Truist is a regional bank that offers checking, savings, loans, and investment services

Truist Financial Corporation is a bank holding company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It operates retail banking branches across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, plus online and mobile banking for customers nationwide. Truist offers deposit accounts (checking and savings), credit products (personal loans, mortgages, credit cards), and wealth management services through its subsidiary Truist Wealth.

Truist was formed in 2019 when BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks merged. Both were long-established regional banks, and the merger created one of the largest banking companies in the United States by assets. If you banked with either institution before 2019, your account became a Truist account after the merger completed.

The bank operates physical branches in about a dozen states, with the heaviest presence in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. You can also bank entirely online or through the Truist mobile app without visiting a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist is a regional bank formed from the 2019 merger of BB&T and SunTrust, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • You can open a checking or savings account, get a loan, explore for a credit card, or use investment services through Truist.
  • Truist has physical branches in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic but also offers full online and mobile banking.
  • Truist is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), so deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected.

Types of accounts and services Truist offers

Truist's main deposit products are checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts come in several versions — some with no monthly fee, others with fees waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts earn interest, though the rate varies based on the account type and current market conditions.

For borrowing, Truist offers mortgages (home loans), auto loans, personal loans, and home equity lines of credit. Credit cards are available for both personal and business use. Truist Wealth provides investment management, retirement planning, and trust services for customers with larger portfolios.

Truist also offers small business banking, including business checking accounts, business loans, and merchant services (the ability to accept card payments in a store or online).

How to open an account with Truist

You can open a Truist checking or savings account online, on the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. Online and app-based openings usually take 10 to 15 minutes and require a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the minimum varies by account type).

If you open in a branch, a banker can walk you through the process and answer questions about which account type fits your needs. Some branches offer same-day debit card issuance, though you can also request a card online and receive it by mail.

Existing Truist customers can open additional accounts without repeating the full verification process.

Truist's online and mobile banking tools

The Truist mobile app and website let you check balances, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. You can also lock or unlock your debit card from the app if it is lost or you suspect fraud.

Bill pay is included with most Truist checking accounts at no extra cost. You can schedule one-time or recurring payments to utilities, credit card companies, landlords, or anyone else you owe money to. Payments typically arrive within one to three business days.

Truist also offers person-to-person transfers through its app, letting you send money to friends or family who have a Truist account.

FDIC protection and account safety

Truist is an FDIC-insured bank, which means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation protects your deposits if the bank fails. The standard coverage is $250,000 per depositor, per account type, per bank. This means if you have a Truist checking account with $200,000 and a Truist savings account with $200,000, both are fully protected — they are separate account types.

Joint accounts (accounts held with another person) receive separate $250,000 coverage. Retirement accounts like IRAs also receive separate $250,000 coverage. If you have more than $250,000 in a single account type, the amount over $250,000 is not protected by FDIC insurance.

Truist uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect online and mobile banking. You can also set up fraud alerts or place a security freeze on your credit report through Truist's website.

Truist customer service and support options

Truist offers customer service by phone, email, and through the mobile app. Phone support is available 24/7 for account questions and fraud reporting. You can also visit a branch during business hours to speak with a banker in person.

For technical issues with online or mobile banking, Truist has a dedicated support line. If you have a question about a specific product — like a mortgage or investment account — Truist routes you to a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Truist the same as BB&T or SunTrust?

No, but Truist is the result of their 2019 merger. If you had an account with either bank before the merger, it became a Truist account. The old brand names are no longer used for new accounts or branches.

Can I use Truist if I don't live near a branch?

Yes. Truist offers full online and mobile banking, so you can open an account, deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills without visiting a physical location. You can also use ATMs outside the Truist network, though out-of-network fees may explore.

What happens if I overdraw my Truist checking account?

Truist charges an overdraft fee if you spend more than your balance. The fee amount varies by account type. You can also set up overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so transfers happen automatically if you go negative.

Does Truist offer credit cards?

Yes. Truist offers personal credit cards with various rewards programs and cash-back options, as well as business credit cards. You can explore online, on the app, or in a branch. Approval decisions are usually made within minutes for online applications.

How do I report fraud or a lost debit card?

Call Truist's fraud line at the number on the back of your card or in your account statements — it is available 24/7. You can also lock your card when ready through the mobile app. Report the loss or fraud as soon as you notice it to limit your liability.