The Bright Banking Checking Account can be a good solution for those looking to simplify their banking using online and mobile banking tools for daily account management. From setting up alerts, paying bills electronically, to controlling card activity, tracking spending, and more - digital banking solutions by BB&T offered through a dashboard you can even personalize are quite unique.
That said, this account doesn't offer anything that differs importantly from its cheaper alternative, BB&T Fundamentals. As a Bright Banking account holder, you can also earn cash back via the bank's rewards program, BB&T Deals, and enjoy free access to over 2,400 BB&T ATMs.
We'd recommend opening the Bright Banking checking account only if you can meet the requirements necessary to have the $12 monthly fee waived. Otherwise, you can go with BB&T Fundamentals for $5 per month if you really want to become a BB&T customer. However, since there are no any particular perks, such as out-of-network ATM fee waivers, free checks or free safe deposit boxes, you might as well go with another bank altogether.
Checking account details
- Monthly fee can be waived with combined ACH direct deposits totaling $500 or more per statement cycle OR if you keep a $1,500 average checking balance per statement cycle.
- A free debit card you can personalize.
- Mobile check deposits.
- Digital Banking solutions: U by BB&T money management tools, including a customizable dashboard, cash back with BB&T Deals, and personal payments.
- Money transfers with Zelle® .
- Email or text alerts.
- Free electronic statements.
- Free access to more than 2,400 BB&T ATMs.
- Unlimited automated account information through BB&T Phone24 (800-BANK-BBT / 800-226-5228).
Checking account fees
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Monthly Fee$12
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APY0.00%
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Minimum Deposit to Open$50
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Out-of-Network ATM Transaction Fee$3 plus fees charged by ATM owner
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Out-of-Network ATM Withdrawal Fee$3 plus fees charged by ATM owner
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Overdraft Fee$36
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Non-Sufficient Funds Fee$36
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Foreign Transaction Feen/a
BB&T Bright Banking Checking Account FAQ
You can apply for the BB&T Bright Banking Checking account online, in person or by phone at 800-BANK-BBT (800-2265228). You can also follow the link available on this page to go to the BB&T website, and apply there directly.
To apply for a BB&T Bright Banking checking account, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your Social Security Number,
- Your date of birth,
- Your address,
- A government-issued ID,
- A opening deposit (your existing bank account or payment card details required).
You will know whether you've been approved for a BB&T Bright Banking checking account as soon as you provide the necessary information.
ACH (Automated Clearing House) direct deposits are electronic money transfers made by a business or government body to a consumer. These transfers might include paychecks, employer-reimbursed expenses, governments benefits, tax refunds, interests or similar.
These direct deposits are handled by the Automated Clearing House Network, a funds transfer system available nationwide.
Related to the BB&T Bright Banking, you're required to have at least $500 in such direct deposits made to your account, so that BB&T could waive the monthly fee. You can choose, for example, to receive your salary straight in this account, or, if not, you can also transfer the funds yourself, while ensuring you maintain at least $1,500 in your account each month.
No, as far as personal checking accounts are concerned, only BB&T Elite Gold, and BB&T Senior Checking offer free checks.
Ordering checks at BB&T is easy and quick, but you need to be enrolled in Online Banking.
Once logged in, you should go to the account (if you have several) you want to order checks for. There, you'll see "Manage Account", with the option to order checks and supplies. Click there to be directed to the Harland Clarke website, where you'll get to order checks. You can order the same checks as the last time by clicking "Quick Order" or "Shop Full Catalog" if you want to change your check design or your address.
U by BB&T is a money management tool BB&T customers can use for daily banking.
It includes a customizable dashboard, from where you can access your profile, personal information, account alerts, previous transaction receipts, and credit card rewards. You can also schedule an appointment with a BB&T banker via the dashboard.
U by BB&T is a quick and convenient way to make transfers, pay bills, view activity history and online statements, set up account alerts, plan for savings, manage card activity, and more!
Finally, from your U by BB&T, you'll also be able to access BB&T Deals, a rewards program with many cashback offers and deals!
You can make mobile check deposits using U by BB&T in a few easy steps.
From your dashboard, navigate to "Deposits". There, you'll need to select the account you want to deposit your check into, before you enter the amount of the check. You'll be asked to take front and back photos of your check, so make sure the lighting is good, and background solid. Then, all that remains to do is review the information, and submit your deposit.
Your funds should be available within 3 business days.
You can access BB&T Deals via your desktop or mobile phone by logging in to your account, and going to the BB&T Deals section. From there, you'll be able to see available offers, and add those you like to your cart. You can redeem a deal by making a purchase using your BB&T credit or debit card, and that's it! Rewards will be automatically deposited in your account. Remember: the more you shop, the more offers you receive - the more potential to earn!
Yes, you can add accounts you have with other banks to your U by BB&T, so you can keep all your BB&T and non-BB&T accounts in one place, and monitor them straight from your BB&T dashboard.
7 Best Checking Accounts for 2023
Featured Checking Accounts
Bank | Monthly Service Charge | Minimum Deposit to Open | APY |
---|---|---|---|
BB&T Fundamentals Checking Account | $5 | $50 | 0.00% |
BB&T Bright Banking Checking Account | $12 | $50 | 0.00% |
BB&T Student Checking Account | $0 | $0 | 0.00% |
Bank | Monthly Service Charge | Minimum Deposit to Open | APY |
---|---|---|---|
Comerica Bank Rich Rewards® Checking Account | $18 (can be waived / reduced) | $50 | 0.01% |
Comerica Bank Premier Checking Account | $22 | $50 | 0.01% |
Comerica Bank Comerica Platinum Circle Checking® | $0 | $50 | 0.10% / 0.25% |