How To Open a BB&T Account
When it comes to getting your financial house in order, a bank account is as basic a first step as there is. In spite of this, about a quarter of American households are either unbanked or underbanked. And if you’re among those in need of more/better banking services, one option to consider is North Carolina-based BB&T Bank.
BB&T operates some 1,700 branches across 15 states, with products ranging from simple savings accounts to wealth management services.
If you’re unsure about the process of signing up for an account, don’t worry: it’s a simple, painless process. You can easily sign up online or in person provided you have the right information on hand and know what sort of product you’re interested in.
Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know before you open up an account with BB&T:
3 Steps To Open a BB&T Account
Opening your BB&T account is a simple process. As long as you have some basic pieces of personal information and know what kind of account is right for you, getting yourself ready should be a fast process.
1. Determine Which Bank Account You Want to Open
Not all bank accounts are made the same. While a savings account is ideal for putting aside funds for a rainy day, you’ll probably find it difficult to use for things like paying bills. Fortunately, at BB&T there are options for several different types of checking and savings accounts.
Checking Accounts
BB&T Fundamentals
Bright Banking
Student Checking
Senior Checking
Elite Gold
Savings Accounts
eSavings
High Performance Money Market Account
Investor’s Deposit Account
Young Savers
Of course, you might also decide to open more than one account. Having both a savings and checking account is typical for many banking customers, and giving yourself multiple options for accounts can provide you with more flexibility in your financial life.
2. Gather Your Personal Information
In order to complete your application, BB&T will need some personal information from you. Before you start the signup process, make sure you have easy access to the following:
Social Security number
Date of birth
Address
Government-issued ID
Your opening deposit
As always, be careful before giving someone your Social Security number or other personal information. While it should be safe with BB&T, be sure you’re not being scammed by someone posing as the bank to steal your information.
3. Apply Online or in Person
Once you’ve settled on the account that’s right for you and gathered your personal information, you’re ready to contact BB&T to start the application process.
If you live near a BB&T branch — which you can determine using the bank’s locator — one of the easiest ways to apply is to visit the branch in person. Simply let them know you’re there for a new account, and the bank should have personnel on hand to walk you through the process.
However, for many, it might be easier to complete the process online. And in many states right now, local shelter-in-place orders might leave it as your only option.
To apply online, go to the BB&T homepage. If you scroll down, you’ll find a drop-down menu with account types under the text “Open an account.” Just select the account type you want from this menu and then click “Get started” to the right.
What To Do If You Need Help From BB&T Customer Service
You might have questions or concerns about your account in the future. Contacting BB&T’s customer service department is easy to do. You can call BB&T at (800) BANK BBT — or (800) 226-5228 — for help by phone, or log into your account to send secure direct messages. And of course, visiting the nearest BB&T location is another option.
BB&T Account Fees and Features
Among the most important considerations for any prospective banking customer should be what the bank charges for and what it can offer you. Different accounts might feature various fee structures that will affect you differently, and you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of your account by understanding everything that comes with it.
Checking Account Fees and Features
Different types of checking accounts offer different benefits, so make sure you review these options offered by BB&T before settling on your selection:
BB&T Checking Accounts at a Glance | |||||
Fees and Features | BB&T Fundamentals | Bright Banking | Student Checking | Senior Checking | Elite Gold |
Minimum opening deposit | $50 | $50 | $0 | $100 | $100 |
Monthly service charge | $5 | $12 | $0 | $10 | $30 |
Out-of-network ATM fee | $3 | $3 | $3 | $3 | $3 |
Overdraft fee | $36 | $36 | $36 | $36 | $36 |
Savings Account Fees and Features
The right savings account can really boost your nest egg, so take some time to consider each of these accounts offered by BB&T:
BB&T Savings Accounts at a Glance | ||||
Fees and Features | eSavings | High Performance Money Market Account | Investor’s Deposit Account | Young Savers |
Minimum opening deposit | $0 | $100 | $10,000 | $0 |
Monthly service charge | $0 | $12 | $15 | $0 |
ATM fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Overdraft fee | $36 | $36 | $36 | $36 |
Annual percentage yield | 0.01% | 0.01% – 0.10% | 0.01% | N/A |
How To Avoid Unwanted Fees
The best way to avoid any unwanted fees is to keep yourself informed. You should have access to a full fee schedule for any bank account you sign up for — whether it’s online or in person. Taking time to review every potential fee that could be applied to your account is going to be the best possible way to ensure you don’t wind up with any unhappy surprises.
Monitoring and Protecting Your Bank Account
Today’s digital economy has opened up a variety of new potential ways for bad actors to try to get at your money, but you can take some simple steps to ensure that your account is well protected.
Take great caution before sharing any personal information, whether online, over the phone or in person
Don’t log into secure sites while using an unfamiliar or unsecured Wi-Fi network
Check your account regularly for any unfamiliar charges or withdrawals
Don’t access your account from a shared computer
Don’t open emails if you’re not familiar with the sender
You can also consult with representatives at BB&T for any suggestions they might have on keeping your account secure from hackers and scammers.
Should You Open a BB&T Account?
There’s no universal method for assessing banks. What’s ideal for one customer is going to be all wrong for others, so you should carefully consider your personal banking needs and how BB&T addresses them before making it your bank. While you can rely on the bank’s size and reputation as a sign that it’s satisfying most of its customers, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you.
Take some time to look over the options and try to consider how the benefits and costs of each BB&T account fit with your life and financial habits. What’s more, consult the bank’s location map to see how many of its branches are close to where you live, work and travel.
If you do find that BB&T fits into your life — and offers competitive interest rates — then you shouldn’t shy away from making it your bank of choice.
More on BB&T
More on Opening an Account
This content is not provided by BB&T. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by BB&T.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Open a BB&T Account
