Unlocking the full potential of your Truist relationship can be incredibly rewarding, literally! Truist offers various reward programs designed to benefit you, whether you're using their credit cards, debit cards, or maintaining significant balances across your accounts. But how exactly do these rewards work, and more importantly, how can you maximize them? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Truist Reward Program
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of earning and redeeming, do you know which Truist reward program applies to you? Truist offers a range of options, and your specific benefits will depend on the products you hold.
- Credit Card Rewards: This is often the most common way to earn rewards with Truist. They offer a variety of credit cards, each with its own earning structure.
- Truist Enjoy Cash Credit Card: This card typically offers cash back on eligible purchases, often with elevated rates in specific categories like gas, EV charging, groceries, and utilities, and a standard rate on all other purchases. You might have the option for a flat 1.5% back on everything or a tiered structure (e.g., 3% on gas, 2% on groceries/utilities, 1% on others).
- Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: Designed for globetrotters, this card usually earns miles on travel-related spending (airfare, hotels, car rentals) and a standard rate on other purchases.
- Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: This card also offers points, often with higher earning rates on travel and dining.
- Truist Wealth Credit Card: For clients with significant assets, this card provides premium rewards, including high cash back rates on categories like airfare, hotels, car rentals, and dining.
- Debit Card Rewards: While less common than credit card rewards, Truist does offer some debit card reward options.
- Delta SkyMiles® Debit Card: This unique debit card allows you to earn Delta SkyMiles on your everyday spending, a fantastic perk for frequent flyers. There might be an annual fee, but it often comes with bonus miles for initial qualifying purchases.
- Truist Deals: You can often earn cash back on purchases at participating retailers when you sign up for Truist Deals, which is linked to your debit card.
- Relationship Rewards (Truist One Checking): Truist values your overall relationship with them. If you have a Truist One Checking account, your combined monthly average balance across eligible Truist accounts (checking, savings, investments) can boost your credit card rewards through a "Loyalty Bonus." This means you could get an extra 10% to 50% added to your cash back or travel miles when redeemed into a Truist deposit account or for travel. This is a significant benefit for loyal customers.
Take a moment to check your Truist accounts and see which cards and accounts you have. This will help you understand your starting point for earning rewards.
Step 2: Understanding How Rewards are Earned
Now that you know which programs apply to you, let's break down how you actually accumulate those valuable rewards.
Sub-heading: Credit Card Earning Mechanics
- Eligible Purchases are Key: Rewards are generally earned on "eligible purchases" made with your Truist credit card. This typically includes most everyday spending, like signature-based purchases, online purchases, and automatic bill payments.
- What Doesn't Count: Be aware that certain transactions are usually excluded from earning rewards. These commonly include:
- Cash advances
- Balance transfers
- Fees of any kind (e.g., annual fees, late fees)
- Interest charges
- ATM transactions
- Fraudulent or unauthorized transactions
- Returns or credits
- Category Bonuses: Many Truist credit cards offer accelerated earning rates in specific spending categories. For example:
- The Truist Enjoy Cash card might offer 3% cash back on gas/EV charging and 2% on groceries/utilities (up to a monthly cap), with 1% on everything else.
- The Truist Enjoy Travel card often provides 2x miles on airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
- The Truist Wealth Credit Card boasts a high 3% cash back on travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals) and dining, 2% on gas, EV charging, and groceries, and 1% on all other eligible purchases.
- Bonus Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotional offers. Truist may occasionally run campaigns where you can earn extra rewards for meeting certain spending thresholds or using your card in specific ways. These are often disclosed directly to you.
- Posting Time: Earned rewards are usually placed in your Rewards Account daily, but it can take up to 48 hours for most eligible purchases to post. For some, it might even take up to 8 weeks. Patience is a virtue here!
Sub-heading: Debit Card Earning Mechanics
- Delta SkyMiles® Debit Card: For this card, you typically earn 1 mile for every $2 spent on eligible purchases. There might be additional miles earned on direct Delta purchases.
- Truist Deals: This program is different. Instead of a fixed earning rate, you enroll in "Truist Deals" and activate specific offers. When you make a qualifying purchase at a participating retailer using your Truist debit card, you receive cash back according to that specific deal. It's like couponing, but automatic!
Step 3: Tracking Your Truist Rewards
Knowing how much you've earned is crucial for planning your redemptions.
- Online Banking & Mobile App: The easiest way to view and manage your accumulated rewards is through Truist Online Banking or the Truist Mobile Banking App. Your Rewards Account balance is typically updated daily.
- Rewards Website: Truist also has a dedicated Rewards Website (often rewards.truist.com) where you can log in to check your balance and explore redemption options.
- Customer Service: If you prefer, you can always call the Truist Rewards Service Center for assistance with your rewards balance.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Truist Rewards
Earning rewards is great, but getting the most value out of them is even better!
Sub-heading: Strategic Spending for Optimal Earning
- Match Cards to Spending: If you have multiple Truist credit cards, use the one that offers the highest earning rate for a particular purchase. For example, use your Truist Enjoy Travel card for flights and hotels, and your Truist Enjoy Cash card for groceries.
- Leverage Bonus Categories: Pay attention to the bonus categories on your cards and prioritize spending in those areas.
- Activate Truist Deals: Regularly check and activate new offers within the Truist Deals program to maximize cash back on your debit card spending.
- Consider the Loyalty Bonus: If you have a Truist One Checking account, understand how your combined balances impact your Loyalty Bonus. Aim to maintain a balance that qualifies you for the highest bonus tier. This can significantly increase the value of your credit card rewards upon redemption.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Loyalty Bonus
The Loyalty Bonus is a fantastic feature for Truist clients. It's applied at the time of redemption for eligible credit cards when you choose to deposit cash rewards into a Truist deposit account or redeem travel miles for travel through their program.
- Tiered System: The bonus percentage (e.g., 10%, 25%, 50%, or even 75% for Wealth clients) depends on your Truist One Checking account level, which is determined by your combined monthly average balance across all eligible Truist accounts (checking, savings, investments).
- Example: If you earn $100 in cash rewards and qualify for a 25% Loyalty Cash Bonus, your actual payout would be $125 when redeemed into your Truist deposit account. This truly amplifies your rewards!
Step 5: Redeeming Your Truist Rewards
This is where the fun begins! Truist offers a variety of ways to use your hard-earned rewards.
Sub-heading: Common Redemption Options
- Cash Back: This is a popular and straightforward option.
- Electronic Deposit: You can typically redeem cash back directly into an eligible Truist personal checking, personal savings, or personal money market account. This is often the best option if you qualify for a Loyalty Cash Bonus, as the bonus is applied here.
- Statement Credit: You can also apply your cash rewards as a statement credit to your credit card account, reducing your balance.
- Check: In some cases, a check may be mailed to you.
- Gift Cards: Redeem your rewards for gift cards from a wide selection of popular merchants in various categories (shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.).
- Merchandise: Browse a catalog of merchandise items to redeem your points or miles for goods.
- Travel:
- Airline Tickets, Hotels, Car Rentals: You can typically book travel directly through the Truist Rewards Website or by calling their Rewards Service Center. Note: A redemption fee (e.g., $25) may apply for travel bookings.
- Delta SkyMiles (for Delta SkyMiles® Debit Card): Miles earned on this card are redeemed through Delta's SkyMiles program for award travel, seat upgrades, Delta Sky Club® memberships, and more.
- Event Tickets: Redeem rewards for tickets to concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment.
Sub-heading: How to Redeem
- Online: The most common and convenient way to redeem is through the Truist Rewards Website (rewards.truist.com) or by accessing it via Truist Online Banking or the Truist Mobile Banking App.
- Phone: You can also call the Truist Rewards Service Center for full-service customer support, including redemption assistance.
- Minimum Redemption: There is often a minimum redemption threshold, such as 2,500 points or miles, to receive a statement credit, electronic deposit, or check.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Tips
- Account Good Standing: To participate in the rewards program and redeem your rewards, your Truist account (credit card or otherwise) must remain in "Good Standing." This means it needs to be open, current (no past-due balances), and not in default or otherwise restricted.
- Expiration Policies: While some rewards, like Delta SkyMiles, may not expire, others, like cash rewards earned on certain business cards, might expire after a certain period (e.g., 5 years). Always check the specific terms and conditions for your rewards program.
- Changes to the Program: Truist reserves the right to modify or discontinue reward programs at any time. This includes changes to reward items, redemption values, and loyalty bonuses.
- Fraudulent Activity: Do not attempt to earn rewards through fraudulent or illegal activity. This will lead to forfeiture of rewards and potential account closure.
- No Transfer or Sale: Rewards generally cannot be transferred, sold, traded, or bartered with any party other than Truist.
- Tax Implications: While cash back is typically not considered taxable income, large bonus offers or other types of rewards could have tax implications. It's always wise to consult a tax professional if you have concerns.
- Customer Service: If you have any questions or encounter issues, don't hesitate to contact Truist customer service. They have dedicated lines for credit card support and general account inquiries.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Truist's reward programs, you can effectively earn and redeem your rewards, making your banking relationship even more beneficial. Happy earning!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
How to check my Truist rewards balance?
You can check your Truist rewards balance by logging into Truist Online Banking, using the Truist Mobile Banking App, or visiting the dedicated Truist Rewards Website (rewards.truist.com).
How to redeem Truist cash rewards?
Truist cash rewards can typically be redeemed as an electronic deposit to an eligible Truist personal checking, savings, or money market account, or as a statement credit to your credit card account. You can do this online or by calling the Rewards Service Center.
How to get the Truist Loyalty Bonus?
To get the Truist Loyalty Bonus, you need to have an eligible Truist credit card and a Truist One Checking account. The bonus percentage depends on your combined monthly average balance across your eligible Truist accounts and is applied when you redeem your credit card rewards for cash back (deposited into a Truist deposit account) or for travel through their program.
How to earn more Truist credit card rewards?
To earn more Truist credit card rewards, strategically use the card with the highest earning rate for specific purchases (e.g., bonus categories like gas, groceries, travel). Also, be sure to take advantage of any special promotional offers.
How to use Truist credit card points for travel?
You can use Truist credit card points (or miles, depending on the card) for travel by visiting the Truist Rewards Website and booking airline tickets, hotels, or car rentals directly through their portal, or by calling the Rewards Service Center for assistance with travel bookings.
How to activate Truist Deals for debit card rewards?
You typically activate Truist Deals within your Truist online banking or mobile app. Look for the "Truist Deals" section, browse available offers, and activate the ones you're interested in. Then, use your Truist debit card at participating retailers to earn the cash back.
How to contact Truist customer service for rewards inquiries?
You can contact Truist customer service for rewards inquiries by calling the general Truist customer service line (844-4TRUIST, or 844-487-8478) or the dedicated Rewards Service Center (800-255-7125).
How to know if my Truist account is in "Good Standing" for rewards?
Your Truist account is generally considered in "Good Standing" for rewards if it is open, current (meaning you don't have any past-due balances), and not in default or otherwise restricted by Truist. You can check your account status through online banking or by contacting customer service.
How to avoid losing Truist rewards due to expiration?
To avoid losing Truist rewards due to expiration, regularly check the terms and conditions of your specific reward program for any expiration dates. For some rewards, like cash back on certain business cards, you might need to redeem them within a certain timeframe (e.g., 5 years).
How to combine Truist rewards from different accounts?
Generally, Truist rewards from different credit card programs (e.g., cash back points and travel miles) are tracked separately and cannot be directly combined. However, your Truist One Checking account can enhance the value of your credit card rewards through the Loyalty Bonus when redeemed, effectively amplifying your overall earnings.
