BB&T offers multiple checking accounts, each designed for different banking needs and account balances

BB&T (now operating as Truist Financial Corporation after a 2019 merger) offers several checking account options rather than a single product. The main accounts are Truist Bank Checking, Truist One Checking, and Truist Wealth Checking, plus specialized accounts for students and seniors. Which one fits you depends on how much money you keep in the account, how often you use it, and whether you want extra features like investment access or premium customer service.

The differences between these accounts matter because they affect monthly fees, interest rates, minimum balance requirements, and what perks come included. A checking account that works well for someone depositing a paycheck twice a month may cost money for someone who rarely uses it, or may lack features someone else needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank Checking is the standard option with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Truist One Checking combines checking and savings features in one account and may earn interest on your balance.
  • Truist Wealth Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and includes premium services like dedicated phone support.
  • Student and senior accounts have their own terms, including reduced or waived fees for those age groups.
  • The account that costs you the least depends on your typical balance and how you plan to use the account.

Truist Bank Checking: The standard option

Truist Bank Checking is the most common checking account. It has no monthly maintenance fee if you keep a minimum balance (typically $500, though this varies by location and can change) or if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. If your balance falls below the minimum and you do not have direct deposit, you pay a monthly fee.

This account comes with a debit card, online banking, and the ability to write checks. You can deposit checks through your phone using mobile deposit, and you have access to Truist's ATM network plus surcharge-free ATMs at partner banks in the Allpoint network. There is no interest paid on the balance you keep in this account.

Truist One Checking: Checking with savings features

Truist One Checking combines a checking account with a savings component in a single account. The main difference from standard checking is that your balance may earn interest, though the rate is typically very low. This account also has no monthly fee if you meet a minimum balance requirement or set up direct deposit.

This account works well if you want to keep some money set aside within the same account without opening a separate savings account. You still get a debit card, checks, and full online banking. The interest earned will be small — often less than 0.01% annually — but it is more than you would earn in a regular checking account.

Truist Wealth Checking: For larger balances and premium service

Truist Wealth Checking is designed for customers who maintain higher account balances, typically $25,000 or more. This account includes perks like a dedicated phone line for customer service, waived fees on certain services, and sometimes higher interest rates on linked savings accounts. The monthly fee is waived if you meet the balance requirement.

If you do not maintain the required balance, you pay a monthly fee. This account is most useful if you have significant savings and want priority access to customer service and fee waivers on things like wire transfers or overdraft protection.

Student and senior checking accounts

Truist offers checking accounts specifically for students and for customers age 55 and older. Student accounts typically have no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees during the first year. These accounts are meant to help people new to banking build good habits without penalty.

Senior accounts (age 55+) also have reduced or waived fees and may include additional benefits like higher interest rates on savings or discounts on other Truist services. To open either account, you will need to show proof of student status or age at the branch.

How to choose between Truist checking accounts

Start by thinking about how much money you typically keep in checking. If you usually have $500 or more and receive direct deposit, Truist Bank Checking costs you nothing and covers your basic needs. If you want to earn a small amount of interest on your balance, Truist One Checking does that at the same cost.

If you have $25,000 or more in savings and want priority customer service, Truist Wealth Checking makes sense. If you are a student or age 55 or older, look at the accounts designed for your group — they will save you money compared to the standard options.

The key is to be honest about your typical balance. If you often drop below the minimum, you will pay monthly fees that add up. In that case, you might be better off with a different bank that does not charge fees on lower balances, or you might need to commit to keeping the minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

What happens if you do not meet the minimum balance

If your balance falls below the required minimum and you do not have direct deposit set up, Truist charges a monthly maintenance fee. This fee varies by account type but typically ranges from $10 to $15 per month. That means if you keep $200 in the account for a year, you pay $120 to $180 in fees alone.

You can avoid this fee by setting up direct deposit of your paycheck, even if it is a small amount. Many employers offer direct deposit at no cost, and it takes just a few minutes to set up through your employer's payroll system. If you do not have regular income or direct deposit is not available to you, you may want to look for a checking account at a different bank that does not have a minimum balance requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from one Truist checking account to another?

Yes. You can visit a branch or call customer service to change your account type. Your account number and routing number may change, so you will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits you have set up. Truist can usually handle this for you during the switch.

Do any Truist checking accounts earn interest?

Truist One Checking may earn interest on your balance, though the rate is very low — typically less than 0.01% per year. The other checking accounts do not earn interest. If earning interest is important to you, a dedicated savings account will earn more.

What is the minimum balance for Truist Bank Checking?

The minimum balance is typically $500, but this can vary by branch location and may change over time. You can confirm the exact requirement for your area by calling your local branch or logging into online banking. If you have direct deposit set up, the minimum balance requirement is waived.

Is there a student checking account if I am over 18?

Student accounts are generally for people currently enrolled in school, regardless of age. You will need to show proof of enrollment (like a student ID or class schedule). If you are no longer a student, you would move to a standard checking account, though Truist may waive fees during a transition period.

Can I have more than one checking account at Truist?

Yes, you can open multiple checking accounts at Truist. Some people open one for regular bills and another for savings goals. Each account has its own minimum balance requirement and fee structure, so make sure you can meet the requirements for each one before opening multiple accounts.