BB&T Checking Accounts Have No Limit on Check Writing

BB&T (now operating as Truist Financial Corporation after a 2019 merger) does not restrict the number of checks you can write from most of its checking accounts. You can write as many checks as you need without hitting a cap, as long as you have the funds available in your account.

This applies to their standard checking products, including the Truist Everyday Checking and Truist Preferred Checking accounts. The bank does not charge per-check fees for writing checks, and there is no monthly limit on how many you can issue.

What matters instead is whether you maintain the minimum balance required for your specific account type and whether you have sufficient funds to cover each check when it clears. If a check bounces due to insufficient funds, you will face an overdraft fee, but that is a different issue from a limit on check writing itself.

Key Takeaways

  • BB&T (Truist) checking accounts allow unlimited check writing with no per-check fees or monthly caps.
  • The only constraint is having enough money in your account to cover each check when it is presented for payment.
  • Different BB&T checking products have different minimum balance requirements, which affect monthly fees but not check-writing limits.
  • Bounced checks trigger overdraft fees, but writing the check itself is never restricted by the bank.

How BB&T Handles Check Writing Across Account Types

BB&T offers several checking account tiers, and check-writing permissions are the same across all of them. Whether you hold Everyday Checking, Preferred Checking, or another variant, you face no numerical limit on checks written.

The differences between account types lie in minimum balance thresholds and monthly maintenance fees. Truist Everyday Checking, for example, has a lower minimum balance requirement than Preferred Checking, but both allow unlimited checks. If you fall below the required minimum balance, you may incur a monthly fee, but that fee is not tied to how many checks you write.

Online and mobile banking features also do not restrict check writing. You can order checks through your account, and the bank will deliver them to your address. There is no approval process for ordering checks beyond standard verification that you are the account holder.

What Happens When You Write a Check Without Funds

If you write a check and do not have enough money in your account when it clears, BB&T will either decline the check or charge you an overdraft fee. The bank's overdraft policy determines which happens first, and you can adjust your overdraft settings through online banking or by calling customer service.

A returned check (one that bounces) typically costs you an overdraft fee from BB&T, usually in the range of $25 to $35, though the exact amount depends on your account type and current bank policies. The person or business you wrote the check to may also charge you a returned-check fee on their end.

You can link a savings account or credit line to your checking account to cover overdrafts automatically, which prevents bounces but may still trigger a small transfer fee. This is optional and something you set up yourself through your account settings.

Ordering and Managing Physical Checks

BB&T allows you to order checks directly through your online banking portal or by phone. The bank does not limit how many check orders you can place or how many checks you can receive. You pay for the checks themselves (they are not free), and the cost varies depending on the style and quantity you order.

Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you place an order. If you need checks urgently, some third-party check printers offer faster delivery, though you will need your routing and account numbers to use them.

You can also use mobile check deposit to deposit checks into your account using your phone's camera, which is a separate feature from writing checks. This does not affect your ability to write checks yourself.

Digital Payment Alternatives to Checks

While BB&T does not limit check writing, the bank also offers digital payment methods that may be faster or more convenient for some transactions. These include bill pay through online banking, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and debit card payments.

Bill pay lets you schedule payments to businesses and individuals directly from your checking account without writing a physical check. There is typically no fee for bill pay, and payments can be scheduled days or weeks in advance. This is useful if you write many checks to the same vendors regularly.

For person-to-person payments, you can use Zelle (which BB&T supports) to send money to another person's bank account instantly. Wire transfers and ACH transfers are available for larger amounts or transfers to accounts outside the BB&T network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BB&T charge a fee for each check I write?

No. BB&T does not charge per-check fees. You pay for the physical checks when you order them, but writing and depositing checks does not incur transaction fees. Monthly maintenance fees depend on your account type and minimum balance, not on check volume.

Can I write checks from a BB&T savings account?

No. Savings accounts do not come with check-writing privileges. You need a checking account to write checks. If you want check access, you must open a checking product like Truist Everyday Checking or Truist Preferred Checking.

What if I write a check for more than my account balance?

The check will bounce, and you will incur an overdraft fee (typically $25 to $35). The recipient will also likely be charged a returned-check fee by their bank. You can prevent this by linking overdraft protection to a savings account or credit line, which covers the shortfall automatically.

How long does it take for a check to clear after I write it?

This depends on when the recipient deposits it and their bank's processing time. Most checks clear within 1 to 3 business days, but it can take longer if the check is deposited at a different bank or on a weekend. You should assume the money is gone from your account as soon as you write the check.

Can I stop payment on a check I already wrote?

Yes. You can place a stop-payment order through BB&T online banking or by calling customer service. There is typically a fee for this service (usually $25 to $35), and you must act before the check clears. The bank will need the check number, amount, and payee information.