Do you have a new Truist temporary card in hand and are wondering exactly how to navigate its use? You've come to the right place! It can feel a bit confusing when you're given a temporary card, as it's not quite the same as your permanent one. But don't worry, by the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll be a pro at using your Truist temporary card for all your immediate needs. Let's get started, shall we?
Understanding Your Truist Temporary Card
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a Truist temporary card is. Typically, a temporary card is issued when you open a new account or request a replacement for a lost/stolen card. It's designed to give you immediate access to your funds while your personalized, permanent card is being processed and mailed to you.
Important Note: A Truist temporary card is often a prepaid debit card or a limited-use card tied to your new account. It might have specific limitations compared to a full-fledged debit or credit card. Always check any accompanying documentation or ask a Truist representative for specifics regarding your particular temporary card.
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| How To Use Truist Temporary Card |
Step 1: Activating Your Temporary Card – The Crucial First Move!
Hold on a minute! Before you try to swipe, tap, or enter any numbers, you must activate your Truist temporary card. This is a non-negotiable step to ensure your card is ready for use and to protect your account.
Sub-heading: How to Activate Your Truist Temporary Card
Truist makes activation straightforward. Here's how you'll likely do it:
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Option 1: Phone Activation (Most Common)
- Look for a sticker on your temporary card or the accompanying letter. It will provide a toll-free activation number.
- Usually, this number is an automated system. You'll be prompted to enter your card number and possibly your Social Security Number (SSN) or another form of identification to confirm your identity.
- For Truist debit and credit cards, the general activation number is 800-963-2262.
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Option 2: Online Banking (If Available)
- If you already have access to Truist Online Banking, you might be able to activate your card through their online portal.
- Log in to your Truist account, navigate to the "Card Controls" or "Account Services" section, and look for an option to activate a new card.
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Option 3: Truist Mobile App
- Similar to online banking, the Truist Mobile App often provides a convenient way to activate your card.
- Open the app, log in, and explore the card management features.
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Option 4: Visiting a Truist Branch
- If you prefer in-person assistance, you can always visit your nearest Truist branch. A representative will be happy to help you activate your temporary card and answer any questions you may have.
Pro Tip: Keep your temporary card's information secure. Do not share the card number or activation details with anyone you don't explicitly trust.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Step 2: Understanding Temporary Card Limitations and How to Check Your Balance
It's vital to remember that temporary cards often come with certain restrictions. These can include:
- Daily Spending Limits: There might be a maximum amount you can spend per day.
- Transaction Types: Some temporary cards might not work for certain types of transactions (e.g., gas at the pump, car rentals, or international purchases).
- ATM Access: While some temporary cards allow ATM withdrawals, others might not, or they may have lower daily withdrawal limits. Truist Gift Cards, for example, typically cannot be used at ATMs.
- No Deposits: Generally, you cannot deposit money into a temporary card itself, as it's a conduit to your main account. Deposits would go directly into your linked checking or savings account.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Truist Temporary Card Balance
Knowing your available balance is key to avoiding declined transactions.
- Option 1: Online Banking/Mobile App: This is often the easiest way. Log into your Truist account online or through the mobile app, and your linked temporary card's balance should be readily available alongside your main account.
- Option 2: Phone Number on the Card: Many temporary cards, especially gift cards or prepaid cards, will have a dedicated toll-free number on the back of the card for balance inquiries. For Truist Reward Cards, you can call 866-594-2076.
- Option 3:
Truist.com/rewardcard - Option 4: In-Store Inquiry: While less common for temporary debit cards, some prepaid cards allow you to ask a cashier to check the balance.
Don't forget: Keep track of your purchases! Since temporary cards aren't always directly linked to a full banking statement initially, manual tracking can be helpful.
Step 3: Using Your Truist Temporary Card for Purchases
Now that your card is activated and you understand its potential limits, let's explore how to use it for everyday transactions.
Sub-heading: A. In-Store Purchases (Point-of-Sale)
Using your temporary card in a physical store is very similar to using a regular debit or credit card.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
- Swipe/Insert/Tap: Depending on the merchant's terminal, you'll either swipe the magnetic stripe, insert the chip into the reader, or tap for contactless payment if your temporary card and the terminal support it.
- Select "Debit" or "Credit": If prompted, you'll usually choose "Debit" if you plan to enter a PIN, or "Credit" if you prefer to sign (for most debit cards, choosing "Credit" still pulls from your checking account). For Truist Gift Cards, you'll generally select "Credit."
- Enter PIN (if applicable): If you selected "Debit," you'll be prompted to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you didn't set one during activation or if it's a prepaid card without a PIN, you'll usually select "Credit" and sign.
- Sign for the purchase: If you selected "Credit," you may be asked to sign for the transaction, especially for larger amounts.
- Split Payments: If your purchase exceeds your temporary card's balance, you can often ask the cashier to split the payment. Tell them the exact amount to charge to your temporary card, and then pay the remaining balance with another form of payment (cash, another card).
Sub-heading: B. Online Purchases
Using your temporary card for online shopping is generally straightforward.
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- Gather Card Details: You'll need the following information from your temporary card:
- 16-digit card number
- Expiration date (Month/Year)
- CVV/CVC code (3 or 4-digit security code on the back)
- Billing address (which should be the address associated with your Truist account)
- Enter Details at Checkout: On the merchant's website, proceed to checkout and select "Credit/Debit Card" as your payment method. Carefully enter the requested card details.
- Consider Digital Wallets (If Supported): Truist allows you to add eligible cards to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay. This can be a convenient and secure way to make online purchases if your temporary card is eligible.
- To add your card to a digital wallet: You'll typically do this through your Truist mobile app under "Card Controls" or "Digital Wallet" options. Look for specific instructions for Paze, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay within the Truist app or website.
Sub-heading: C. ATM Withdrawals (Check Eligibility First!)
This is a critical point: Not all Truist temporary cards are enabled for ATM withdrawals. Truist Gift Cards, for example, explicitly state they cannot be used at ATMs. For a temporary debit card linked to a checking account, ATM access is more likely but may have lower limits.
- Find a Truist ATM or Allpoint Network ATM: If your card does allow ATM withdrawals, use a Truist ATM to avoid fees. Truist also partners with the Allpoint Network for surcharge-free ATM access at over 55,000 locations.
- Insert Card and Enter PIN: Insert your temporary card into the ATM and enter your PIN.
- Select "Withdrawal" and Amount: Choose the withdrawal option and the desired amount.
- Collect Cash and Receipt: Take your cash and always get a receipt for your records.
Important: If your temporary card is declined at an ATM, it's likely due to a restriction on the card itself, not necessarily an issue with your account balance. Refer to your card's documentation or contact Truist customer service.
Step 4: What Happens When Your Permanent Card Arrives?
The purpose of a temporary card is to bridge the gap until your permanent card arrives.
- Activation of Permanent Card: Once your new, personalized Truist debit or credit card arrives in the mail, you will need to activate that card separately. The process will be similar to activating your temporary card (phone, online, mobile app).
- Temporary Card Becomes Invalid: Once your permanent card is activated, your temporary card typically becomes invalid and should be destroyed. The funds are linked to your account, not the physical piece of plastic.
- Update Recurring Payments: If you used your temporary card for any recurring online subscriptions or bill payments, remember to update those services with your new permanent card's information (card number, expiration date, CVV) to avoid interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using a Truist temporary card, with quick answers:
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
How to activate my Truist temporary card?
You can typically activate it by calling the toll-free number on the card or accompanying documentation (often 800-963-2262), or through Truist Online Banking or the mobile app.
How to check my Truist temporary card balance?
You can check the balance via Truist Online Banking, the Truist mobile app, by calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or for Reward Cards, at
How to use a Truist temporary card for online purchases?
Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV code (from the back of the card) at the online checkout, along with your billing address. You may also be able to add it to a digital wallet.
How to use a Truist temporary card at an ATM?
Many temporary cards, especially gift cards, cannot be used at ATMs. If it's a temporary debit card linked to your checking account, you might be able to use it for withdrawals with your PIN at Truist ATMs or Allpoint Network ATMs, but daily limits may apply.
How to deposit money into a Truist temporary card?
You generally cannot deposit money directly into a temporary card. Deposits should be made into your linked Truist checking or savings account.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to know the expiration date of my Truist temporary card?
The expiration date will be printed on the front of the temporary card itself, usually in MM/YY format.
How to transfer money from a Truist temporary card?
A temporary card is usually a way to access funds in your Truist account, not a separate account itself. To transfer money, you would initiate the transfer from your linked Truist checking or savings account through online banking or the mobile app.
How to replace a lost Truist temporary card?
If your temporary card is lost or stolen, immediately contact Truist customer service at 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478) to report it and arrange for a new card.
How to use a Truist temporary card in-store if the purchase is more than the balance?
You can ask the cashier to perform a "split payment," where you instruct them to charge a specific amount (up to your temporary card's balance) to the temporary card, and then pay the remainder with another method.
How to link my Truist temporary card to a digital wallet?
If eligible, you can add your temporary card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay through the Truist mobile app, typically under "Card Controls" or "Digital Wallet" settings.
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