Truist's Student Checking Account Options

Truist offers a Student Checking account designed for customers under 25 years old. The account waives monthly maintenance fees for student account holders and includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access. You can open one at any Truist branch or online if you meet the age requirement.

The specific features and any associated fees depend on which Truist subsidiary you bank with, since Truist operates under different brand names in different regions—including Truist Bank, BB&T, SunTrust, and others. The core student account structure is similar across these brands, but you should confirm the exact terms with your local branch or the Truist website for your state.

Student accounts typically remain free as long as you stay under 25. Once you turn 25, the account converts to a standard checking account, which may carry a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet other requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Student Checking waives monthly maintenance fees for account holders under 25 years old.
  • You can open the account online or at a branch with proof of age and a valid ID.
  • The account includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access at no extra cost.
  • When you turn 25, the account converts to a standard checking account that may charge a monthly fee unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
  • Specific features vary slightly by region depending on which Truist brand operates in your area.

What You Need to Open a Student Account

To open a Truist Student Checking account, you must be under 25 years old and provide a valid government-issued ID. A Social Security number is required. You do not need to have a job or maintain a minimum balance to open or keep the account active.

If you open online, you can complete the process in minutes using your ID and Social Security number. If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number. Either way, you can start using the account and debit card within a few business days.

Monthly Fees and Costs

The Student Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee while you are under 25. This is the main advantage over a standard checking account. However, other fees may apply in specific situations: overdraft fees if you spend more than your balance, ATM fees if you use an out-of-network ATM, and wire transfer fees if you send money electronically.

Truist does not charge a fee to open the account or to close it. Debit card replacement is typically free for the first card, though replacement cards after that may carry a small fee depending on your region.

What Happens When You Turn 25

When you turn 25, Truist automatically converts your Student Checking account to a standard checking account. The conversion is automatic—you do not have to do anything. However, the account will then be subject to the monthly maintenance fee for standard accounts, which varies by region but typically ranges from $10 to $15 per month.

You can avoid the monthly fee on the converted account by meeting one of these conditions: maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500, depending on your region), setting up direct deposit of your paycheck, or keeping a linked savings account with a minimum balance. Contact your local Truist branch or check the Truist website to confirm the exact requirements in your area.

How to Use Your Student Debit Card

Your Truist Student Checking account comes with a debit card that you can use to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay bills online. You can use the card at any merchant that accepts Visa (Truist debit cards are Visa cards). Purchases post to your account immediately or within one business day.

You have access to Truist ATMs and surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, which includes thousands of ATMs nationwide. Using an ATM outside these networks typically costs $2 to $3 per withdrawal, depending on the ATM operator. You can check your balance and recent transactions anytime through the Truist mobile app or online banking.

Online Banking and Mobile App Features

Truist Student Checking includes access to online banking and the Truist mobile app at no extra cost. Through these tools, you can check your balance, view transaction history, transfer money between your own accounts, set up bill pay, and lock or unlock your debit card if it is lost or stolen.

The mobile app also lets you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back, which is faster than visiting a branch or ATM. You can set up alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs. These features are included with the account and do not cost extra.

Overdraft Protection and Declined Transactions

If you attempt to spend more money than you have in your account, Truist will decline the transaction at the point of sale or ATM. This means the purchase will not go through, and you will not incur an overdraft fee. However, some merchants may charge you a fee for the declined transaction.

You can link your Student Checking account to a savings account to set up overdraft protection. If you overdraw your checking account, Truist will automatically transfer money from your linked savings account to cover the shortfall. This transfer typically costs $10 per occurrence, though some account tiers may waive this fee. You can turn overdraft protection on or off anytime through online banking or by calling Truist customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Truist Student Checking account if I am 24 years old?

Yes. You can open the account anytime before you turn 25. The account remains free until your 25th birthday, at which point it converts to a standard checking account with a potential monthly fee.

Do I need to be enrolled in college to open a student account?

No. Truist does not require proof of enrollment. The account is open to anyone under 25, regardless of whether they are in school, working, or neither.

What happens if I close my Student Checking account and reopen it later?

Once you close an account, you cannot reopen it under the same account number. If you want to return to Truist, you would open a new account. If you are still under 25, the new account would be a Student Checking account. If you are 25 or older, it would be a standard checking account subject to monthly fees.

Can I have a joint student account with a parent or roommate?

Truist Student Checking accounts are individual accounts in your name only. You cannot add another person as a joint owner. However, a parent or guardian can set up a linked account to monitor spending or transfer money to you.

Does Truist offer a savings account for students?

Truist offers savings accounts, but they are not specifically branded as student accounts. A standard Truist savings account may have a monthly fee or minimum balance requirement. Ask your local branch whether any savings products waive fees for customers under 25.