Truist became a bank on December 6, 2019, when BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks merged to create a single institution under the Truist name.

Before the merger, BB&T and SunTrust operated as separate regional banks with overlapping service areas across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The two companies announced the merger in February 2019, and after receiving regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, they officially combined their operations on that December date. The merger created the sixth-largest bank by assets in the United States at the time.

If you held an account at either BB&T or SunTrust before December 2019, your account automatically became a Truist account on the merger date. Your account number, routing number, and most account features remained the same during the transition, though some customers experienced changes to their online banking platforms and fee structures as the two banks integrated their systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Bank was created on December 6, 2019, through the merger of BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks, two major regional banks.
  • The merger was announced in February 2019 and required approval from federal banking regulators before it could proceed.
  • Existing BB&T and SunTrust customers automatically became Truist customers on the merger date without having to take any action.
  • The combined bank became the sixth-largest bank by assets in the United States immediately after the merger closed.

Why BB&T and SunTrust Decided to Merge

Both banks faced pressure to grow larger and compete more effectively with national megabanks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase. Merging allowed them to combine their customer bases, branch networks, and technology platforms to create a stronger competitor in the Southeast and beyond.

The merger also gave both institutions access to each other's geographic markets and customer relationships. BB&T had strong presence in North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, while SunTrust had significant operations in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. By combining, they reduced overlap in some areas while expanding into new markets.

What Changed for Customers After the Merger

The transition to Truist involved several practical changes for customers. Online banking platforms were consolidated, which meant some customers had to learn a new interface or update their login credentials. Mobile apps were merged into a single Truist app, and customers from both banks had to transition to the same system.

Branch consolidation also occurred in areas where BB&T and SunTrust had overlapping locations. Some branches closed, and customers in those areas were directed to nearby Truist branches. Truist maintained the majority of branches from both predecessor banks, but the exact number and locations changed during the integration period.

Account features, interest rates, and fee structures sometimes changed as well. Customers who had specific account types or promotional rates at BB&T or SunTrust may have seen those terms adjusted to align with Truist's standard offerings. The bank provided notice of these changes before they took effect.

How Truist Integrated Two Banking Systems

Integrating two large regional banks required significant technical and operational work. Truist had to combine separate core banking systems, payment processing networks, lending platforms, and customer service operations into unified systems. This process took months and involved careful planning to avoid disrupting customer service.

The bank gradually migrated customer data from both systems into Truist's infrastructure. Routing numbers and account numbers were preserved for most customers to minimize disruption, but behind the scenes, the bank was consolidating duplicate systems and eliminating redundant operations.

Truist also had to integrate the two banks' employee bases. The merger resulted in workforce reductions as duplicate roles were eliminated, but the bank retained employees from both organizations across its operations.

Truist's Operations Since the 2019 Merger

Since becoming a single bank in December 2019, Truist has operated as a unified regional bank with national reach. The bank has continued to expand its service offerings and technology capabilities, including digital banking tools and mobile payment options.

Truist maintained its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, which was BB&T's home city. The bank has continued to serve millions of customers across its branch network and through digital channels. Like other banks, Truist has faced economic challenges and regulatory changes since the merger, but the combined institution has remained a significant player in the U.S. banking system.

The Regulatory Process Behind the Merger

Before BB&T and SunTrust could officially merge, they had to receive approval from multiple federal banking regulators. The Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency both reviewed the merger to ensure it met legal requirements and would not harm competition or financial stability.

The regulatory review process took several months and involved detailed analysis of the combined bank's capital levels, risk management practices, and competitive impact in various markets. Both regulators ultimately approved the merger, allowing it to proceed on schedule in December 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have the same account number and routing number after the merger?

Most customers kept their original account and routing numbers from their BB&T or SunTrust accounts. However, some customers may have experienced changes depending on their account type or the specific branch where they banked. Contact Truist directly if you are unsure about your account details.

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

Your existing debit card continued to work after the merger, though you eventually received a new card with the Truist branding. The bank mailed replacement cards to customers over time, and your old card remained valid until the new one arrived.

Did the merger affect my mortgage, auto loan, or other credit products?

Existing loans and credit accounts were transferred to Truist as part of the merger. Your loan terms and payment schedules remained the same, though you may have received new account statements and documentation reflecting the Truist name and account structure.

Were there any service interruptions when the banks merged?

Truist worked to minimize disruptions during the merger, but some customers experienced temporary issues with online banking, mobile apps, or customer service during the integration period. The bank provided updates and support to help customers transition to the new systems.