SunTrust merged with BB&T in 2019 and became Truist Financial Corporation

Yes, SunTrust Bank no longer exists under that name. In December 2019, SunTrust Banks, Inc. and BB&T Corporation completed a merger and created a new company called Truist Financial Corporation. If you had a SunTrust account, it automatically became a Truist account. Your account number, routing number, and the money in your account stayed the same — only the bank's name on your statements and cards changed.

This was one of the largest bank mergers in U.S. history. The two banks combined their operations, branches, and customer bases into one institution. For customers, the transition happened over several months as the banks unified their systems, but there was no action required on your part. Your debit card, online banking login, and account access continued to work.

Key Takeaways

  • SunTrust Bank merged with BB&T in 2019 and is now called Truist Financial Corporation.
  • Your SunTrust account automatically converted to a Truist account with no action needed from you.
  • Your account number, routing number, and account balance remained unchanged during the merger.
  • Truist operates the combined branch network and customer service systems from both former banks.
  • If you still have questions about your account, you can contact Truist customer service using your old SunTrust account information.

What changed and what stayed the same

The bank's name changed, but your account itself did not. Your account number and routing number stayed exactly the same, so any automatic payments, direct deposits, or transfers you had set up continued without interruption. The money in your account was never moved or frozen. If you had a SunTrust debit card, you received a new card with the Truist name, but your PIN and the way you used it remained the same.

What did change was the physical branch network and some of the services available. Truist closed some overlapping branch locations where SunTrust and BB&T had been in the same area, so you may have lost your nearest branch. Online banking platforms were unified, which meant some features or the layout of your online account changed. Customer service phone numbers shifted to Truist numbers, though old SunTrust numbers were forwarded for a period of time.

Timeline of the merger and when things changed

The merger was announced in February 2019, but it took most of the year to complete. The deal officially closed on December 6, 2019. However, the actual work of combining two large banks — merging computer systems, consolidating branches, and training staff — took much longer.

The most visible changes happened in early 2020, when customers began receiving new Truist debit cards and were asked to update their online banking information. By mid-2020, most of the technical systems had been unified, though some customers experienced delays or issues during the transition. If you had a SunTrust account during this time, you may remember receiving letters explaining the changes and when to expect your new card.

If you still have a Truist account from SunTrust

Your account is now a Truist account, and you manage it through Truist's online banking platform and mobile app. You can log in using the same username and password you used for SunTrust, or you can set up a new login. If you have questions about your account, you contact Truist customer service, not SunTrust — SunTrust's customer service lines no longer exist.

If you have not used your account in several years, it may have been closed due to inactivity. Banks typically close accounts that have had no deposits or withdrawals for a long period (the exact timeframe varies). If this happened, any remaining balance would have been sent to your state's unclaimed property program. You can search for unclaimed money through your state's treasurer or comptroller office website.

Why banks merge and what it means for customers

Banks merge to reduce costs, expand their geographic reach, and compete with larger national banks. SunTrust and BB&T were both large regional banks, and combining them created a bank with more branches, more resources, and more products to offer. For customers, a merger can mean access to more ATMs, more branch locations (though sometimes fewer in overlapping areas), and potentially more services.

Mergers can also mean changes you might not like — branch closures, fee increases, or service changes. However, your account itself and the money in it are protected. Banks are required by federal law to honor all existing accounts and balances during a merger. If you were unhappy with the changes, you always had the option to move your account to a different bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything with my old SunTrust account?

No. Your account automatically converted to Truist when the merger completed in December 2019. You do not need to open a new account or transfer money. If you have not used your account since then, you may want to log in to make sure it is still active and check your balance.

Where can I find my routing number if I need it?

Your routing number did not change during the merger. You can find it on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your Truist online account. You can also call Truist customer service and they will provide it. The routing number is the same whether you use it for direct deposit, bill pay, or any other transfer.

What if I have an old SunTrust debit card?

Old SunTrust debit cards stopped working after the transition period ended in 2020. If you still have one, you should have received a new Truist card in the mail. If you never received a replacement card, contact Truist and they can send you one or issue a temporary card number for online purchases.

Can I still use SunTrust's mobile app?

No, the SunTrust mobile app was discontinued and replaced with the Truist mobile app. You can read the Truist app from your phone's app store and log in with your account information. All the same features — checking your balance, transferring money, paying bills — are available in the Truist app.

What if I have questions about my account history from when it was SunTrust?

Truist has access to all your account history from when it was SunTrust. You can view statements and transaction history through your online account or by calling Truist customer service. They can pull up any information you need about your account from before or after the merger.