The basic steps to close your account
Closing a bank account is straightforward: contact your bank, confirm you have no pending transactions, move your money out, and ask them to close it. Most banks let you do this in person at a branch, by phone, or online through your account settings. The bank will confirm the closure in writing, usually within a few business days.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money left, transfer it to another account or withdraw it as cash. If you have pending checks or automatic payments still processing, wait for those to clear first — closing an account with outstanding transactions can create problems with creditors or payees.
Some banks charge a fee if you close an account within a certain period (often 90 days to a year of opening it). Check your account agreement or call ahead to ask whether a closure fee applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Empty your account completely before closing it, including moving any remaining balance to another bank or withdrawing it.
- Wait for all pending checks and automatic payments to clear before you request closure, which usually takes a few business days.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through online banking to request closure — the method depends on your bank's options.
- Some banks charge a fee for closing an account opened less than 90 days to a year ago, so ask about this before you proceed.
- The bank will send you written confirmation of the closure, which you should keep for your records.
Why you might want to close an account
People close bank accounts for different reasons. You might be switching to a different bank with better features or lower fees. You might have opened a second account temporarily and no longer need it. You might be closing accounts you no longer use to simplify your finances and reduce the number of statements you receive.
If you are closing an account because of poor customer service or a fee dispute, contact the bank's customer service department first to see whether they can resolve the issue. Sometimes a supervisor can waive a fee or explain a charge in a way that changes your mind. If you still want to close it, that choice is yours — banks cannot force you to keep an account open.
What to do before you close
The most important step is moving your money. Log into your account and check the balance. If there is money in it, transfer it to another bank account you own, or withdraw it as cash. Do not leave money behind — once the account is closed, accessing any remaining funds becomes difficult and time-consuming.
Next, check for pending transactions. Look at your recent activity and your scheduled automatic payments. Common ones include direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and transfers you have set up. Wait until these clear before closing. If you have checks you wrote that have not cleared yet, wait for those too. Closing an account with outstanding checks can cause them to bounce, which damages your relationship with whoever you wrote them to and may result in fees.
Update your direct deposit if you are receiving paychecks. Contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with the account number and routing number of your new bank. This usually takes effect within one or two pay periods.
If you have automatic bill payments set up on this account, log into each biller's website and update your payment method to your new account. Do not rely on the bank to forward payments — you are responsible for making sure your bills keep getting paid.
How to close your account with your bank
The process varies slightly by bank, but the basic steps are the same. You can close an account in three main ways: in person at a branch, by phone, or online.
In person: Visit any branch of your bank with a photo ID. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity, verify the account balance is zero, and process the closure. You will receive written confirmation on the spot or by mail within a few days.
By phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number and photo ID information ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the balance, and close the account. Ask them to mail you written confirmation.
Online: Some banks offer account closure through their website or mobile app. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and find the option to close the account. Not all banks offer this option, so check your bank's website or call if you do not see it.
What happens after you close
Once the bank processes your closure request, the account is typically closed within one to three business days. You will no longer be able to use your debit card for this account, and you cannot make deposits or withdrawals. The bank will send you written confirmation, usually by mail.
Keep this confirmation letter for your records. It proves the account is closed and can be useful if a problem arises later — for example, if a check you wrote bounces and you need to show that the account was already closed.
After closure, your account history remains on file with the bank for a set period (usually five to seven years). If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, request it before closing or ask the bank how to get copies after closure.
Closing accounts with outstanding fees or disputes
If your account has an outstanding fee or negative balance, the bank may not close it until the balance is paid. If you owe money, pay it before requesting closure. If you believe a fee is wrong, contact customer service and dispute it before you close — it is easier to resolve while the account is active.
If the bank has already sent your account to collections because of a negative balance, closing the account does not stop the collection process. You will still owe the money. Contact the bank or the collection agency to work out a payment plan.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually must request closure together, either in person or by phone. Some banks allow one person to close a joint account, but this is less common. Contact your bank to ask what their policy is.
If you want to close a joint account but the other person does not, you may not be able to close it unilaterally. Your options are to ask the other person to agree, to remove yourself as an account holder (if the bank offers this), or to leave the account open. Check your account agreement or call customer service to understand what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close an account if I still have pending checks?
You can request closure, but the bank may not process it until the checks clear. It is safer to wait for pending checks to clear first. If you close before they clear, those checks may bounce, which creates problems for whoever you wrote them to.
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working immediately or within a few business days of closure. You can cut it up or throw it away. If you are worried about fraud, call the bank and ask them to deactivate it right away.
Will closing an account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the account has a negative balance that goes to collections, that can hurt your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closing.
How long does it take to close an account?
The request is usually processed within one to three business days. The bank will send you written confirmation. If you close in person, you may get confirmation immediately, but the account may take a few days to fully close in their system.
Can I reopen an account after I close it?
Most banks allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, usually 30 to 90 days. After that, you would need to open a new account. Contact your bank to ask about their specific policy.