What happens to a BB&T MoneyCard account

A BB&T MoneyCard does not automatically convert into a checking account. The MoneyCard is a prepaid card — you load money onto it yourself, and it stays separate from any bank account you might open. If you want a traditional checking account with BB&T (now Truist, after the 2019 merger), you need to open one as a new account.

The MoneyCard serves a different purpose than checking. It's designed for people building credit history, those new to banking, or anyone who wants to control spending by loading only what they plan to use. A checking account, by contrast, is tied to a bank and comes with a debit card, checks, and access to overdraft protection or other features.

Think of it this way: the MoneyCard is a tool you own outright. A checking account is a relationship with a bank. You can have both at the same time, but one doesn't turn into the other.

Key Takeaways

  • A BB&T MoneyCard is a prepaid card that does not convert to a checking account — you must open a checking account separately if you want one.
  • Truist (formerly BB&T) offers several checking account options, and you can open one while keeping your MoneyCard active.
  • Having a MoneyCard history may help you open a checking account, since it shows you can manage an account responsibly.
  • You will need to visit a Truist branch, call their customer service line, or use their website to open a checking account.

Why you might want to move to a checking account

A checking account offers features the MoneyCard does not. You get a debit card linked to the bank, the ability to write checks, online bill pay, and access to customer service if something goes wrong. Many checking accounts also come with overdraft protection, which means the bank can cover a small overage if you spend slightly more than your balance — though this comes with a fee.

The MoneyCard has no overdraft protection and no check-writing ability. If you frequently need to pay bills by check or want the security of a bank backing your account, a checking account makes sense. You also build a relationship with a bank, which can matter later if you want to borrow money or need a savings account.

How your MoneyCard history helps you

If you have used your MoneyCard responsibly — no overdrafts, no fraud disputes, regular activity — that history works in your favor. Truist can see that you manage money carefully, which makes them more likely to approve you for a checking account without requiring a large opening deposit.

You do not need to close your MoneyCard to open a checking account. Many people keep both: the MoneyCard for everyday spending and the checking account for bills and larger transactions. Having both also gives you a backup if one card is lost or frozen.

Steps to open a Truist checking account

You have three main routes: visit a branch in person, call Truist customer service, or go online through their website. The online route is fastest if you have all your documents ready.

You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works). Truist will check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you have had problems with other banks. If your MoneyCard is in good standing, this should not be an issue.

Truist offers several checking account types — some with monthly fees, some fee-free if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask which account fits your situation. If you are opening online, you can usually fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank or your MoneyCard.

What to expect after you open

Your new checking account and debit card typically arrive within five to seven business days. In the meantime, you can use your MoneyCard as usual. Once your checking account is active, you can transfer money from your MoneyCard to your checking account if you want to consolidate your funds.

Your MoneyCard remains active unless you close it. Some people close it after opening checking to simplify their finances. Others keep it as a backup or for specific purposes. The choice is yours — there is no requirement to close one to use the other.

If you have had problems with your MoneyCard

If your MoneyCard account has been closed due to fraud, repeated overdrafts, or other issues, opening a checking account becomes harder but not impossible. Truist will still review your process, but you may face a higher opening deposit requirement or be denied.

If you were denied, ask Truist why. Sometimes it is a ChexSystems issue that can be corrected. You can also look into second-chance checking accounts, which are designed for people with banking problems in their past. Some credit unions and smaller banks offer these more readily than large banks do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my MoneyCard while waiting for my checking account to arrive?

Yes. Your MoneyCard stays active and usable until you close it. There is no waiting period or conflict between having both accounts at the same time.

Will opening a checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Truist will do a soft pull of your credit to verify your identity, which does not affect your score. They will also check ChexSystems, which is separate from credit reporting.

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

It depends on the account type. Some Truist checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others require $100 or more. Ask which accounts are available to you when you explore, and choose based on your situation.

What if I want to close my MoneyCard after I open checking?

You can close it anytime by contacting Truist. Make sure you have transferred any remaining balance to your checking account or withdrawn it first. Closing the MoneyCard does not affect your new checking account.

Can I transfer money directly from my MoneyCard to my new checking account?

Yes. Once your checking account is open, you can move money between the two accounts online or at a branch. This is useful if you want to consolidate your funds or use your checking account as your main account.