SunTrust does not require an opening deposit to start a checking account
You can open a SunTrust checking account with zero dollars. SunTrust (now Truist Bank following a 2019 merger) offers several checking products that have no minimum opening deposit requirement. The account opens immediately once you complete the application and verification steps, and you can fund it later—by transfer, direct deposit, mobile deposit, or in-branch deposit.
The catch is not the opening deposit but the monthly maintenance fee. Most SunTrust checking accounts charge a monthly fee unless you meet one of their waiver conditions. Understanding which account type you want and which fee waiver applies to your situation matters more than the opening deposit itself.
Key Takeaways
- SunTrust checking accounts require no opening deposit, but most charge a monthly maintenance fee that you can waive by meeting specific conditions.
- The most common fee waiver is maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account type) or setting up direct deposit.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and the account becomes active the same day if you complete identity verification.
- You do not need to deposit money to open the account, but you will need to fund it before you can use the debit card or write checks.
- If you cannot meet the balance or direct deposit requirement, you can pay the monthly fee (typically $5 to $12) instead of waiving it.
Which SunTrust checking accounts have no opening deposit
SunTrust offers several checking products without an opening deposit requirement. The most common are Truist Everyday Checking and Truist One Checking. Both allow you to open with $0 and activate the account the same day.
Truist Everyday Checking is the standard option and charges a $5 monthly maintenance fee unless you waive it. Truist One Checking is a premium account with higher fees but more perks, and also has no opening deposit requirement. There is also Truist Student Checking for full-time students under 24, which has no monthly fee and no opening deposit.
Before you open, confirm which account type is available in your state. SunTrust operates in multiple states, and product availability varies by region. You can check the SunTrust website or call 1-800-786-8787 to confirm what is offered where you live.
How to waive the monthly maintenance fee
If you open Truist Everyday Checking with no deposit, you will owe the $5 monthly fee unless you meet one of the waiver conditions. The most straightforward waivers are:
- Maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 for Everyday Checking, though this varies by state)
- Set up a direct deposit of at least $250 per month
- Maintain an average daily balance of $500 or more during the statement period
If you are opening with no deposit, direct deposit is often the easiest path. Once your employer or benefit provider sets up direct deposit to your new account, the fee waiver kicks in automatically. If you do not have direct deposit, you can deposit money yourself to meet the balance requirement, though that defeats the purpose of opening deposit-free.
If you cannot meet any waiver condition, you simply pay the $5 monthly fee. That is a legitimate choice—some people prefer to pay a small fee rather than maintain a balance they do not need.
Opening the account online or in person
You can open a SunTrust checking account online at truist.com or by calling 1-800-786-8787. The online process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and a valid ID (driver's license or passport). You will also need to verify your identity, which SunTrust does by asking security questions based on your credit history.
Once you complete the application and pass identity verification, the account opens immediately. You receive an account number right away and can set up transfers or direct deposit the same day. Your debit card ships separately and typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days.
If you prefer to open in person, visit a Truist branch with a valid ID and your Social Security number. A banker can open the account on the spot, and you can request a temporary debit card to use while your permanent card is mailed. In-person opening also gives you a chance to ask about fee waivers and confirm which account type fits your needs.
Funding your account after opening
Once your account is open, you have several ways to deposit money without visiting a branch. Direct deposit is the most common—provide your employer or benefit provider with your new account number and routing number (Truist routing numbers vary by state, and SunTrust will provide yours when you open the account).
Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through the Truist mobile app. Transfer from another bank can be set up online if you have an account elsewhere; you link the external account and transfer money. Wire transfer is available if someone sends you money directly, though this usually costs a fee.
If you need cash in the account immediately, you can visit a Truist branch and deposit cash at the teller window or at an ATM if the branch has a cash deposit machine. Truist has thousands of ATMs nationwide, and you can find the nearest one on their website.
What happens if you do not fund the account
If you open the account but never deposit money, the account remains open and active. You will still owe the monthly maintenance fee (unless you have waived it through direct deposit or balance requirements) even if the account has a $0 balance. Some banks close accounts that sit dormant for a long time, but SunTrust typically does not close an account solely because it has no money in it.
However, if your account goes negative—meaning you owe the bank money due to fees or overdrafts—SunTrust may close it and report you to ChexSystems, a banking history database. This can make it harder to open accounts at other banks. To avoid this, either fund the account before the first fee is due or close it if you decide not to use it.
Comparing SunTrust to other banks with no opening deposit
SunTrust is not alone in offering no-deposit checking. Chime, Ally Bank, and Charles Schwab also have checking accounts with no opening deposit and no monthly fee. The trade-off is that these are online-only banks with no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash in person.
If you want a bank with branches and no opening deposit, Capital One 360 and Discover Bank also offer this. The key difference between SunTrust and these alternatives is whether you value in-person service. If you live near a Truist branch and want to deposit cash or speak to someone face-to-face, SunTrust makes sense even if you pay the monthly fee. If you are comfortable with online banking and mobile deposit, a no-fee online bank may save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a SunTrust checking account with $0 and never deposit anything?
Yes, you can open the account with no deposit. However, you will owe the monthly maintenance fee ($5 for Everyday Checking) unless you waive it through direct deposit or maintaining a balance. If you never fund the account and never waive the fee, the bank will eventually close it due to unpaid fees and report you to ChexSystems.
How long does it take to open a SunTrust checking account online?
The online application takes about 10 minutes, and the account opens immediately after identity verification. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. You can start using the account (transfers, direct deposit, mobile deposit) the same day it opens, even before the card arrives.
What is the routing number for SunTrust direct deposit?
SunTrust routing numbers vary by state. When you open your account online or in person, you will receive your specific routing number. You can also find it on your checks once they arrive, or call 1-800-786-8787 and provide your account number to get the routing number immediately.
Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid the monthly fee?
No, you have options. You can waive the fee by setting up direct deposit of at least $250 per month, or by maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance. If neither works for you, you can simply pay the $5 monthly fee instead.
What if I open the account and then change my mind?
You can close the account anytime by calling 1-800-786-8787 or visiting a branch. If the account has a $0 balance, there is no penalty. If you owe fees, you will need to pay them before closing. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened—you would have to open a new one if you want to bank with SunTrust again later.