Hey there! Ever found yourself needing to move money between your Truist account and another bank, but not quite sure where to start? You're not alone! Linking external accounts is a super convenient way to manage your finances, whether it's for transferring funds, paying bills, or simply getting a full picture of your financial landscape. Let's dive into exactly how you can add an external account to Truist Bank, step-by-step!
How to Add an External Account to Truist Bank: Your Comprehensive Guide
Adding an external account to your Truist Bank profile allows you to seamlessly transfer money between your Truist accounts and accounts you hold at other financial institutions. This process is generally straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth and secure setup.
Step 1: Log In to Your Truist Online Banking or Mobile App
Are you ready to get started? The very first thing you'll need to do is access your Truist account.
- Option A: Online Banking: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Truist Bank website. Look for the "Sign In" or "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the homepage. Enter your User ID and Password to gain access to your online banking portal.
- Option B: Mobile App: If you prefer banking on the go, launch the Truist Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet. You'll be prompted to enter your credentials, often including a fingerprint or facial recognition scan if you've set it up for quick access.
Make sure you're using a secure and private internet connection to protect your sensitive financial information.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Transfers & Payments" Section
Once you're successfully logged in, you'll need to find the section dedicated to managing your money transfers.
- Online Banking: On the main dashboard or navigation menu, look for a tab or link labeled something like "Transfers & Payments", "Transfer Money", or "Move Money". Click on this to proceed.
- Mobile App: Similarly, within the mobile app, you'll typically find an icon or menu option for "Transfers", "Pay & Transfer", or "Move Money". Tap on this to open the relevant section.
Step 3: Locate and Select "Manage External Accounts"
Within the "Transfers & Payments" area, you'll find options for various types of transfers. We're interested in managing accounts outside of Truist.
- Look for a sub-heading or tab that says "Manage External Accounts", "Link External Accounts", or something similar. This is where you'll be able to add, view, or edit external bank accounts.
- If you're having trouble finding it, try looking for a "Settings" or "Account Management" option within the transfer section.
Step 4: Initiate the "Add Non-Truist Account" Process
Now that you're in the right place, it's time to tell Truist about your other bank account.
- You should see a button or link that says "Add Non-Truist Account", "Add External Account", or "Link New Account". Click or tap on this to begin the linking process.
Step 5: Provide External Account Details
This is where you'll input the necessary information for your external bank account. Truist typically offers two primary methods for verification:
Sub-heading: Option A: Instant Verification (Preferred Method)
This method uses a secure third-party service (like Plaid) to instantly connect to your other bank account.
- Search for Your Bank: You'll be presented with a search bar or a list of popular financial institutions. Type in the name of your external bank (e.g., Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America).
- Enter Your External Bank Credentials: Once you've selected your bank, you'll be prompted to enter the User ID and Password you use to log in to that external bank's online banking portal.
- Rest assured, this process is secure. Your credentials are encrypted and not stored by Truist. They are used solely to establish a secure, one-time connection.
- Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (if applicable): Your external bank may require additional verification, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or email. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this step.
- Select Accounts to Link: After successful authentication, a list of your accounts at the external institution will appear. Select the specific checking or savings accounts you wish to link to Truist.
- Confirm Linkage: Review the details and confirm the linkage. The external account should now appear in your list of linked accounts within Truist.
Sub-heading: Option B: Manual Verification (Micro-Deposits)
If instant verification isn't available for your external bank or you prefer not to share your online banking credentials, you can use the micro-deposit method. This takes a few business days.
- Enter Account and Routing Numbers: You'll need to manually enter the following information for your external account:
- External Bank's Routing Number: This is a nine-digit number that identifies your bank. You can usually find it on your checks (the first set of numbers at the bottom), on your bank's website, or by contacting their customer service.
- External Account Number: This is the specific account number of your checking or savings account.
- Account Type: Specify whether it's a Checking or Savings account.
- Account Nickname (Optional but Recommended): Give your external account a recognizable name (e.g., "My Savings at [Other Bank Name]").
- Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read and agree to the terms and conditions for linking external accounts.
- Wait for Micro-Deposits: Truist will initiate two small deposits (usually a few cents each) into your external account within 1-2 business days. These are for verification purposes.
- Verify Micro-Deposit Amounts: Once you see these small deposits in your external account's transaction history, log back into your Truist online banking or mobile app.
- Enter Verification Amounts: Navigate back to the "Manage External Accounts" section. You'll see a prompt to verify your pending external account. Enter the exact amounts of the two micro-deposits in the designated fields.
- Confirmation: Upon successful verification, your external account will be officially linked and ready for transfers.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Linked Accounts
After completing either verification method, take a moment to review your linked accounts.
- You should now see the newly added external account listed alongside your Truist accounts.
- Double-check the account numbers and names to ensure everything is correct.
Step 7: Start Transferring Funds (Optional)
Now that your external account is linked, you can initiate transfers!
- Go back to the "Transfers & Payments" section.
- Select "Transfer Money" or "Make a Transfer."
- Choose your Truist account as the "From" account and your newly linked external account as the "To" account (or vice versa).
- Enter the transfer amount and desired date.
- Review all details carefully before confirming the transfer.
Important Considerations When Linking External Accounts:
- Security: Always ensure you are on the official Truist website or using their legitimate mobile app. Be wary of phishing attempts.
- Verification Time: Instant verification is, as the name suggests, instant. Micro-deposit verification can take 1-2 business days for the deposits to appear, and then another day for you to confirm them.
- Transfer Limits: Truist, like most banks, may have daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount you can transfer to or from external accounts. These limits can vary based on your account history and verification status. It's always a good idea to check these limits within your online banking or by contacting Truist customer service if you plan on large transfers.
- Fees: While linking accounts is typically free, some banks might charge fees for external transfers, especially for expedited services. Review Truist's fee schedule for details.
- Accuracy is Key: Incorrect routing or account numbers can cause significant delays or even send your money to the wrong place. Always double-check your input.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Find My Truist Routing Number?
You can find your Truist routing number on your checks (the first set of nine numbers at the bottom), within your Truist online banking by selecting your account and looking for "View account details," or by contacting Truist customer service.
How to Know if My External Account is Successfully Linked?
After completing the verification process, your external account should appear in the "Manage External Accounts" section of your Truist online banking or mobile app, often with a "Verified" status. You may also receive a confirmation email from Truist.
How to Troubleshoot Issues Linking an External Account?
If you encounter problems, first verify that all account and routing numbers are correct. For instant verification, ensure your external bank's online banking credentials are accurate. If using micro-deposits, make sure you've waited the full 1-2 business days for them to appear. If issues persist, contact Truist customer service.
How to Increase My External Transfer Limits?
External transfer limits are typically set for security reasons. To inquire about increasing them, you'll usually need to contact Truist customer service directly. They may require additional verification or a review of your account activity.
How to Delete a Linked External Account from Truist?
In the "Manage External Accounts" section of your Truist online banking or mobile app, you should see an option (often a small "x" or a "Delete" button) next to each linked account, allowing you to remove it.
How to Initiate a Transfer from My External Account to Truist?
Once linked, you can initiate a transfer from your Truist online banking. Select "Transfer Money," then choose your external account as the "From" account and your Truist account as the "To" account.
How to Check the Status of an External Transfer?
You can typically check the status of pending or completed external transfers within the "Transfers & Payments" section of your Truist online banking or mobile app, usually under a "Transfer History" or "Activity" tab.
How to Expedite an External Transfer?
Truist may offer an "Express Transfer" option for next-day delivery, but it often comes with specific eligibility requirements (e.g., successful prior transfers of a certain amount, maintaining a minimum balance). Check the transfer options within your online banking or contact customer service for details and any associated fees.
How to Contact Truist Customer Service for Assistance?
You can contact Truist customer service by calling 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478). They are generally available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET, and Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm ET.
How to Find My External Bank's Routing Number if I Don't Have a Check?
If you don't have a physical check, you can usually find your external bank's routing number by logging into their online banking platform (it's often displayed under account details), checking their official website, or by calling their customer service line.
