Quick Tips

Below are Five important tips to ensure that your Online Banking experience is optimised by protecting your PC from fraudulent attempts. Read on to find out more.

• Ensure that you install the latest security patches and updates to correct weaknesses in your system – it only takes one point of entry for hacking to occur
• Install the latest Ant-Virus software to safeguard against viruses, in addition to regular virus sweeps of your system
• Protect your system and its contents, by utilizing a personal firewall which minimizes outside attacks by unauthorized traffic.
• Choose a password which no one else can think of, but is easy to remember. By using letters, numbers and symbols this reduces the likelihood that your password can be guessed.
• Run anti-spyware programs regularly to prohibit the acquisition of personal information, for example, passwords, telephone numbers, credit card numbers and identification card numbers

Carrying out these simple steps can offer you some protection against the electronic threats out there. The likelihood of becoming susceptible to these threats is still there, as these measures are designed to minimize these threats.

SMS Banking Commands

First Citizens SMS Banking allows you to use your cell phone to access eligible accounts using SMS:

• Check your account balances (for eligible accounts)
• View a list of your most recent account activity
• Transfer funds between eligible accounts

To use First Citizens SMS Banking you need the following:

• To be registered for First Citizens Online Banking
• To have a verified mobile device
• To have a mobile device that supports SMS or Text Messaging

What are Commands and how do I use them?

Commands are the SMS you send from your mobile device to First Citizens to request your account information or transfer money between your eligible accounts. After you have verified your mobile phone number, send a SMS to the First Citizens Mobile Text short code 34778 (FIRST) using one of the commands.Each of these quick codes will request an SMS with the information shown below :

Sending Commands:

Using SMS Banking is as simple as sending a short command via SMS to the First Citizens shortcode 34778 (FIRST).

• Type “Bal Sav1” as a SMS. The format to be used is Bal (space) account_nickname
• Send to shortcode 34778 (FIRST) 
• You will receive a SMS which will state the available balance on the account you nicknamed as Sav1.

When you send First Citizens a SMS, make sure you send it to the First Citizens SMS Banking short code 34778 (FIRST). You may be able to store this number in your mobile contacts or address book just like a regular phone number.