Truist became a bank in 2019 when BB&T and SunTrust merged

Truist Bank officially opened on December 6, 2019, as the result of a merger between two older regional banks: BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks. Neither bank disappeared — they combined their operations, customers, and branches under the single Truist name. The merger created what was then the sixth-largest bank by deposits in the United States.

The two banks had operated separately for decades before the merger was announced in February 2019. BB&T, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, had roots going back to 1872. SunTrust, based in Atlanta, Georgia, traced its history to 1891. When they merged, Truist inherited branches and customers from both institutions across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank was created on December 6, 2019, when BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks combined their operations into a single institution.
  • BB&T had been operating since 1872 and SunTrust since 1891, so Truist inherited more than a century of banking history from each predecessor.
  • The merger was announced in February 2019 and completed later that year after regulatory review.
  • Truist operates branches across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, serving customers who previously banked with either BB&T or SunTrust.

What happened to BB&T and SunTrust customers

When the merger closed, customers of both banks automatically became Truist customers. Your account did not close or disappear — it straightforward transferred to Truist's systems. If you had a checking account, savings account, credit card, or loan with either bank, that product continued under the Truist name.

Truist kept most of the branch locations from both banks open, though some overlapping branches in the same area were consolidated. Your debit card, online banking login, and account numbers remained the same during the transition, though Truist gradually updated systems and issued new cards with the Truist branding.

Why BB&T and SunTrust decided to merge

Both banks wanted to grow larger and compete more effectively with the biggest national banks. A merger allowed them to combine their customer bases, reduce duplicate costs, and offer a wider range of products and services across a larger geographic area. The combined bank also had more resources to invest in technology and digital banking tools.

Regional banks in the United States have faced pressure to grow or be acquired, and this merger was one way two strong regional institutions chose to stay competitive rather than be taken over by a larger bank.

How the merger affected Truist's products and services

After the merger, Truist offered the full range of products that both predecessor banks had provided: checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, investment services, and business banking. Truist did not eliminate products or services — it combined them and standardized them across all branches.

Over time, Truist has updated its digital banking platform and mobile app to serve all customers. If you switched from a BB&T or SunTrust login to Truist online banking, you may have noticed changes to how you access your account or pay bills, but your underlying account remained the same.

Where Truist operates today

Truist operates branches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., and several other states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The bank also has a national presence through its online banking platform and serves customers outside its branch footprint through digital channels.

The headquarters are in Charlotte, North Carolina, which became the main office after the merger. Truist continues to maintain a significant presence in both Winston-Salem (BB&T's original home) and Atlanta (SunTrust's original home).

What changed for business customers

Business customers of either bank also transitioned to Truist. Small business checking accounts, commercial loans, and merchant services from both banks were consolidated under Truist's business banking division. Truist maintained relationships with existing business customers and continued to offer the same types of products and services.

For businesses that banked with both BB&T and SunTrust before the merger, consolidating accounts with a single bank often simplified accounting and cash management after the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did my account close when BB&T or SunTrust became Truist?

No. Your account transferred to Truist and remained open. Your account number, balance, and account type stayed the same. You may have received a new debit card with the Truist name, but the underlying account did not change.

Can I still use my old BB&T or SunTrust debit card?

Old cards eventually stopped working as Truist issued new cards with the Truist branding. If you still have an old card, contact Truist to request a replacement. The new card is linked to the same account.

What if I had accounts at both BB&T and SunTrust before the merger?

Both accounts transferred to Truist and remained separate unless you chose to consolidate them. You could keep them as individual accounts or combine them into one account through Truist's online banking or by visiting a branch.

Is Truist a new bank or the same bank with a new name?

Truist is a new legal entity created by combining two existing banks. It is not straightforward a name change — it is a merger of two separate institutions into one. However, if you were a customer of either predecessor bank, your account and relationship continued without interruption.

Where can I find information about Truist's current products and services?

Visit Truist's website or call your local branch. Truist offers the same types of accounts and services that BB&T and SunTrust provided, plus any new products developed since the merger.