What you need to open a Truist checking account

You can open a Truist checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online at truist.com, which takes about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — usually $100 to $500 depending on the account type, though some accounts have no minimum.

If you're opening online, Truist will verify your identity using information from your credit file and may ask security questions. You'll choose a username and password, link a funding source (another bank account or debit card), and confirm your deposit. The account opens immediately, though it may take one to two business days for your initial deposit to clear and for your debit card to arrive by mail.

If you prefer to open in person, bring your ID and Social Security number to any Truist branch. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about features, and process your deposit on the spot. In-person accounts also open the same day, and you can sometimes get a temporary debit card before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening at truist.com takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $100 to $500.
  • Your account opens immediately after you complete the online application, though your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
  • Opening in person at a Truist branch lets you ask questions and sometimes get a temporary debit card the same day.
  • You'll need to link a funding source (another bank account or debit card) to make your initial deposit online.
  • Truist offers several checking account types with different features and fee structures, so compare options before you choose.

Checking account types at Truist

Truist offers three main checking accounts: Truist One Checking, Truist Everyday Checking, and Truist Student Checking. Truist One Checking is the premium option with no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. It includes unlimited transactions, no overdraft fees on the first overdraft per year, and higher interest rates on balances. Truist Everyday Checking has a monthly maintenance fee (usually $10 to $12) unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit; it's designed for customers who want basic checking without the premium features.

Truist Student Checking is free for students under 24 and includes no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees on the first overdraft per year. It converts to a standard account once you turn 24 or graduate, at which point you'll need to meet the requirements of whichever account you choose.

Compare the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, overdraft policies, and interest rates for each account before you open. Your choice depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and whether you receive direct deposit.

Steps to open online

Go to truist.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Accounts." Select "Checking" and choose the account type that fits your needs. Truist will ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Have your ID ready — you'll need to provide your ID number and state of issue.

Next, Truist will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit file. Answer these questions accurately; if you answer incorrectly, the system will ask you to verify by phone with a Truist representative instead. Once verified, you'll create your online banking username and password, then set up security questions for future logins.

Then you'll link a funding source for your initial deposit. You can transfer from another bank account (provide the routing and account number) or use a debit card. Enter the amount you want to deposit — at least the minimum for your account type. Review all your information, agree to the account terms, and submit. Your account opens immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number.

What happens after you open your account

Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank. You can also use your online banking login to pay bills, transfer money between your own accounts, or send money to other people through Truist's bill pay feature.

Your initial deposit will post within one to two business days if you transferred from another bank account, or immediately if you used a debit card. Once the deposit clears, you can start using your account. If you opened in person, ask the banker whether you can get a temporary debit card to use right away while you wait for your permanent card.

Set up online banking and the Truist mobile app as soon as your account opens. The app lets you check your balance, deposit checks by taking a photo, transfer money, and get alerts for transactions. You can also set up automatic bill pay or direct deposit through the app.

Overdraft protection and fees

Truist One Checking includes no overdraft fees on your first overdraft per year; after that, overdraft fees apply. Truist Everyday Checking and Student Checking also waive the first overdraft fee per year. An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have in your account. Truist will cover the transaction and charge you a fee (typically $35 per overdraft after the first one).

You can link a savings account or credit card to your checking account for overdraft protection. If you overdraft, Truist will automatically transfer money from your linked account to cover the shortfall, usually for a smaller fee than an overdraft fee. Set this up in online banking under "Account Services" or "Overdraft Protection."

To avoid overdraft fees, turn on low-balance alerts in the mobile app so you know when your balance is running low. You can also set up a transfer from savings to checking on a specific date each month.

Funding your account and setting up direct deposit

You can fund your Truist checking account by transferring from another bank, depositing a check through the mobile app, or visiting a branch to deposit cash. To transfer from another bank online, log into your Truist account, go to "Transfer Money," and select "From Another Bank." Enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there, then authorize the transfer. This usually takes one to two business days.

If you have a job, set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your Truist account. Ask your employer's payroll department for the direct deposit form. You'll need to provide your Truist routing number (which is 061000104 for most Truist accounts) and your account number. Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods.

To deposit checks using your phone, open the Truist mobile app, go to "Deposit a Check," take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The check typically clears within one business day. You can also deposit checks at any Truist ATM or branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Truist checking account if I have bad credit?

Truist does not run a hard credit check when you open a checking account, so bad credit will not disqualify you. Truist does check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you've had problems with previous accounts. If you've been reported to ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, you may be denied, but you can dispute inaccurate information.

What's the difference between Truist One and Truist Everyday Checking?

Truist One has no monthly fee if you keep $1,500 or set up direct deposit, includes interest on your balance, and waives overdraft fees on your first overdraft per year. Truist Everyday Checking charges a monthly fee (usually $10 to $12) unless you meet a minimum balance or direct deposit requirement. Choose Truist One if you can maintain the balance or have direct deposit; choose Everyday if you prefer lower minimums and don't mind the fee.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days after you open your account. If you open in person at a branch, ask whether you can get a temporary card to use immediately. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before your card arrives.

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 a checking account. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can open an account. Some Truist branches may be able to guide you through this process.

What if I need to close my account later?

You can close your Truist checking account online, by phone, or in person at any branch. Call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657 or log into online banking and request account closure. Make sure your account balance is zero before you close it, or transfer any remaining funds to another account. Truist will send you written confirmation of the closure.