Truist checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement
You do not need to deposit any money to open a Truist checking account. Truist does not charge an account opening fee. You can walk into a branch or open an account online with zero dollars and have an active checking account the same day or within one business day.
The account itself is free to open. What matters is what happens after: whether you maintain a minimum balance, how many transactions you make each month, and which account type you choose. Those factors determine whether you pay monthly fees.
Key Takeaways
- Opening a Truist checking account costs nothing — there is no opening fee and no minimum deposit required.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $12 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
- Truist offers multiple checking account types, each with different fee structures and features.
- You can avoid monthly fees by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or choosing a student or senior account.
Monthly fees depend on account type and how you use it
Once your account is open, Truist charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts — but you can avoid it. The fee ranges from $0 to $12 per month depending on which account you choose and whether you meet one of several conditions.
The most common way to avoid the fee is to maintain a minimum daily balance. For Truist's standard checking account, that minimum is typically $500. If your balance drops below that on any day of the month, you pay the monthly fee. Alternatively, you can waive the fee by setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month into that account.
Truist also offers accounts with no monthly fee at all — the Truist One Checking account has no maintenance fee regardless of balance, though it comes with fewer features than premium accounts.
Different account types have different costs
Truist offers several checking account options, and each has its own fee structure. The account you choose affects whether you pay anything after opening.
Truist One Checking has no monthly maintenance fee. There is no minimum balance requirement and no direct deposit requirement. This account is designed for people who want simplicity and no surprises.
Truist Everyday Checking charges a $5 monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive it by maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance or setting up a $500 monthly direct deposit. This account includes features like online bill pay and mobile banking.
Truist Preferred Checking charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee and requires a higher minimum balance of $2,500 to waive it, or a $1,000 monthly direct deposit. This account includes benefits like higher interest rates on balances and fee waivers for certain services.
Student and Senior accounts have their own fee structures. Truist's student checking account typically has no monthly fee for the first five years, and senior accounts often have reduced or waived fees.
How to open an account with no ongoing costs
If you want to open a Truist checking account and pay nothing after that, you have two straightforward paths. The first is to choose Truist One Checking, which has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. You open it for free and never pay a monthly charge.
The second path is to open any other Truist checking account and then meet one of the fee-waiver conditions. If you have a job with direct deposit, set up a deposit of at least $500 per month into your Truist account — that waives the monthly fee on most accounts. If you do not have direct deposit, maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 (or $2,500 for Preferred Checking) throughout the month.
You can open an account online at Truist.com or in person at any Truist branch. Online opening typically takes a few minutes and you can start using the account within one business day.
Fees you might pay beyond the monthly maintenance charge
Truist does not charge for opening an account, but other fees can apply depending on how you use it. Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your available balance — Truist charges $36 per overdraft transaction. ATM fees apply if you use an out-of-network ATM; Truist reimburses some out-of-network fees depending on your account type, but not all.
Wire transfer fees, stop payment fees, and replacement card fees may also apply. These are not monthly charges — they only appear if you use those services. Check Truist's fee schedule on their website or ask at a branch for the complete list of possible charges.
The monthly maintenance fee is the only recurring charge you need to plan for, and it is easy to avoid by choosing the right account or meeting the balance or direct deposit requirement.
Opening online versus in person
You can open a Truist checking account either way, and neither costs anything. Opening online is faster — you can complete the application in a few minutes from your phone or computer, and the account is usually active within one business day. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a current address.
Opening in person at a Truist branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and understand the account features before committing. A banker can also help you choose which account type fits your situation best. Both methods are free.
If you open online, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the account for transfers and bill pay immediately, even before the card arrives.
What to bring if you open in person
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works as proof of address. If you want to set up direct deposit right away, bring a recent pay stub or ask your employer for the routing and account number information.
If you are opening a student account, bring proof of enrollment from your school. If you are opening a senior account, bring proof of age. These documents are free to bring and speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need money in the account to open it?
No. Truist does not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. The account is active and ready to use immediately.
What happens if I do not meet the minimum balance requirement?
You pay the monthly maintenance fee for that month. For Everyday Checking, that is $5. For Preferred Checking, that is $12. You can avoid the fee the next month by bringing your balance back up or by setting up direct deposit.
Can I switch to a different Truist checking account later?
Yes. You can change account types at any time by visiting a branch or calling Truist customer service. There is no fee to switch, and your account number and routing number stay the same.
Does Truist charge to close a checking account?
No. Closing an account is free. You can close it online, by phone, or in person. Make sure your balance is zero or withdraw any remaining funds before closing.
What if I have a negative balance when I close my account?
You must pay the negative balance before closing. If you do not, Truist will pursue collection. Contact Truist to arrange payment or set up a payment plan before closing the account.