Truist Bank formed from the merger of two major regional banks

Truist Bank did not exist before December 2019. The bank you know today was created when BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks merged to form Truist Financial Corporation. Before that date, customers banked with one of these two separate institutions, each with its own history, branch network, and product lineup.

The merger was announced in February 2019 and completed in December of that year. It was one of the largest bank mergers in U.S. history at the time. The combined entity kept the Truist name and gradually unified the two banks' systems, branches, and customer accounts over the following years.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank was created in December 2019 from the merger of BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks, two large regional banks.
  • BB&T was headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and operated primarily in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
  • SunTrust Banks was headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and served customers across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Midwest.
  • After the merger, both banks' branch networks and customer accounts were gradually combined under the Truist name.
  • If you had an account with either BB&T or SunTrust before December 2019, it became a Truist account automatically.

BB&T: The North Carolina-based predecessor

BB&T Corporation was founded in 1872 in Wilson, North Carolina, as Branch Banking and Trust Company. It grew into one of the largest regional banks in the United States, with headquarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. By the time of the merger, BB&T operated more than 1,700 branches across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

BB&T offered checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and investment services. The bank was known for its strong presence in smaller communities and mid-sized cities throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. BB&T customers kept their accounts and straightforward saw the branding change to Truist over time.

SunTrust Banks: The Atlanta-based predecessor

SunTrust Banks was founded in 1891 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was also a major regional bank, with headquarters in Atlanta and a footprint that stretched across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and into parts of the Midwest. SunTrust operated roughly 1,500 branches before the merger.

SunTrust provided similar products to BB&T: deposit accounts, credit cards, home and auto loans, and wealth management services. The bank had a particularly strong presence in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Like BB&T customers, SunTrust account holders saw their accounts transition to Truist.

How the merger affected customer accounts

If you had a checking or savings account with BB&T or SunTrust before December 2019, your account did not close. Instead, it was converted to a Truist account. Your account number, balance, and transaction history remained the same, though the bank name on your statements and debit card changed to Truist.

The two banks' systems were not unified when ready. For several years after the merger, customers could still access some BB&T and SunTrust online banking portals separately, though both eventually moved to a single Truist platform. Branches in overlapping areas were consolidated, meaning some locations closed while others remained open under the Truist name.

Why BB&T and SunTrust merged

The merger was driven by the desire to create a larger, more competitive regional bank. Both institutions wanted to expand their product offerings, improve technology, and reach more customers across a wider geographic area. The combined bank could also reduce costs by eliminating duplicate operations and consolidating branches.

The merger was approved by federal regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Both banks' shareholders voted to approve the deal. The process took about ten months from announcement to completion, which is typical for a merger of this size.

What changed after the merger

After Truist formed, the bank rebranded all branches, ATMs, and customer-facing materials. Online banking platforms were unified into a single system. Debit cards were reissued with the Truist name. Customer service phone numbers changed, though the bank provided transition support to help customers adjust.

Product offerings remained largely the same, though Truist eventually standardized fees, interest rates, and account features across the combined customer base. Some customers found their account terms changed slightly during this process, so it was important to review statements and account agreements after the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything if I had a BB&T or SunTrust account before the merger?

No. Your account was automatically converted to Truist. You did not need to open a new account or transfer money. Your existing debit card worked until it expired, at which point you received a new one with the Truist name.

What happened to my old BB&T or SunTrust debit card?

Your card continued to work after the merger until its expiration date. When it expired, Truist sent you a replacement card with the Truist logo. You could also request a new card sooner if you wanted to switch over when ready.

Did my account number change when BB&T and SunTrust became Truist?

No. Your account number stayed the same. This was important for setting up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and other recurring transactions. You did not need to update these arrangements unless you chose to.

Can I still access my old BB&T or SunTrust online banking login?

Eventually, no. Both banks' separate online portals were shut down as customers were moved to the unified Truist platform. The transition happened gradually over several years. Truist provided instructions and support to help customers set up their new login credentials.

Where can I find information about BB&T or SunTrust history?

Both banks' historical information is available through public records and financial archives. Truist's investor relations website also contains details about the merger and the company's formation. Local libraries and historical societies in North Carolina and Georgia may have additional materials about these regional banks.