You can convert your BB&T checking account to a savings account, but the process depends on whether you want to keep the same account number or open a new one
BB&T (now operating as Truist Financial Corporation after a 2019 merger) allows you to change an existing checking account into a savings account. The simplest route is to contact your local branch or call customer service and ask them to convert the account type. This keeps your account number, routing number, and all existing funds in place — you just change what the account does.
The alternative is to close your checking account and open a new savings account separately. This takes longer and requires you to update any direct deposits or automatic payments tied to the old account number, so most people choose conversion instead.
Before you convert, understand what you'll lose: checking accounts come with a debit card and check-writing ability. Once converted, you won't have those tools. You also need to confirm whether your current checking account has any remaining obligations — some accounts require a minimum balance or charge a monthly fee, and conversion may trigger different terms.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your BB&T branch or call Truist customer service to request an account type conversion rather than closing and reopening.
- Conversion keeps your account number and routing number the same, so you don't need to update direct deposits or automatic payments.
- You will lose access to your debit card and checkbook once the account becomes a savings account.
- Confirm the interest rate, minimum balance requirement, and monthly fees for the savings account type you're converting into before you proceed.
How to request the conversion at BB&T or Truist
Visit your local BB&T or Truist branch in person with your ID and account information. Tell the teller or banker that you want to convert your checking account to a savings account. They can usually process this on the spot, though it may take one business day to show up in your online banking.
If you prefer not to visit a branch, call Truist customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will confirm which savings account type you want to convert into, verify your identity, and submit the request. You should receive confirmation by email or mail within a few days.
Online conversion is not available through Truist's website or mobile app — you must call or visit in person. This is standard across most banks because the change affects your account's core settings and regulatory classification.
What happens to your money and account details during conversion
Your balance transfers automatically. Every dollar in your checking account moves to the new savings account with no interruption. You don't need to withdraw and redeposit funds.
Your account number and routing number stay the same. This is the critical difference between conversion and closing/reopening. Any paycheck, government payment, or automatic bill payment tied to that account number will continue to work without you changing anything. The bank simply changes the account's classification in their system.
Your online banking login and access remain unchanged. You'll see the account listed as a savings account instead of checking, but you log in the same way and access it from the same place.
Debit card and check handling after conversion
Your debit card will stop working once the conversion is complete. Truist typically deactivates it within one business day. If you still need a debit card for everyday purchases, you'll have to open a new checking account or request a debit card linked to a different account you hold.
Any checks you have printed for the old checking account will bounce after conversion. If you have unused checks, destroy them or contact Truist to have them cancelled. If someone deposits a check written to your old checking account after it becomes a savings account, the bank may reject it or deposit it anyway — call ahead if you're expecting checks and want to know the bank's specific policy.
Savings account terms you need to confirm before converting
Truist offers multiple savings account types, and the one you convert into affects your interest rate and fees. Ask the representative which savings product your checking account will become. Common options include basic savings accounts (lower rates, lower minimums) and money market accounts (higher rates, higher minimums).
Confirm the current interest rate (APY) for that account type. Rates change, and you want to know what you're getting before you commit. Also ask about the minimum balance requirement — some savings accounts require you to keep a certain amount on hand or you'll be charged a monthly fee.
Find out whether there are withdrawal limits. Federal rules once capped savings account withdrawals at six per month, but those rules changed in 2020. Truist's current policy varies by account type, so ask directly rather than assuming.
If you want to keep both checking and savings accounts
Conversion closes your checking account, so if you need both a checking and savings account, don't convert. Instead, open a new savings account while keeping your checking account open. You can do this online or in a branch.
This approach takes longer because you have to set up the new account separately, but it gives you the flexibility to write checks and use a debit card while also earning interest on savings. Many people keep a small balance in checking for daily expenses and move larger amounts to savings.
What to do if the conversion doesn't go through
If Truist denies your conversion request, the most common reason is an outstanding balance or hold on the account. Ask the representative why the conversion was declined and what you need to do to resolve it. Sometimes paying down a negative balance or waiting for a hold to clear is all that's needed.
If the account has fraud flags or other security issues, Truist may require you to visit a branch in person with ID before processing the conversion. This is a safety measure and typically takes one visit to resolve.
If you've been denied and can't get a clear answer, ask to speak with a manager or escalate the request. You can also visit a different branch if the first one can't help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will converting my checking account affect my credit score?
No. Converting an account type is an internal change within your bank and does not appear on your credit report. Your credit score is based on borrowing and payment history, not the types of deposit accounts you hold.
Can I convert back to checking if I change my mind?
Yes. You can request another conversion from savings back to checking at any time by calling Truist or visiting a branch. The process is the same, and your account number stays the same again. However, if you've already closed the account or it's been inactive for a long time, Truist may require you to open a new checking account instead.
Do I need to close my old checking account before converting?
No. Conversion is not the same as closing. The account stays open and active — it just changes type. You don't file any paperwork to close it, and you don't lose access to your funds.
What if I have automatic payments set up on my checking account?
They will continue to work after conversion because your account number doesn't change. However, some billers may reject payments from a savings account if their system is set up to only accept checking account payments. Contact your billers (utilities, insurance, loan servicers) to confirm they accept payments from savings accounts before you convert.
How long does the conversion take?
The conversion itself is immediate or takes one business day to show up in your online banking. However, debit card deactivation and other system updates may take an additional one to two business days to fully process across all of Truist's systems.