WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BB&T Corporation (NYSE: [ BBT ]) announced today the launch of the BB&T LEAP Account, which is a prepaid transaction account specifically designed for teenagers and their parents.

"BB&T is proud to offer a product that was created for the youth segment," said Scott Qualls, Retail Payments manager at BB&T. "The LEAP Account is an ideal product for parents with teenagers and we believe it will equip them with a valuable tool to help their teenagers learn financial responsibility at an early age."

The BB&T LEAP Account can be a joint account between the parent and teenager, allowing the parent to easily transfer funds from other BB&T accounts and monitor balances and card usage. Because the card is prepaid there is no risk of overspending, damage to credit ratings or danger of overdraft fees. It can also be an individual account that a responsible teen can use to learn the basics of a banking relationship. To own a card individually, a client must be at least 18 years old.

The LEAP Account comes with a prepaid, reloadable Visa card that can be used to make purchases in person, online or by phone and access ATMs worldwide. Additional features include:

Free point-of-sale purchases anywhere Visa debit is accepted worldwide
Free BB&T ATM cash withdrawals and inquiries
Free direct deposit
Free transfers to/from other BB&T accounts
Free online banking
Free bill payment
Free mobile banking and alerts
FDIC insurance
BB&T Complete Client Protection for unauthorized purchases if the card is lost or stolen

"The account is much safer than cash," Qualls added. "If the card is lost or stolen, clients will not be liable for unauthorized transactions and funds will be replaced."

The account offers free Travel and Emergency Assistance and Purchase Security. Cardholders also have access to 24-hour Roadside Dispatch for a fee. The BB&T LEAP Account is available at BB&T financial centers as well as online at [ www.bbt.com/leap ].

About BB&T

BB&T Corporation (NYSE: [ BBT ]) is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with $174.8 billion in assets and market capitalization of $21.9 billion, as of March 31, 2012. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates approximately 1,800 financial centers and 2,400 ATMs in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services. A Fortune 500 company, BB&T is consistently recognized for outstanding client satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Greenwich Associates and others. More information about BB&T and its full line of products and services is available at [ www.BBT.com ].

SOURCE BB&T Corporation

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BBamp;;T introduces new prepaid LEAP Account

BB&T introduces new prepaid LEAP Account

Transaction account intended for younger clients