Life can get complicated, and sometimes, our financial arrangements need to be adjusted to reflect those changes. Whether you're streamlining your finances, ending a joint ownership, or simply reorganizing your accounts, knowing how to "unlink" or manage your Truist accounts effectively is essential.
A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Truist Accounts
Step 1: Identify Your Unlinking Needs and Preferences
Before you dive into the technical steps, let's take a moment to understand what "unlinking" truly means for your specific situation. Are you looking to remove an external account you've linked for transfers? Do you need to remove yourself from a joint account? Or perhaps you're thinking about closing an account entirely? The approach will vary based on your goal.
- Consider your specific goal:
- Removing an External Account: This usually applies to accounts from other banks that you've linked to your Truist account for easy transfers.
- Managing Joint Accounts: This involves situations where you share an account with another individual and wish to separate your financial interests. This is often more complex and may involve closing the joint account and opening individual ones.
- Cancelling Recurring Transfers or Payments: If you've set up automated payments or transfers between your Truist accounts or to external payees, you might want to stop these.
- Closing an Account: This is the most definitive form of "unlinking," where you completely terminate the account relationship with Truist.
Taking a moment to clarify your objective will save you time and effort!
Step 2: Accessing Your Truist Accounts Online or Via Mobile App
Truist provides robust online and mobile banking platforms that are your primary tools for managing your accounts. This is where most "unlinking" actions can be performed.
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Sub-heading: Online Banking Access
- Open your web browser: Navigate to the official Truist website (truist.com).
- Locate the "Sign In" button: This is typically found in the top right corner of the homepage.
- Enter your User ID and Password: If you've forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links provided. Follow the on-screen prompts to regain access.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Be prepared to complete any two-factor authentication steps (e.g., a code sent to your phone or email) to ensure secure access.
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Sub-heading: Mobile App Access
- Open the Truist Mobile App: If you don't have it, download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
- Log In: Enter your User ID and Password. Many apps also offer biometric login options (fingerprint or face ID) for convenience.
- Navigate the App: Familiarize yourself with the app's layout. Look for menu options like "Accounts," "Transfer & Pay," or "Settings."
Step 3: Unlinking External Accounts (Not Truist Accounts)
If you've linked accounts from other financial institutions to your Truist online banking for easy transfers, here's how to remove them.
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Sub-heading: Step-by-Step for Online Banking
- Navigate to "Transfer & Pay": Once logged into online banking, look for a section or tab usually labeled "Transfer & Pay" or "Transfers."
- Find "Manage External Accounts" or similar: Within the "Transfer & Pay" section, there should be an option to manage your linked external accounts. This might be under a sub-menu or directly visible.
- Select the Account to Unlink: You'll see a list of your external linked accounts. Click the ellipsis ("...") or a similar "More Options" icon next to the account you wish to unlink.
- Choose "Delete" or "Remove": Confirm your decision when prompted. This will sever the connection, meaning you can no longer easily transfer funds to or from that external account via Truist.
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Sub-heading: Step-by-Step for Mobile App
- Tap "Transfer & Pay": In the mobile app, this option is typically in the bottom menu or main menu.
- Look for "Manage" or "External Accounts": Similar to online banking, you'll need to find the section dedicated to managing external accounts.
- Select and Remove: Tap on the external account you want to unlink and look for an option to "Delete" or "Remove" the account. Confirm your choice.
Step 4: Managing and Deleting Recurring Transfers or Payments
If you have automated transfers set up between your Truist accounts or to payees, you can manage or delete these in a similar fashion.
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Sub-heading: For Online Banking
- Go to "Transfer & Pay" or "Bill Pay": Depending on whether it's a transfer between your accounts or a bill payment, navigate to the appropriate section.
- Manage Transfers/Payments: Look for options like "Manage Transfers," "Manage Payments," or "Manage Payees."
- Locate the Specific Transfer/Payment: Find the recurring transfer or payment you wish to delete.
- Click the Ellipsis (...) or "More Options": Select the "Delete" option. You will likely be asked to confirm. Be sure this is what you intend, as deleting a recurring payment means you'll need to remember to make future payments manually.
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Sub-heading: For Mobile App
- Tap "Transfer & Pay": Access the transfer and payment functionalities.
- Navigate to "Manage" or "Scheduled Transfers/Payments": Find the list of your active recurring transactions.
- Select and Delete: Tap on the specific recurring transfer or payment, and then choose "Delete series" or a similar option. Confirm the deletion.
Step 5: Understanding and Separating Joint Truist Accounts
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Unlinking a joint Truist account is different from removing an external account. You cannot simply "unlink" one person from a joint account while the account remains open for the other. Joint accounts typically require the consent of all account holders to make significant changes, including removal of a party or closure.
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Sub-heading: Key Considerations for Joint Accounts
- Mutual Agreement is Crucial: Generally, both or all parties on a joint account must agree to any changes, including closing it or removing an account holder. This often requires signatures or explicit confirmation from all involved.
- Closing and Reopening: In most cases, separating a joint Truist account involves closing the existing joint account and then each individual opening a new, separate account.
- Outstanding Debts/Fees: Ensure there are no outstanding debts, overdrafts, or fees associated with the joint account before attempting to close it. These must be resolved first.
- Direct Deposits and Automatic Payments: Before closing a joint account, update all direct deposits and automatic payments that are linked to that account to your new individual account(s). Failure to do so can cause significant financial disruptions.
- Funds Distribution: Discuss and agree on how the funds in the joint account will be divided before proceeding.
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Sub-heading: Steps to Separate a Joint Truist Account
- Contact Truist Directly: This is the most important step. Call Truist customer service (844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478)) or visit a local branch with all joint account holders present, if possible. Explain your intention to separate the joint account.
- Understand Truist's Specific Policy: Truist will inform you of their exact procedures, which may vary slightly. They will guide you on the necessary forms, signatures, and any other requirements.
- Complete Necessary Paperwork: You will likely need to fill out and sign specific forms to close the joint account.
- Transfer Funds: Once the paperwork is processed and all outstanding issues are clear, you can transfer the remaining funds to your new individual accounts.
- Confirm Closure: Get a confirmation from Truist that the joint account has been successfully closed. Keep this documentation for your records.
Step 6: Closing a Truist Account Entirely
If your aim is to completely close a Truist account (checking, savings, etc.), this is also a form of "unlinking" from the bank.
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Sub-heading: Before You Close Your Account
- Zero Balance: Ensure the account has a zero balance. If there are funds, transfer them to another account. If there's a negative balance, you'll need to deposit funds to cover it.
- Cancel All Linked Services: This includes direct deposits, automatic payments, bill pay, and any recurring transfers. Failing to do this will lead to issues with your payments and income.
- Check for Outstanding Checks/Transactions: Make sure all checks you've written have cleared and all pending debit card transactions have posted.
- Download Statements: Download and save any statements or transaction history you might need for your records, as you will lose access to them once the account is closed.
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Sub-heading: The Closure Process
- Contact Truist: While some banks allow online account closures for certain account types, it's generally best practice to contact Truist directly for account closures, especially for checking and savings accounts.
- Phone: Call Truist customer service at 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478).
- In-Person: Visit a local Truist branch. This is often the most straightforward method, as bank staff can guide you through the process and ensure all steps are completed.
- State Your Intent: Clearly inform the representative that you wish to close your account.
- Provide Necessary Information: You'll need to verify your identity with your account number, personal details, and possibly a valid ID.
- Confirm Closure: Request a confirmation number or written confirmation that the account has been successfully closed. This is vital for your records.
- Contact Truist: While some banks allow online account closures for certain account types, it's generally best practice to contact Truist directly for account closures, especially for checking and savings accounts.
How To Unlink Truist Accounts |
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions related to managing your Truist accounts, with quick answers:
How to find my Truist account number? You can find your Truist account number on your checks, monthly statements, or by logging into your online banking or mobile app and viewing your account details.
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How to change my Truist online banking password? Log into Truist online banking, go to "My Settings" or "Profile & Settings," and look for an option to change your password.
How to set up alerts for my Truist account? Sign in to online banking or the mobile app, navigate to "Alerts" (often under "My Settings" or the main menu), and follow the prompts to customize your notifications for balance changes, transactions, and more.
How to order new checks for my Truist account? You can order new checks through Truist Online Banking by navigating to "Order Checks" or by calling Truist customer service.
How to transfer money between my Truist accounts? Log into online banking or the mobile app, go to "Transfer & Pay," select the "Transfer Money" option, choose the "From" and "To" accounts (both your Truist accounts), enter the amount, and confirm.
How to link an external bank account to Truist? In online banking or the mobile app, go to "Transfer & Pay," look for "Add External Account," and follow the prompts to securely link the account by providing the other bank's routing and account numbers, often with a micro-deposit verification process.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to resolve an overdraft on my Truist account? To resolve an overdraft, you need to deposit enough funds to bring your account balance positive. You can also contact Truist customer service to discuss your options.
How to update my contact information with Truist? You can update your contact information (address, phone, email) through Truist online banking in your "Profile & Settings" section, or by calling customer service, or visiting a branch.
How to report a lost or stolen Truist debit/credit card? Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling Truist at 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478) and selecting the option for fraud or lost/stolen cards. You can also sometimes lock your card through the mobile app.
How to get help with Truist online or mobile banking issues? For technical support with online or mobile banking, you can call Truist customer service at 888-228-6654 or visit the "Contact Us" section on their website for additional support options.