Truist One Checking

Truist One Checking is a top-tier contender for anyone living in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic who values physical branches but hates overdraft fees. By consolidating several older accounts into one, Truist has created a flagship product with a killer feature: the $100 Negative Balance Buffer. This safety net, combined with relatively easy ways to waive the $12 monthly fee, makes it arguably more consumer-friendly than comparable accounts from Chase or Wells Fargo.

At a Glance

• Monthly Fee: $12 (Waivable)
• Minimum Opening Deposit: $50
• APY (Interest): None (0% for standard tiers; negligible interest for premium tiers)
• Overdraft Fees: $0 (No overdraft fees; declined transactions returned unpaid do not incur fees)
• Key Feature: $100 Negative Balance Buffer (allows you to overdraw up to $100 without rejection or fees)
• ATM Access: 2,900+ Truist ATMs; fees apply for non-Truist ATMs (unless you reach higher relationship levels)
• Card Type: Truist One Debit Card (Mastercard)

Overview

Truist One Checking is the bank's attempt to simplify banking. Instead of offering "Basic," "Gold," and "Platinum" checking accounts, they offer one account whose benefits adjust based on how much money you keep with them. It is designed to be accessible (low waivers) while rewarding wealth (loyalty bonuses).

Features & Benefits

• Negative Balance Buffer: A safety net for "oops" moments. If an electric bill hits your account and puts you in the red by $45, Truist covers it. You just need to bring your balance back to a positive value.
  • Requirement: Account open >35 days and a qualifying direct deposit of at least $100 per month.
• The 5 Levels: Your level is determined by the combined monthly average balance across all your Truist accounts (checking, savings, investments).
  • Level 1 ($0 - $9,999): Standard benefits.
  • Level 2 ($10k - $24k): Non-Truist ATM fees waived (up to 2/mo), 10% credit card bonus.
  • Level 3 ($25k - $49k): Unlimited ATM fee waivers, 20% credit card bonus.
  • Level 4 ($50k - $99k): 30% credit card bonus, free unlimited checks.
  • Level 5 ($100k+): 50% credit card bonus, Delta SkyMiles debit card annual fee waived.
• 10-50% Credit Card Bonus: If you hold a Truist Enjoy Cash or Travel credit card, your cash back redemption value increases based on your level. A Level 5 client redeeming $100 in cash back actually receives $150.

Fees & Waivers

The $12 monthly maintenance fee is standard for big banks, but Truist makes it surprisingly easy to waive. You only need to meet ONE of the following:

1. Make $500 in total qualifying monthly direct deposits (salary, pension, government benefit).
2. Maintain a total combined average monthly balance of $500.
3. Have a personal Truist credit card, mortgage, or consumer loan.
4. Link a Small Business Checking account.
5. Be a student under age 25.

Borrower Experience

• App: The Truist mobile app has improved significantly since the merger, offering Zelle® integration, bill pay, and decent budgeting insights.
• Branch Access: With over 2,000 branches, access is excellent if you live in their footprint (AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV).

Who It’s Best For

• The "Buffer" Seeker: If you live paycheck to paycheck and worry about a stray bill causing an overdraft, the $100 buffer is a financial lifesaver compared to banks that charge $35 per item.
• Southeast Residents: If you live in Truist's core territory, their branch density is hard to beat.
• Truist Credit Card Holders: If you use a Truist credit card, keeping your checking account here boosts your rewards automatically.

Who Should Skip It

• West Coast Residents: Truist has almost zero presence west of Texas.
• High-Yield Seekers: If you want your checking account to earn 4% or 5%, look at SoFi or Capital One 360. Truist pays nothing.
• Frequent Travelers: The foreign transaction fees and lack of global ATM partnerships make this a poor choice for international use.

Bottom Line Verdict

Truist One Checking is one of the most forgiving accounts offered by a major brick-and-mortar bank. The $100 Negative Balance Buffer effectively ends the era of the $35 latte overdraft fee. While it won't earn you interest, its low barrier to waive the monthly fee makes it a superior "everyday" account compared to the base offerings from Chase or Bank of America.