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3.1

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: December 20th, 2022

As one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S., BB&T Bank provides a variety of banking services across 17 states. Consumers can choose from checking and savings account options, as well as certificates of deposit (CDs), allowing them to manage their finances in one place.

The BB&T operation is backed and insured by the FDIC and all payments and transactions are secure. They also meet all requirement to be considered an equal housing lender.

Continue reading for pros and cons, and BB&T Bank reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • Checking Account Options
  • Savings Account Options
  • Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
  • Credit Cards
  • Mobile App

Checking Account Options

BB&T Bank offers five different checking account options. Each option provides a number of useful features and include there own set of restrictions. Those that bank with BB&T can upgrade their checking account or open a new account online without having to visit a physical branch. All BB&T checking accounts come with paper statement capabilities. Additionally, all BB&T checking accounts offer online and mobile app banking with personal financial management tools through its app, U by BB&T. Consumers also have access to BB&T ATMs. Each checking account option is broken down as follows:

  • BB&T Fundamentals Checking: A basic account with a fixed monthly fee that's easy on almost any budget. Includes a $5 monthly maintenance fee.
  • BB&T Bright Checking: For those who intend to set up direct deposit for a paycheck or other regular deposits. Includes a $12/month maintenance fee, but there are ways to avoid it.
  • Elite Gold: Designed for those who have a mortgage or other high-balance account with BB&T. Requires a $30 monthly maintenance fee but it can be waived if certain restrictions are met.
  • Student Checking: Perfect for a student who wants stress-free checking with no minimum balance requirement. There is no monthly maintenance fee.
  • Senior Checking: Specifically for those who are at least 55 years old, want free checks and easily-waived maintenance fees. There is a $10 monthly maintenance fee, however there are ways to avoid having to pay it.

Savings Account Options

There are also two different types of savings accounts available to those that bank with BB&T. Similar to the varying checking account options, each savings account is designed to fit specific consumer needs and comes with its own benefits and restrictions. Both of the BB&T savings account options include combined statements, online banking, mobile banking and account alerts. The accounts are broken down as follows:

  • BB&T eSavings: Designed for clients looking for competitive interest rates. There is no minimum deposit and interest is compounded daily.
  • Investor's Deposit Account: This account meets the needs of investors seeking premium interest rates. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $10,000 and interest is compounded in a tiered system with premium money market rates compounded daily.

For those looking for investment options, BB&T offers a wide range of services that are almost guaranteed to help individuals save for retirement or other milestones. Consumers can plan accordingly and make sure that they are staying on track to their specific savings goals.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

BB&T Bank offers four certificate of deposit (CD) rate options, allowing consumers to gain interest on a lump-sum deposit left in the account for a specific period of time. When looking for CD options, it is best to find the highest interest rates available and that you qualify for. All BB&T Bank CD options have no monthly fees, automatic renewal, guaranteed rates, and FDIC insurance. CD rate options include:

  • Personal CD Rates: Personal CDs require a minimum opening deposit of $1,000 for terms greater than 31 days or $2,500 for terms of 7 to 31 days. For whatever term you choose (7 days or up to 60 months) you will receive fixed rates.
  • Can't Lose CD Rates: This rate requires a minimum opening deposit of $1,000 with a 30-month term. Protecting your investments whether rates rise or fall, this option can help you earn more money overall.
  • Stepped Rate CD Rates: With the stepped rate CD, you can enjoy rising rates in any market with rates that are guaranteed to rise once every year. A minimum opening deposit of $1,000 is required with a 48-month term.

BB&T Bank's variety of rate options allows consumers to choose the best option for them, helping them make money on their investments.

Credit Cards

In addition to traditional banking services, BB&T Bank offers three credit card options including, the Low APR Credit Card, the Cash Rewards Credit Card, and the Travel Rewards Credit Card. Each card is backed by Visa, and offers average rates with no annual fee. BB&T's rewards cards offer competitive rewards compared to other credit union credit card offerings.

Mobile App

BB&T Bank allows consumers to bank anywhere on their phone with the U by BB&T mobile app. The app is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android and is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Apps among National Banks by J.D. Power.

On the app consumers can pay bills, send or receive money, make transfers, check their credit score, and locate bank branches, among other helpful benefits and features.

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The Bad

  • Limited Insurance
  • Limited Availability
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee
  • Customer Reviews

Limited Insurance

For those who wish to purchase insurance can do so through BB&T. However, the insurance services are not FDIC-insured, nor are they guaranteed by the bank. The insurance is also not backed by any state or federal government agency and may go down in value over time.

Limited Availability

BB&T's service can only be found in sixteen states across the U.S. This eliminates a large portion of the nation's population and is therefore not an option for a number of prospective consumers. Those who wish to bank with BB&T will need to reside in one of the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Washington D.C.
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Monthly Maintenance Fee

The majority of BB&T accounts require some sort of monthly maintenance fee. While some accounts have stipulations that can be met in order to avoid this charge, that is not an option for all account types. These monthly maintenance fees can typically be found on the basic forms of banking and consumers should be aware of these charges.

Customer Reviews

BB&T Bank reviews are limited, but the majority of them are negative with customers only awarding the company one star. Of these reviews, customers most often mention poor customer service and complicated banking overall.

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The Bottom Line

BB&T offers a number of the standard banking and lending services that are common within the industry, but they provide several options that are designed to help each consumer get the most out of their banking experience. Those that bank with BB&T can choose from a variety of checking, savings, and CD rate options to best fit their needs. In addition, consumers can choose from various credit card options with competitive rewards, average rates, and no annual fees.

Overall BB&T Bank is comparable to many other banks in the industry; however, based on customer reviews we would recommend researching other banks before making a final decision, as many customers have noted that they have not been satisfied with their experience with the bank.

If you bank, or have banked, with BB&T, please tell us about your experience by leaving a review.

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Star Rating

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1.8

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70 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

13%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

74%

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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Darrin Pelham Rincon, GA

We have used BB+T for sometime now and we really like their services and staff. We use the check deposit by phone feature all the time and that is a game changer especially during the pandemic. My wife uses the text alerts to keep up with all of our purchases and it has saved us when there was a purchase not made by us and was stopped and fixed immediately. The customer service has always been helpful and any issues that we have ever had.

2 years ago

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frank black

sometimes none of there office personnel are present and I and others complain and request a solution to the Sun blocking the readability of the outside ATM screen. An awning or some other sun blocking device needs to be installed.

5 years ago

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Anne Kimball Salt Lake City, UT

We use BB&T bank for our mortgage accounts and have found that when we are speaking to a representative they are extremely helpful, but their website is a little hard to navigate and is definitely not user-friendly in comparison to others. They do provide lots of useful services though.

5 years ago

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Erik Wilhide

Haven't had any real issues with them. The tellers are always nice and helpful

5 years ago

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Vicki A Michaels

Bank is fine, but not close to my house.

5 years ago