Online Account Opening System – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the online account opening solution?

The digital account opening solution is an online portal designed to commence the account opening process for Statement Savings/Personal Chequing accounts. The process will be completed when you visit the branch of your choice.

What documents are required to open an account?

The following documents are required and must be uploaded into the system

  • Proof of income-
    • Pay slip (dated not older than 1 month) or Job Letter (dated not older than 3 months)
    • For foreigners employed locally – in addition to the above,
      • a valid Work Permit OR
      • CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Skills Certificate OR
      • evidence of exemption from provision of work permit/CSME Skills Certificate (e.g. Certificate of Registration as a Resident of Trinidad and Tobago) (validated by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and/or Immigration Division)
    • For retirees –
      • Pension Letter from Government/ Private Institution outlining details and frequency of payments OR 
      • Local cheque stub from Government (Old Age) Pension and/or National Insurance (NIB) – which provides details and frequency of payment
    • For Students/ House-wives/ Self-Employed –
      • Letter from contributor of funds with:
        • a copy of contributor’s identification and
        • job letter/ pay slip, or for self-employed persons, Certificate of Registration/ Incorporation and recent bank statement (not older than 3 months) or 1 year’s financials (within last 3 years) (where contributor is an existing customer and their source of income has already been established/ provided, then the job letter/ pay slip or additional business documents is not mandatory;
      • Local cheque stub from Government (re- public assistance/ disability grant);
      • Receipts/ Invoices/ Service Contracts;
      • Permits/ Licenses, etc.
Proof of Address
  • a utility bill in the customer’s name (not older than 6 months). Where the utility bill is not in the customer’s name any one of the following may be accepted.
  • SPOUSE – Marriage Certificate;
  • PROPERTY OWNER – Copy of the owner’s photo identification AND completed Address Verification Letter;
  • LANDLORD – Lease Agreement AND Rent Receipt (dated not older than 3 months);
  • PARENT – Birth Certificate in the case of minors (or adults where the requirements for Property Owner above cannot be satisfied)
  • Statement from a Financial Institution (e.g. Bank, Credit Union, Insurance Company, UTC, TTMF) stating customer’s full address. FC statements can be used for existing customers accepted once received via mail and the address unchanged.
  • T&T Government Issued documentation, e.g. Tax Assessment, BIR letter/ statement
  • Mortgage Deed

  • Proof of Identity –
    • One valid form of picture identification:
      • T&T National Identification CardT&T Drivers Permit (accompanied by birth certificate)
      • Passport (mandatory for non-nationals)
Who is eligible to apply on the portal?
  • Nationals and Non-Nationals of Barbados
  • New and Existing Customers of First Citizens
  • Persons 18 years or older
Do I need an email address to apply on the portal?

An email address is required to complete the process. Customers who do not possess an email address can visit a branch to initiate the process.

What products are available on the portal?

The following products are available:

Savings account – Statement Savings

Chequing – Super chequing

If you need to open any other type of account, you can visit any of our branches

Can I apply for a loan on the portal?

No. To apply for a loan, you can visit https://www.firstcitizensgroup.com/bb/borrowing/

Can I select multiple products in a single application?

Yes. You can open both a Statement Savings and a Personal Chequing Account in a single application.

Is Online Banking required to apply for an account?

No. New and existing customers can apply for an account. You will be registered for online banking during the process

Would I be required to visit a branch?

Yes. Once your application has progressed to the final stage, you will be required to visit the branch of your choice to present your original documents which were uploaded on the portal, fund the account, collect your ATM card and sign all agreements.

How do I make an appointment?

Once your application has progressed to the final stages, you will receive an email for you to select your preferred branch and time.

When and how do I fund the account?

Accounts can be funded in the branch, via the ATM or via online transfer however the account must be funded on the day that the account is opened. 

Can I open an account for my child on the portal?

Accounts for minors cannot be opened via the portal at this time.

What is my reference number and where can I get my reference number?

A reference number is a unique identifier for your application. When you enter your email address and verify same via a One Time Password (OTP) which will be sent to your email, a reference number will be generated. Your reference number can be retrieved from the email address provided on you application.

Can I save my application and complete it at a later day?

Yes. Once you receive your reference number, you can save your application and complete within 30 days. Your email address and reference number will be required to complete the application at a later date. Applications older than 30 days will be discarded.

How can I resume an application?

Click on “Resume Existing Application Button” located at the top right of the portal. You will need to provide your email address and reference number. An application can only be resumed if a reference number was provided

What happens when I submit the application?

All submitted applications will be reviewed by our team. An email will then be sent to the email address you provided outlining the outcome and the way forward.

How will I know if my application is successful?

All submitted applications will be reviewed by our team. An email will then be sent outlining the outcome and the way forward.

I have not received a One Time Password (OTP) code, what do I do?

Double check your email address to ensure it was entered correctly or visit https://www.firstcitizensgroup.com/tt/account-opening/

My documents are not uploading, what can be done?

Ensure the file size and file type are compatibile. Uploads must be in any of the following formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png or .pdf. The file should be 1MB or smaller.

What are the steps involved in completing an application?

The process is simple, easy and fast.
Select your account
Upload the required documents
Provide your personal details
Submit and Finish

Can I use a device or computer without a camera to complete the application?

Yes, a camera is not required to complete the application, however the applicant must have the required documents scanned and saved on the device to be able to upload.
 

 Is the portal secure?

The use of encryption, authentication methods and regular security updates are some of the methods utilized to protect you and your data.

The Bank reserves the right to request additional information/documentation if deemed necessary.

Opening an account online is quick and easy!