Truist checking accounts have different minimum balance rules depending on which account type you choose

Truist offers several checking account options, and the minimum balance requirement — the smallest amount you must keep in the account to avoid a fee — varies by account. Some Truist checking accounts have no minimum balance at all, while others require you to maintain a set amount. The account you're may be able to access for depends on factors like your banking history, credit profile, and sometimes your employment or student status.

The most important thing to know upfront: you can find out which account fits your situation by talking to a Truist banker in person, by phone, or online. They can tell you the exact minimum for the account you'd open, because the requirements change and vary by region.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist offers checking accounts with no minimum balance requirement, as well as accounts that do require you to maintain a set amount.
  • The specific minimum balance depends on which Truist checking account you choose, and minimums can vary by location.
  • If you fall below the minimum balance, Truist typically charges a monthly maintenance fee rather than closing your account.
  • You can avoid minimum balance fees by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a linked savings account, or choosing an account with no minimum.

Truist checking accounts without a minimum balance

Truist offers at least one checking account with no minimum balance requirement. This means you can open the account and keep any amount in it — even a few dollars — without triggering a fee. This type of account is useful if you're new to banking, if your income is irregular, or if you want to keep most of your money elsewhere.

The trade-off is usually that these accounts may have fewer perks than accounts with higher minimums. You should ask a Truist representative which no-minimum account is available in your area and what features it includes, such as whether it comes with a debit card, online banking, or overdraft protection.

Truist checking accounts with a minimum balance

Truist's other checking accounts do require you to keep a minimum balance. The amount varies — it might be $500, $1,000, or higher depending on the specific account and your location. If your balance drops below the minimum, Truist charges a monthly maintenance fee, usually between $10 and $15.

These accounts often come with benefits that accounts without minimums don't offer: higher interest rates on savings, waived overdraft fees, or discounts on other products like loans. If you can maintain the balance, the perks may save you more money than the maintenance fee would cost.

Ways to avoid the minimum balance fee

Even if you choose an account with a minimum balance requirement, Truist often waives the fee if you meet certain conditions. The most common way is to set up direct deposit — having your paycheck or benefits deposited directly into your Truist account. This typically waives the monthly maintenance fee regardless of your balance.

Other ways to avoid the fee include maintaining a linked Truist savings account with a certain balance, keeping a Truist credit card in good standing, or maintaining a minimum number of debit card transactions per month. Ask your Truist banker which waivers explore to the specific account you're considering, because the rules differ by account type.

What happens if you go below the minimum

If your balance drops below the minimum and you don't have a waiver in place, Truist charges a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is deducted from your account automatically, which can push your balance even lower. The fee is not a penalty for a single transaction — it's a recurring monthly charge as long as your balance stays below the minimum.

The account itself stays open. You can continue to use it, deposit money, and withdraw money. Once your balance goes back above the minimum, the fee stops being charged the following month.

How to find out your account's specific minimum

The easiest way to learn your account's minimum balance requirement is to ask a Truist representative directly. You can visit a branch in person, call Truist customer service, or use the online chat on Truist's website. Have the name of the specific account ready — for example, "Truist One Checking" or "Truist Everyday Checking" — and ask about the minimum balance, any waivers, and what fee applies if you fall below it.

If you already have a Truist account, you can also log into online banking or check your account agreement, which lists the minimum balance requirement and the maintenance fee amount. Your monthly statement will also show if a maintenance fee was charged.

Comparing Truist to other banks' minimums

Truist's minimum balance requirements are typical for a regional bank, but they're higher than many online banks, which often have no minimum at all. If you're deciding between Truist and another bank, compare not just the minimum balance but also the monthly fee, the ways to waive it, and what features come with each account.

A bank with a higher minimum might still be worth it if you can meet the waiver conditions — for example, if you get direct deposit anyway, the minimum becomes irrelevant. Conversely, a bank with no minimum might be better if you can't reliably maintain a balance or if you prefer simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Truist checking account with no minimum balance?

Yes, Truist offers at least one checking account with no minimum balance requirement. Contact a Truist banker to find out which account is available in your area and what features it includes.

What's the monthly fee if I go below the minimum?

Truist's maintenance fee for falling below the minimum is typically between $10 and $15 per month, though the exact amount depends on your account type. Check your account agreement or ask your banker for the specific fee.

Does direct deposit waive the minimum balance requirement?

For most Truist checking accounts, setting up direct deposit waives the monthly maintenance fee even if your balance is below the minimum. Confirm this with your banker, as the waiver rules vary by account.

If I have a Truist savings account, does that count toward the checking minimum?

Some Truist accounts allow you to link a savings account to waive the checking fee, but the savings balance may need to meet its own minimum. Ask your banker whether linking accounts can help you avoid the checking fee.

What if I can't maintain the minimum balance right now?

Choose a Truist checking account with no minimum balance, or open an account elsewhere if Truist's options don't fit your situation. You can always switch banks or upgrade to a different Truist account later when your circumstances change.