Citizens logo

Citizens

3.0/5

Citizens Bank is a full-service retail bank offering checking, savings, credit cards, home loans, and student loans through physical branch locations and mobile banking.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: NR Free Consultation Visit Website

Citizens Review

Citizens Bank operates as a traditional retail banking institution with physical branch locations across the Northeast, including the Long Island City branch featured here. The company has been established as a mainstream banking provider offering a comprehensive suite of consumer financial products. Citizens provides checking and savings accounts with low minimum balance requirements, home borrowing solutions, student loan products, credit cards with low APR options, and financial planning assistance. The bank distinguishes itself through in-branch advisory services where customers can discuss major financial decisions like home purchases, college funding, and retirement planning with dedicated bankers. Citizens operates standard banking hours (9 AM–5 PM weekdays, closed weekends) and provides appointment scheduling for customer convenience. The Long Island City branch is located at 24-15 Queens Plaza North and can be reached at (718) 289-2506. Citizens also offers mobile banking through a free downloadable app that enables account management, bill payment, money transfers, and ATM/branch locating on-the-go. The company honors consumer privacy preferences and complies with data protection regulations regarding personal information use. For consumers seeking traditional banking services with local branch access and personalized financial guidance, Citizens Bank functions as a conventional full-service bank rather than a specialized lender or credit solution provider.

Services & Features

Checking accounts with low minimum balances
Savings accounts ranging from basic to money market and CD products
Home borrowing and mortgage solutions with down payment and closing cost assistance
Student loans and college savings programs
Credit cards with low APR and rewards/benefits
Mobile banking app (free download)
Secure online banking with login and enrollment
Bill payment and money transfer capabilities
ATM and banking center location services
In-branch financial advisory and consultation
Appointment scheduling for customer service
Account balance checking and transaction management

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free mobile banking app for account management and bill payment on-the-go
  • Low minimum balance requirements for checking and savings accounts
  • In-branch financial advisors available to discuss home purchases, college funding, and retirement planning
  • Multiple nearby branch locations in Long Island City, Woodside, and Brooklyn for convenience
  • Comprehensive product suite including checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, mortgages, and student loans
  • Online banking with secure login and appointment scheduling capabilities
  • Extended weekday hours (9 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday) for working customers

Cons

  • Limited weekend/evening hours—closed Saturdays and Sundays with Friday hours ending at 5 PM
  • No drive-up service mentioned at the Long Island City branch location
  • Website does not disclose specific APR ranges, fees, or minimum balance amounts for account types
  • Traditional bank model may have higher fees compared to online-only neobanks
  • No mention of specialized high-yield savings accounts or competitive CD rates

Rating Breakdown

Value
0.0
Effectiveness
0.0
Customer Service
3.0
Transparency
0.0
Ease of Use
0.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citizens legitimate?

Yes. Citizens is a registered company headquartered in 6 Fountain Plz, Buffalo, NY 14202. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
6 Fountain Plz, Buffalo, NY 14202
BBB Rating
NR
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Citizens

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Citizens

Citizens Bank is best for traditional consumers who value in-person banking relationships, local branch access, and comprehensive financial advisory services. The main caveat is that as a conventional retail bank, it may not offer the competitive rates or low fees available through online-only banks, and weekend/evening access is limited.

Best For

  • Customers seeking traditional full-service banking with in-person advisor relationships
  • People planning major financial milestones (home purchase, college funding, retirement) who value guidance
  • Consumers in the Long Island City/Queens area wanting convenient local branch access
  • Individuals who prefer established banking institutions with multiple branch locations
Updated 2026-03-21

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