What Truist credit cards are and who offers them
Truist Financial Corporation is a bank holding company that operates through its subsidiary banks, including TruBank and Truist Bank. Truist offers several credit card products to customers who bank with them or who explore directly. The cards vary in rewards structure, annual fees, and benefits — some are designed for everyday spending, others for travel or business use.
Truist credit cards are issued by Truist Bank and managed through their online portal and mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards through these channels. If you already have a Truist checking or savings account, you may see pre-approved offers when you log in, though you can also explore for a card without an existing relationship with the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Truist offers multiple card products with different rewards rates and annual fees, so the right card depends on how you spend.
- You can open a Truist credit card online, by phone, or in a branch if you have an existing account or are willing to open one.
- Truist cards are managed through their online banking portal and mobile app, where you can pay your bill, view transactions, and track rewards.
- Annual percentage rates (APRs) and rewards rates vary by card and your creditworthiness, so the terms you receive depend on your credit profile.
- Truist credit cards are Visa or Mastercard products, so they work anywhere those networks are accepted.
Types of Truist credit cards currently available
Truist's credit card lineup includes cards aimed at different spending patterns. Some cards focus on cash back rewards on everyday purchases, while others emphasize travel rewards or introductory promotional rates. The specific cards available and their terms change over time, so the best way to see current options is to visit Truist's website or call their card services line.
Each card comes with its own annual fee structure — some have no annual fee, while others charge a yearly amount in exchange for higher rewards rates or premium benefits like travel insurance or airport lounge access. The rewards rate also varies: some cards offer a flat percentage back on all purchases, while others offer higher rates in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining.
Before you choose a card, compare the annual fee against the rewards you expect to earn. If you spend $1,500 per year on a card with a $95 annual fee and earn 1.5% cash back, you would earn $22.50 in rewards — a net loss of $72.50. That math changes if the card offers higher rewards in categories where you spend most of your money.
How to open a Truist credit card
You can open a Truist credit card online through their website, by phone at their card services number, or in person at a Truist branch. If you already have a Truist deposit account, you can log into your online banking and look for card offers — these are often pre-screened, meaning Truist has already reviewed your account and determined you meet basic criteria.
To open a card online, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment status. Truist will pull your credit report during this process, which results in a hard inquiry that may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days.
If you do not have an existing Truist account, you may be asked to open one as part of the card process process, depending on the card product and your credit profile. Some cards are available to non-customers, while others require an active deposit account. Call Truist's card services line or visit a branch to confirm whether you need an account first.
What happens after your card is approved
Once approved, your physical card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can often request expedited shipping for an additional fee. While you wait for the card to arrive, Truist may allow you to use a temporary card number in their mobile app to make purchases online or in stores that accept digital payments.
When your card arrives, you will need to set up it before using it. You can do this through the Truist mobile app, their website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute. At the same time, you should set up online access to your card account if you have not already — this lets you view your balance, make payments, and track rewards.
Your first statement will arrive 20 to 25 days after your account opens. This statement shows any purchases you have made and the minimum payment due. You can pay your bill online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Payments made online or through the app typically post within one business day.
Understanding APR, credit limits, and rewards on Truist cards
Your annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate you pay if you carry a balance month to month. Truist credit cards typically have a variable APR, meaning it changes based on the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve. The APR you receive depends on your credit score, income, and credit history — someone with excellent credit may receive an APR of 15%, while someone with fair credit might receive 22% or higher.
Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Truist sets this based on your income, credit score, and existing debt. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments. Some cards offer an introductory APR for a set period — for example, 0% APR for 12 months on purchases — which means you pay no interest during that window even if you carry a balance.
Rewards are earned on every purchase you make, though the rate depends on the card and the category. A card might offer 1% cash back on all purchases, or 3% on groceries and gas and 1% on everything else. Rewards typically post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, transferred to a bank account, or used toward future purchases. Some Truist cards also offer sign-up bonuses — for example, 500 bonus points if you spend $500 in the first three months.
Managing your Truist credit card account
You manage your Truist credit card through their website or mobile app. Log in with your online banking credentials to view your current balance, recent transactions, available credit, and rewards balance. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month — this helps you avoid late fees and keeps your account in good standing.
Make at least the minimum payment by the due date shown on your statement. If you pay only the minimum, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance. To avoid interest entirely, pay your full statement balance before the due date. If you miss a payment, Truist will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
You can also use the app or website to report a lost or stolen card, freeze your account temporarily, set up fraud alerts, or change your PIN. Truist offers fraud protection on unauthorized purchases, so if you notice a charge you did not make, contact them when ready to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Truist customer to open a credit card?
It depends on the specific card. Some Truist credit cards are open to anyone who meets the credit requirements, while others require an existing deposit account. Check the card details on Truist's website or call their card services line to confirm whether you need an account first. If you do not have one and want to open a card, you can often open both at the same time.
How long does it take to get approved for a Truist credit card?
Most online applications receive a decision within minutes or a few business days. Once approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You may be able to use a temporary card number in the Truist mobile app while you wait for the physical card to arrive, depending on the card product.
What is the difference between a Truist credit card and a Truist debit card?
A debit card draws money directly from your checking account when you use it, while a credit card borrows money from Truist that you pay back later. Credit cards build your credit history and offer rewards, but charge interest if you carry a balance. Debit cards do not build credit and have no interest charges, but also offer fewer protections and rewards.
Can I use my Truist credit card outside the United States?
Yes, Truist credit cards are Visa or Mastercard products and work anywhere those networks are accepted worldwide. However, Truist charges a foreign transaction fee (typically 1% to 3% of the purchase amount) when you use the card outside the U.S. Check your card's terms to confirm the exact fee before traveling.
What should I do if I forget my online banking password?
Visit Truist's login page and select "Forgot password" or "Forgot username." You will be asked to verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information. Truist will then send a password reset link to your email address on file. Click the link and create a new password. If you cannot reset it online, call Truist's customer service line for help.