Truist is a regional bank that serves customers across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States

Truist Bank is a full-service bank — meaning it offers checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment services all under one roof. The bank was created in 2019 when two older banks, BB&T and SunTrust, merged together. Today, Truist operates branches in 15 states, with the heaviest presence in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.

If you're new to banking or returning after a gap, Truist works like most traditional banks: you deposit money into an account, the bank keeps it safe, and you can withdraw it or transfer it whenever you need it. The bank also lends money to people and businesses, which is how banks make their profit — they pay you a small amount of interest on your savings, then charge borrowers a larger amount of interest on loans.

Truist is a publicly traded company, meaning anyone can buy shares of it on the stock market. It's also a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means your deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected by the federal government if the bank fails — though this is extremely rare for large banks.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank operates in 15 states primarily across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with over 2,700 branches and ATMs combined.
  • You can open a checking or savings account at Truist in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone.
  • Truist accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per account type, meaning your money is protected by federal insurance.
  • Truist charges monthly fees on most accounts unless you meet certain balance or deposit requirements, so read the account terms before opening.
  • If you bank with Truist, you can use their ATMs for free, but using another bank's ATM usually costs $2 to $3 per transaction.

How to open a Truist account

You can open a Truist checking or savings account in three ways: online, at a branch in person, or by phone. The online route is fastest if you have a government-issued ID and a Social Security number ready. You'll visit Truist's website, choose the account type you want, and follow the steps to verify your identity — the bank will ask questions only you would know the answers to, based on your credit history.

If you prefer to open an account in person, find a Truist branch near you using their branch locator on their website. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type but is often $25 to $100. A banker will walk you through the paperwork and answer questions about which account fits your needs.

Opening by phone is also an option: call Truist's customer service number (found on their website) and a representative will guide you through the process. You'll still need to verify your identity and make an initial deposit, usually by transferring money from another bank account or mailing a check.

Types of accounts Truist offers

Truist's most common account for everyday banking is the checking account. This is where you deposit your paycheck, pay bills, and withdraw cash. Truist offers several checking account options at different price points — some have no monthly fee if you keep a certain balance, while others charge $12 to $15 per month regardless. Each comes with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to write checks.

A savings account at Truist is designed to hold money you're not spending right away. The bank pays you interest on the balance — the rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates, so it varies over time. Savings accounts have fewer transactions allowed per month than checking accounts, and they usually have a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance.

Truist also offers money market accounts (a hybrid between checking and savings that usually pays higher interest but requires a larger balance), certificates of deposit or CDs (accounts where you agree to leave money untouched for a set period in exchange for a may provide interest rate), and individual retirement accounts or IRAs (special accounts for retirement savings with tax advantages). These products are more complex and are better explored once you have a basic checking account working smoothly.

Fees and monthly costs

Most Truist accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, typically $12 to $15, unless you meet one of these conditions: keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit of your paycheck, or maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Read the account terms carefully before opening, because the fee structure varies by account type and can change.

Beyond the monthly fee, Truist charges for specific actions: using an out-of-network ATM (an ATM that doesn't belong to Truist) usually costs $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Overdrafting your account — spending more money than you have — typically costs $35 per overdraft, though Truist may decline the transaction instead of charging a fee, depending on your account type. Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and stopping a check payment also carry fees, usually $15 to $30 each.

The best way to avoid fees is to use Truist's own ATMs (there are thousands across their service area), keep your balance above the minimum if one is required, and set up direct deposit if your employer offers it. Many employers can deposit your paycheck directly into your bank account at no cost to you — ask your HR or payroll department if this is available.

How Truist compares to online banks and credit unions

Truist is a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, meaning it has physical branches you can walk into. This is helpful if you prefer talking to someone face-to-face, need to deposit cash or checks in person, or want to speak with a loan officer about borrowing money. The tradeoff is that Truist's fees tend to be higher and interest rates on savings accounts tend to be lower than what online-only banks offer.

Online banks like Ally, Marcus, or Discover have no physical branches but offer lower fees and higher interest rates because they have fewer costs to cover. If you're comfortable banking entirely on your phone or computer and don't need to deposit cash in person, an online bank may save you money. However, if you're new to banking and want human support, Truist's branches are an advantage.

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often charge lower fees and pay higher interest rates than traditional banks. You can only join a credit union if you meet certain criteria — working for a specific employer, living in a certain area, or belonging to a particular group. If you're may be able to access for a credit union in your area, it's worth comparing their accounts to Truist's, as they may offer better terms.

Safety and FDIC insurance at Truist

Your money at Truist is protected by FDIC insurance, a federal program that guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per account type per bank. This means if Truist were to fail — an extremely rare event for a large bank — the federal government would reimburse you up to $250,000 in your checking account, up to $250,000 in your savings account, and so on. Each account type is insured separately, so if you have both a checking and savings account at Truist, you're covered for $250,000 in each.

Truist also uses encryption and security measures to protect your online banking login and your debit card from fraud. If someone uses your debit card without permission, report it to Truist when ready — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report it within two business days, and $0 if you report it before the fraudulent transaction posts to your account.

That said, FDIC insurance does not protect you from your own mistakes — if you accidentally transfer money to the wrong person or fall for a scam, the bank is not responsible for recovering it. Always double-check account numbers before transferring money, and never share your PIN or online banking password with anyone, including bank employees.

How to contact Truist and get support

Truist offers customer support through multiple channels. You can call their main customer service line (the number is on your debit card, bank statements, or their website) to ask questions about your account, report fraud, or request a new card. You can also visit a branch in person to speak with a banker about account issues or to deposit or withdraw cash.

Online banking through Truist's website or mobile app lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. If you have a question about a specific transaction or need help with online banking, you can use the chat feature in the app or website to reach a representative without calling.

Truist also has a 24/7 fraud hotline if you notice unauthorized activity on your account. Report it when ready by calling the number on the back of your debit card — the faster you report it, the better protected you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum balance to open a Truist account?

Most Truist accounts require an initial deposit to open, usually $25 to $100. Some accounts also require you to maintain a minimum balance — often $500 to $1,500 — to avoid a monthly fee. Check the specific account terms before opening, as this varies by account type.

Can I use Truist ATMs outside my home state?

Yes. Truist has ATMs across all 15 states where it operates, and you can use any Truist ATM for free. If you travel outside Truist's service area or use a non-Truist ATM, you'll typically be charged $2 to $3 per withdrawal.

What happens if I overdraft my Truist account?

If you spend more money than you have, Truist may either decline the transaction or charge you an overdraft fee (usually $35). Some accounts offer overdraft protection, which automatically transfers money from a linked savings account to cover the shortage. Ask about this when you open your account.

Is Truist a safe place to keep my money?

Yes. Truist is FDIC insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected by the federal government. Truist also uses encryption and fraud monitoring to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Can I open a Truist account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Truist requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you don't have either, you may need to speak with a banker in person about alternative options, though availability varies by location.