If you’re looking for business loans that were previously offered by CIT Bank, you’ll need to visit the First Citizens website to fill out an application.

First Citizens Bank is a solid option for business owners looking for different types of business financing, as it offers several different small business loan products, including SBA 504 loans, working capital business loans and business equipment financing. First Citizens works with businesses across various industries, including agriculture, construction and manufacturing. The bank also offers business credit cards to help business owners manage their everyday business finances and build business credit.

If you want to apply for a First Citizens Bank business loan, you will need to visit a branch, as the bank doesn’t have an online application. For this reason, First Citizens Bank might be best for borrowers who prefer in-person banking. You can find First Citizens Bank branches in 22 states. Branches are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

First Citizens Bank small business financing at a glance

Equipment financing

Equipment financing is a type of business term loan that is specifically for purchasing heavy equipment, machinery or vehicles for business use. First Citizens Bank offers equipment loans up to $500,000 and repayment terms between 12 and 72 months. First Citizens does not disclose its annual percentage rate (APR) for equipment financing, but rates may vary depending on your credit, borrowing history and the equipment you’re looking to buy.

Term loans

First Citizens Bank offers term loans, which can be used for a range of business purposes, such as working capital, debt restructuring, leasehold improvements and vehicle financing. It also offers term loans specifically for owner-occupied real estate.

First Citizens Bank does not publish an estimated interest rate range for its term loans, but your interest rate will likely be determined by your credit history. Any possible fees associated with this particular type of funding are also not disclosed online.

Line of credit

If you’re a business owner looking for an ongoing source of funds, you may want to consider a First Citizens business line of credit. Lines of credit function similarly to credit cards, allowing you to access a revolving credit line that resets as you make payments.

First Citizens Bank offers three different lines of credit: Capital Line, Capital Manager and Business EquityLine. You can use your First Citizen’s business line of credit to manage your everyday operating expenses and periodic borrowing needs.

SBA loans

As an SBA Preferred Lender, First Citizens Bank offers SBA 504 loans, which are loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They are primarily used to finance commercial real estate. Loan amounts can go up to $5 million per project, and up to $13,500,000 for a total of three projects. Certain energy projects have higher limits of $5.5 million per project, or $16.5 million total.

Repayment terms for 504 loans are generous, reaching up to 300 months with total interest being approximately 3.00% of the total loan amount, according to SBA guidelines. First Citizens Bank doesn’t disclose specific fees it charges, but 504 loans typically come with packaging, closing and underwriting fees, among others. Since First Citizens Bank is tight-lipped about fees, it’s a good idea to ask the lender about possible fees prior to applying.

First Citizens also offers SBA 7(a) loans, which can be used for a wide variety of business expenses, including partner buyouts (or buy-ins), startup, expansion and franchise financing. The loan amounts for SBA 7(a) loans range from $500,000 to $5,000,000.

First Citizens Bank borrower requirements

First Citizens Bank doesn’t disclose the minimum time in business, annual revenue or credit score you’ll need to apply. The only way to learn what qualifications you’ll need to meet is by contacting a local branch.

Required documents

First Citizens Bank‘s website is not transparent with its eligibility requirements to qualify for its loan products. It’s best to contact the lender directly to determine what documents you’ll need to apply.

Alternatives to First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank vs. Credibly

Borrowers interested in applying for a merchant cash advance or a working capital loan may also want to consider Credibly. Credibly also offers lines of credit and equipment financing through third-party lenders.

Business owners with poor credit may qualify for its loan products, making it a solid option for businesses still trying to build up their credit. While First Citizens Bank doesn’t disclose how quickly you can receive loan funds, Credibly offers same-business-day funding options.

First Citizens Bank vs. QuickBridge

QuickBridge is another alternative to First Citizens Bank that offers working capital loans. QuickBridge offers an early payment discount on certain loans, and you’ll be able to see details before accepting the loan terms and receiving the funds.

QuickBridge offers high working capital loan amounts — up to $500,000. However, a business will need to have annual revenue of at least $250,000 to be eligible with QuickBridge, making this lender best suited for companies that have been operating for a while with significant income to show.