Truist's overdraft limits depend on your account type and history
Truist does not publish a single overdraft limit that applies to everyone. Instead, the bank sets a limit based on your account type, how long you have banked with them, your deposit history, and your account balance. A newer customer with a checking account might have a limit of $500, while someone with a longer history and higher balances might have $1,000 or more. The only way to know your specific limit is to contact Truist directly or check your account settings online.
Truist charges an overdraft fee each time you overdraw your account — currently $35 per transaction, though this can change. The bank also charges a daily fee if your account stays overdrawn for more than a few days. Because of these fees, staying within your balance is always cheaper than relying on overdraft protection.
Key Takeaways
- Truist sets overdraft limits individually based on your account history, not a standard amount for all customers.
- You can find your overdraft limit by logging into your online account, calling Truist customer service, or visiting a branch.
- Each overdraft transaction costs $35, and additional daily fees explore if you stay overdrawn beyond a short grace period.
- You can opt out of overdraft protection entirely, which means transactions will be declined rather than overdrawing your account.
How to find your overdraft limit
Log into your Truist online banking account and look for account settings or account details. Many banks display your overdraft limit alongside your current balance. If you do not see it listed, call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657 and ask them to tell you your overdraft limit. You can also visit a local Truist branch and ask a banker to show you.
When you call or visit, have your account number ready. The bank can tell you not just your limit but also whether you have already used any of it — meaning whether you are currently overdrawn.
What happens when you overdraw
When a transaction pushes your account below zero, Truist covers it and charges you $35. If your account stays negative for more than a few business days, the bank charges an additional daily fee (usually $5 to $10 per day, though this varies). These fees can add up quickly, especially if multiple transactions overdraw your account on the same day.
Truist will continue to cover overdrafts up to your limit, but once you hit that limit, further transactions will be declined. You then have to deposit money to bring your balance back above zero before you can use your card or write checks again.
Opting out of overdraft protection
You do not have to allow overdrafts. You can contact Truist and ask them to turn off overdraft protection on your account. Once you do, any transaction that would overdraw your account will straightforward be declined instead — no fee, but also no coverage.
This option works well if you want to avoid overdraft fees entirely and prefer to know when ready when you do not have enough money. The trade-off is that a declined transaction at a store or gas pump can be embarrassing, and some merchants charge their own fees for declined payments.
Overdraft protection versus overdraft coverage
Truist offers two different protections. Overdraft coverage is what most people think of — the bank covers transactions that would overdraw your account, and you pay a fee. Overdraft protection is a separate service where you link a savings account or credit line to your checking account, and Truist automatically transfers money from that account if you overdraw. Overdraft protection usually costs less than overdraft coverage fees, but you have to set it up in advance.
If you have a savings account at Truist, you can ask about linking it to your checking account for overdraft protection. This way, if you overdraw, money moves automatically from savings to checking, and you pay a smaller transfer fee (often $1 to $3) instead of a $35 overdraft fee.
How overdraft limits change over time
Truist may increase your overdraft limit if you maintain a good account history — meaning you do not overdraw often, you keep a healthy balance, and you do not have late payments or other problems. The bank reviews accounts periodically and may raise limits without you asking. Conversely, if you overdraw frequently or your account shows signs of financial stress, Truist may lower your limit.
You can also ask Truist to increase your limit by calling customer service or visiting a branch. The bank will review your account and decide whether to approve the request. There is no may provide they will say yes, and they may deny the request if your account history does not support a higher limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I overdraft my Truist account if I do not have overdraft protection?
No. If you have turned off overdraft protection, transactions that would overdraw your account will be declined. The bank will not cover them, and you will not be charged an overdraft fee. You can turn overdraft protection back on at any time by contacting Truist.
What is the maximum overdraft limit Truist allows?
Truist does not publish a maximum limit. Limits vary widely based on account history and balance. Some customers have limits of $500, others $1,000 or higher. Contact Truist directly to learn your specific limit.
Do I get charged a fee every time I overdraft?
Yes. Each transaction that overdrafts your account costs $35. If your account stays overdrawn for several days, you also pay a daily fee. Multiple overdrafts on the same day each cost $35, so fees can accumulate quickly.
Can I increase my overdraft limit?
You can ask Truist to increase your limit by calling 1-800-872-2657 or visiting a branch. The bank will review your account history and decide whether to approve. Approval is not may provide and depends on factors like how often you overdraft and your account balance.