What Truist credit cards offer
Truist offers several credit cards through its banking platform, each designed for different spending patterns and financial goals. The main options are the Truist Advantage Visa, the Truist Preferred Visa, and the Truist Business Visa — each with its own rewards structure, annual fee, and benefits. Unlike some card issuers that operate separately from their banks, Truist cards are issued directly by Truist Bank, so your account sits within the same login as your checking or savings account if you bank there.
The cards differ most in their rewards rates and who they target. Some earn cash back on everyday purchases, while others focus on travel rewards or business spending. All Truist cards report to the three major credit bureaus, meaning your payment history and credit usage will affect your credit score the same way any other card would.
Key Takeaways
- Truist offers multiple credit cards with different rewards structures, so the right choice depends on how you spend and whether you want cash back or travel rewards.
- Truist cards are issued by Truist Bank itself, which means you can manage them alongside your checking account in the same online banking portal if you're already a customer.
- Each card has different annual fees, bonus categories, and earning rates — comparing them side by side shows which one matches your spending pattern.
- Truist cards report to credit bureaus like any other card, so responsible use builds credit history while missed payments damage it.
Truist Advantage Visa: cash back without an annual fee
The Truist Advantage Visa is a no-annual-fee card that earns cash back on all purchases. It earns a flat rate on every dollar you spend — the exact rate varies depending on the current offer, so checking Truist's website or calling their customer service line will show you the current earning structure. Because there's no annual fee, this card works well for people who want rewards without paying to carry the card.
The trade-off is that the cash back rate is typically lower than cards that charge an annual fee. You won't find bonus categories like "5% on groceries" — instead you earn the same percentage on everything. This simplicity appeals to people who don't want to track which card to use at which store, but it means high-spending categories like groceries or gas won't earn extra.
Truist Preferred Visa: higher rewards with an annual fee
The Truist Preferred Visa charges an annual fee but offers higher cash back rates and bonus categories. The card typically earns higher cash back in specific categories — such as dining, travel, or groceries — and a lower rate on everything else. The annual fee is a fixed cost you pay once per year, usually charged to your account automatically.
Whether this card makes financial sense depends on your spending. If you spend enough in the bonus categories to earn more cash back than the annual fee costs, the card pays for itself. If you rarely use the bonus categories, the annual fee becomes a pure cost with no benefit. Truist's website shows the current fee amount and earning rates, so you can calculate whether your typical spending would earn back more than you'd pay.
Truist Business Visa: for business owners and sole proprietors
Truist also offers a business credit card for people who run a business or are self-employed. This card is designed to separate business spending from personal spending, which makes accounting and tax preparation easier. Business cards typically report to business credit bureaus in addition to personal credit bureaus, and the credit limit is often based on your business revenue rather than personal income alone.
Business cards usually come with higher earning rates on common business expenses like office supplies, travel, and fuel. The annual fee structure and rewards rates differ from the personal cards, so comparing them directly to the Advantage or Preferred requires looking at your actual business spending patterns.
How to understand the rewards before you explore
Credit card rewards sound straightforward — earn cash back or points on what you spend — but the details matter. A card that earns 1% cash back on everything means you get $1 back for every $100 you charge. A card that earns 3% in a bonus category means you get $3 back for every $100 spent in that specific category, but usually only 1% on everything else.
Before choosing a Truist card, write down your typical monthly spending by category: groceries, gas, dining, travel, utilities, and everything else. Then look at which card's bonus categories match your biggest spending areas. If you spend $400 a month on groceries and the card earns 3% there, that's $12 a month or $144 a year — which easily covers a $95 annual fee. If you rarely use the bonus categories, the no-fee Advantage card probably makes more sense.
Truist's website shows the current earning rates and annual fees for each card. These can change, so the rates you see today might not be the same next year. The card agreement you receive when approved will spell out the exact terms that explore to your account.
Credit score impact and responsible use
Opening a Truist credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, the process triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Second, once approved, the card becomes part of your credit history — your payment behavior and how much of your credit limit you use both factor into your score.
Paying your Truist bill on time every month builds positive credit history. Carrying a balance and paying interest does not help your score — in fact, using too much of your available credit (above 30% of your limit) can lower your score even if you pay on time. Missing a payment or paying late damages your score significantly and stays on your credit report for seven years.
If you're rebuilding credit or new to credit cards, a Truist card can help, but only if you treat it like a tool rather than information programs. Charge only what you can pay back in full each month, and your score will improve over time.
Managing your Truist card online and by phone
If you already bank with Truist, your credit card account appears in your online banking portal alongside your checking and savings accounts. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and read statements all in one place. This integration makes it straightforward to pay your bill on time — you can transfer money from your checking account to cover your credit card balance in seconds.
If you don't bank with Truist, you can still get a Truist credit card, but you'll manage it through a separate online account. You can still set up automatic payments from any bank account, so the process is straightforward either way. Truist's customer service line is available by phone, and you can also reach support through their website or mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Truist customer to get a Truist credit card?
No. You can open a Truist credit card even if you don't have a checking or savings account with Truist. However, if you do bank with Truist, managing the card is more convenient because it integrates into your existing online banking login.
What happens if I carry a balance and pay interest?
Interest charges reduce the value of any rewards you earn. If you earn 1% cash back but pay 18% interest on a balance, you're losing money overall. Credit cards work best when you pay the full statement balance each month, so interest never applies.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to a Truist card?
Some Truist cards offer balance transfer options, though this varies by card and current offer. A balance transfer lets you move debt from another card to your Truist card, often at a lower interest rate for an introductory period. Check the specific card's terms or call Truist to see if this option is available.
How do I know if a Truist card is better than cards from other banks?
Compare the annual fee, earning rates, and bonus categories across cards you're considering. Use a calculator to estimate how much you'd earn in a year based on your actual spending, then subtract the annual fee. The card that leaves you with the most cash back or points is the better choice for your situation.
What if I'm denied for a Truist card?
Denial usually means your credit score or credit history didn't meet the card's requirements. You can ask Truist why you were denied — they're required to tell you. If your score is low, focusing on paying bills on time and reducing existing debt can help you may have access to for a card in the future.