Through this BB and T Bank review and all other related reviews are essential to know and understand fully how the bank operates, and also, what its products and services are. This will serve as your guide as you think about opening an account with BB&T Bank.
BB&T Bank is a community bank that has been around for more than 150 years now. Having served its clients and customers that long, it is not surprising that the bank has become one of the largest banks on the East Coast.
By the way, according to the FDIC Community Banking Study, which was released in December 2012, community banks “focus on providing traditional banking services in their local communities. They obtain most of their core deposits locally and make many of their loans to local businesses.”
This explains why BB&T, a community bank, is regarded as one of the biggest financial institutions in the East Coast.
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Anyway, the mere fact that you are reading this means that you are considering opening an account with BB&T Bank, right?
So, with this BB and T Bank review, we are going to tackle some, if not, the most essential information that every potential customer or client should know.
In particular, we are going to discuss the following:
- Who is BB&T Bank?
- What are the pros and cons of BB&T Bank?
- Who is BB&T Bank best for?
- What does BB&T Bank offer?
- Are there charges and fees involved?
- How to bank with BB&T?
- How’s BB&T Bank’s customer service?
WHO IS BB&T BANK?
As mentioned earlier, Branch Banking and Trust Co. or more popularly known as BB&T Bank has been around for over 150 years already, dating its roots back to 1872. It is an FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Since its inception, up to this day, the bank continues to grow and innovate. As of this writing, BB&T Bank is present in more than 1,700 locations in 15 states, as well as in the District of Columbia.
But apart from being physically present through its branches, BB&T also offers both mobile and online banking, which is easy to use, and definitely, makes banking more convenient for its customers.
Moving on, in December 2019, BB&T faced a major change. The bank joined forces with SunTrust in what they call as a “merger of equals”.
With such a move, the two companies came up with Truist, which is a new financial institution that is expected to be the sixth biggest bank in the United States.
While at the moment BB&T customers work under the BB&T brand, it will eventually be shifted to its new name, Truist in the days to come.
Regardless of the changes, though, one thing remains, BB&T Bank offers a wide variety of products and services to its customers. It offers account types than can be combined in several ways to fit your lifestyle.
If you want to know more about the merger between these two financial institutions, you may want to check this video by 11Alive about the said matter:
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF BB&T BANK?
Similar to what we usually do whenever we make a bank review, in this BB and T Bank review, we are going to share with you some of the things that we like and we do not like about this financial institution.
We find this essential for every customer to know so you get to gauge whether or not BB&T Bank is the right bank for you or not.
Having said that, here are some of BB&T Bank’s pros and cons:
| PROS | CONS |
| Provides free checking (after fee waiver) available at a brick-and-mortar bank. BB&T Bank’s mobile app called U is highly commended/rated. The app helps its users manage multiple accounts from a customizable dashboard. Online savings accounts are available without monthly maintenance fees, as well as minimum deposit requirements. In 2018, BB&T was named to Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list in the superregional bank category. There is a high potential for improvements should the merger gets successful. | The bank offers fairly low-interest rates on deposit products compared with other banks. It has limited physical branches, which, currently is only present in 15 states, as well as in Washington, D.C. |
As mentioned, these are just some of the pros and cons that we found with BB&T Bank. If you want to know more about what to expect with BB&T Bank especially with its products and services, you can always check for customer reviews online.
WHO IS BB&T BANK BEST FOR?
BB&T Bank has proven its worth in the banking industry. Well, their years of existence in the business should speak for itself.
But who is BB&T Bank most ideal for?
While BB&T Bank has the capability to meet the needs of consumers in the bank’s service area, we find it most appealing to those who:
- Reside in one of the 15 states (and Washington D.C.) where BB&T is present
- Want to keep a savings account without monthly fees
- Have at least $500 of monthly direct deposits to be able to avail a checking account fee waiver
- Are willing to visit their physical branch to know more about the bank’s products and services
- Want to have the freedom to disable their debit card using an app
- Like to bank with text messages instead of using an app
- Employ text and email alerts to keep track of their accounts
If you see yourself in one or more of the above circumstances, then BB&T Bank might just be the bank you have been looking for.
WHAT DOES BB&T BANK OFFER?
At this point in our BB and T Bank review, we are going to go through each of the products and services that BB&T Bank offers.
Again, as a potential client, it is important that you are well-aware of the bank’s offerings. This way, you can gauge if BB&T is indeed the bank that you are looking for.
BB&T offers a wide selection of banking products and services to both individuals and businesses. You can turn to BB&T for an everyday checking account, and/or a credit card.
But what we like about BB&T is that it also could be an ideal choice for more complicated circumstances, which include financing a business, or retirement.
For your reference, BB&T Bank offers the following:
- Savings Accounts
- Checking Accounts
- Money Market Accounts
- Certificates of Deposit
- Credit Cards
BB&T Savings Accounts (eSavings)
BB&T Savings Accounts or its eSavings is what the bank calls as their most popular savings account that is available exclusively online.
With eSavings, account holders can earn 0.03% annual percentage yield (APY) on all balances — from $0 up to $99 billion.
The eSavings account offers an affordable way to jumpstart saving. Although the rate is quite low as compared to its competitors, it is nevertheless a useful place to store extra cash that’s accessible.
Apart from the aforementioned, the eSavings account also features:
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No ongoing minimum balance requirements
- Can provide overdraft protection to BB&T checking accounts
With BB&T’s eSavings, it allows unlimited withdrawals at bank branches and ATMs. However, other withdrawals such as electronic transfers out of your account, are only limited to six every month, which is in accordance with federal regulations.
BB&T Checking Accounts
With BB&T’s Elite Gold Checking, customers can earn interest after depositing a minimum opening deposit of $100. While the bank charges a monthly maintenance fee of $30, it can eventually be waived should customers meet a combined balance of $25,000 across all eligible linked accounts.
Meanwhile, with BB&T Fundamentals and Bright Banking Checking Accounts, both products do not include interest, but they both have lower fees. BB&T Fundamentals’ monthly fee is only $5, and it also does require a minimum initial deposit. As with BB&T Bright Banking, there is a $12 fee that can be waived and a $50 opening deposit requirement.
BB&T Checking Accounts features also include:
- Tiered rates offer interest on all balances
- Allows non-BB&T ATM transactions per statement cycle ($3 fee per transaction thereafter)
On one hand, specifically for BB&T Fundamentals Checking Account, features also include:
- No ongoing balance requirement
- Free online bill pay
- Mobile check deposit
- Optional overdraft protection (fees apply)
- Free debit card for spending and cash withdrawals
- Text and email alerts
- More than 2,400 free BB&T ATMs
On the other hand, for BB&T Bright Banking Checking Account, features also include:
- Combined ACH direct deposits of at least $500 per statement cycle
- Average checking balance of $1,500 or more
Apart from BB&TElite Gold Checking, BB&T Fundamentals, Bright Banking Checking Accounts, BB&T also has Student Checking Account and Senior Checking Account.
For BB&T Student Checking Account, features include:
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirement
- No direct deposit required
Furthermore, it also provides the following benefits:
- Linked savings account with no monthly fee
- One no-fee incoming wire transfer (domestic or international) monthly
- BB&T waives its fees on two non-BB&T ATM transactions monthly
As for the BB&T Senior Checking Account, it is designed primarily for customers who are 55 years old and above. As compared to other checking accounts offered by BB&T, this one’s slightly easier to qualify for a fee waiver.
Customers basically have to meet the following requirements:
- $100 minimum to open
- $10 monthly maintenance fee can be waived with one of the following:
- Combined direct deposits of at least $500 per month
- Minimum average checking balance of $1,000
The Seniors Checking Account’s features are basically the same as other BB&T Bank’s checking accounts. What makes the difference is that this particular account offers:
- One complimentary early withdrawal from a CD for medical emergencies
- Free standard BB&T checks, or discounts on other designs
Money Market Accounts
The High Performance Money Market Account or BB&T Money Market Account offers tiered rates depending on your account balance. The account does have limitations though, as you can only open such an account if you have a BB&T personal checking account.
To open a High Performance Money Market, the bank requires a $100 minimum. While there is a $12 monthly maintenance fee, this can be waived if you have a $1,000 balance in your account.
Meanwhile, its features include:
- A 0.01% to 0.50% APY, depending on your account balance (Note: The rates only apply to account opened online or via phone. Rates differ when you open an account in person.)
- Check writing available from your this account
- Debit card for spending and cash withdrawals
Certificates of Deposit
BB&T offers four different types of Certificates of Deposit, which include the following:
- Special CDs
- Personal CD
- Can’t Lose CD
- Stepped Rate CD
For Special CDs, this type comes with a variety of terms (7 months, 13 months, and 23 months). While rates may only be available for a short period of time, they tend to be the highest available at BB&T.
To open, a minimum of $1,000 is required. The rate is fixed depending on the term you choose. However, for deposits of more than $100,000, you check directly with BB&T for customized rates and terms.
Please take note also of below BB&T standard early-withdrawal penalties:
| TERM | PENALTY |
| Terms less than three months | The greater of $25 or all interest earned |
| Terms of three months to one year | The greater of $25 or three months of simple interest |
| Terms of 13 to 23 months | The greater of $25 or six months of simple interest |
| Terms of 24 months or more | The greater of $25 or 12 months of simple interest |
Meanwhile, BB&T’s Personal CDs pay a fixed rate for terms, which range from a week up to five years. If you want to earn a higher or bigger rate, then you got to opt for a longer term.
At the moment, the CD rates of BB&T are quite unimpressive as compared to other banks.
Anyway, if you are interested to get a Personal CD, take note of the following minimum requirements:
- $2,500 minimum for terms of 7 to 31 days
- $1,000 minimum for terms of 32 days or more
Another CD option is BB&T’s Can’t Lose CD. As compared to BB&T’s traditional CDs, this one’s slighly more flexible. The thing we about this CD type is that if you like your rate, you can always add funds to an existing CD provided it has been active for 12 months already.
For your reference, here are some important details to remember with BB&T’s Can’t Lose CD:
- Requires $1,000 required to open
- 30-month term
- APY varies but as of March 30, account holders earn 0.25% APY
- You can add up to $10,000 to your CD after 12 months
For BB&T Stepped Rate CD, your rate rises year after year. Basically, BB&T publishes the APY their customers get each year on these 4-yead CDs. This way, customers know what they are expecting ahead.
As compared to other CDs, BB&T Stepped Rate CD, unfortunately, has low rates.
For this type of CD, features include:
- Minimum $1,000 investment
- Deposit additional funds, up to $10,000 per year
- There is a potential for a penalty-free withdrawals after 24 months
Credit Cards
Just like any other banks out there, BB&T also offers a variety of credit card options regarless of your purpose of use. Whether you want to save on interest or you want to accumulate rewards, BB&T has a credit card option for you.
For your referece, here’s what BB&T’s credit card options:
- BB&T Bright
- BB&T Spectrum Cash Rewards
- BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards
- BB&T MoneyAccount
- BB&T Visa Gift Cards
Other BB&T Products
Apart from above-mentioned accounts, BB&T also offers the following products and services:
- Auto loans
- Business bank accounts
- Business loans and lines of credit
- Business credit card
- Home purchase loans
- Home equity loans and lines of credit
- IRAs
- Investment management
- Personal loans
- Self-directed investments
ARE THERE CHARGES AND FEES INVOLVED?
Of course, this BB and T Bank review will not be complete without us discussing whether they do have charges and fees.
Well, just like any other banks out there, BB&T does have their list of fees – particularly monthly fees depending on the product. However, most of these fees can eventually be waived once the customer meets certain requirements set by the bank.
We already mentioned most of them when we tackled the products and services a while ago. But, if you want to be sure, you can always visit a BB&T Bank branch near you or you may call them through their customer hotline at 800-BANK-BBT (800-226-5228).
HOW TO BANK WITH BB&T?
BB&T does have a branch in certain states. You may opt to pay them a visit and inquire about their products and services, or if you find it more convenient and right for you, you may opt to visit their website or call them at 800-BANK-BBT (800-226-5228) for more information.
Particularly with opening an account, just like any other banks and other financial institutions out there, BB&T will ask you to provide essential personal information such as your name, address, contact details, as well as a valid identification number (e.g. Social Security Number).
Again, for a thorough list of requirements, you may always check their site or call them, or visit the nearest BB&T branch near your place.
HOW’S BB&T BANK’S CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study BB&T and SunTrust ranked 18th and 19th of 26 banks in overall satisfaction for the Mid-Atlantic region. Both banks received an overall rating/grade of “above average”.
In addition, BB&T excelled as a regional issuer, winning the regional category of J.D. Power’s 2019 Credit Card Satisfaction Study for their credit card products.
You see, these recognitions only goes to show that customers have had excellent customer experience with BB&T — customer service is perhaps at its best.
Anyway, BB&T Bank’s customer service is available every day from 6 in the morning until midnight Eastern Time via phone.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BB AND T BANK REVIEW
With all that’s been said, we, therefore, conclude that BB&T Bank offers not just a wide variety of products and services, but also provides excellent customer service.
Although there’s a merger and we have yet to see its outcome, we thought it should not fail given the fact that both BB&T and SunTrust are well-trusted, needless to say, strong financial institutions.
So, have you decided whether to open an account with BB&T yet?