Truist formed from the 2019 merger of BB&T and SunTrust Banks

Truist Bank did not exist before 2019. The bank you know today was created when BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks merged on December 6, 2019. Both were large regional banks operating across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, and the merger created what is now one of the largest banks in the United States by assets.

If you held an account at either BB&T or SunTrust before the merger, your account became a Truist account automatically. The merger was not a takeover of one bank by another — it was a combination of two separate institutions into a single new one. Both banks' customers, branches, and operations were folded into the Truist structure over the following months.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank was created on December 6, 2019, when BB&T and SunTrust merged into a single institution.
  • BB&T operated primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, while SunTrust was strongest in the Southeast and Florida.
  • Customers of both banks were automatically converted to Truist accounts; no action was required on your part.
  • The merger was structured as a combination of equals, not one bank buying the other, though BB&T shareholders held a slight majority stake in the new company.

What BB&T was and where it operated

BB&T Corporation was founded in 1872 as Branch Banking and Trust Company in Wilson, North Carolina. By the time of the merger, it was one of the oldest continuously operating banks in the United States. BB&T operated more than 2,100 branches across 15 states, with particular strength in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

BB&T was known for its community banking approach and maintained a large network of local branches. The bank offered retail banking, commercial lending, wealth management, and insurance services. Before the merger, BB&T was the second-largest bank holding company in the Southeast by assets.

What SunTrust was and where it operated

SunTrust Banks was founded in 1891 and was based in Atlanta, Georgia. It operated more than 1,400 branches across 11 states, with the heaviest concentration in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. SunTrust was particularly dominant in Florida and had significant operations in Tennessee and Alabama.

SunTrust also offered retail banking, commercial lending, and wealth management services. The bank had a strong presence in the Southeast and was known for its focus on personal and business banking. Like BB&T, SunTrust was a major regional player, though its geographic footprint was somewhat more concentrated in the Deep South and Florida.

How the two banks combined into Truist

The merger was announced in February 2019 and completed in December of that year. Rather than one bank absorbing the other, the deal was structured as a merger of equals, with both companies' shareholders receiving stock in the new Truist holding company. BB&T shareholders held approximately 57 percent of Truist, while SunTrust shareholders held approximately 43 percent.

The combined bank kept the Truist name, which was new and did not belong to either predecessor. This naming choice reflected the intent to create a fresh identity rather than privilege one bank's legacy over the other. Over the following year, branches were rebranded, systems were integrated, and duplicate locations were consolidated. Some branches closed, particularly where BB&T and SunTrust had overlapping service areas.

What changed for customers after the merger

For most customers, the transition was straightforward. Your account number, routing number, and account type remained the same initially, though some customers eventually received new debit cards and checks with the Truist branding. Online banking platforms were merged, and customers could access their accounts through a single Truist login.

Some customers experienced changes to their account terms, interest rates, or fees as the banks standardized their products. If you had accounts at both BB&T and SunTrust, they were consolidated under one Truist customer profile. Branch locations changed — some closed, others remained open — depending on whether there was overlap in the service area.

Why the two banks merged

The merger was driven by the desire to create a larger, more competitive regional bank. Both BB&T and SunTrust faced pressure to grow and achieve greater scale to compete with the largest national banks. A combined entity could offer more services, reach more customers, and operate more efficiently by eliminating duplicate functions and overlapping branches.

The deal also allowed both banks to expand into each other's strongest markets. BB&T gained deeper penetration in Florida, while SunTrust expanded its presence in the Mid-Atlantic. The merger was approved by regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, after review of competitive concerns.

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 take any action. Your account number and routing number remained the same, and you could continue using your debit card and online banking during the transition period.

What happened to my BB&T or SunTrust branch after the merger?

Some branches remained open under the Truist name, while others closed if they overlapped with another branch in the same area. You can find your nearest Truist branch on the bank's website. If your branch closed, you were notified in advance and directed to the nearest alternative location.

Did my interest rates or fees change after the merger?

Possibly. Truist standardized many products and services across the combined bank, which meant some customers saw changes to rates, fees, or account terms. The bank notified customers of any changes in advance. If you had questions about your specific account, you could contact Truist directly.

Is Truist the same as BB&T or SunTrust?

Truist is a new bank created from the merger of both. It is not a continuation of either predecessor — it is a separate institution that combined their operations, customers, and assets. The Truist name and brand are distinct from both BB&T and SunTrust.