The basic steps to close a Citizens Bank account

You can close a Citizens Bank account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available for your account type. Citizens Bank's main customer service number is 1-800-922-9999. When you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.

The process usually takes a few minutes on the phone. A representative will confirm which account you want to close, check for any pending transactions or outstanding checks, and arrange for any remaining balance to be sent to you. If you have a zero balance, the account closes when ready. If there's money in the account, Citizens Bank will either transfer it to another account you specify or mail you a check.

Before you close the account, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to it. If you forget to redirect these, payments may fail or deposits may not arrive. Check your recent statements and any bills you pay automatically to catch anything you might have missed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-922-9999 or visit a Citizens Bank branch to close your account; have your account number and be ready to verify your identity.
  • Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, or they will fail and may trigger fees or missed payments.
  • If your account has a balance, tell the representative whether to transfer it to another account or mail you a check.
  • The account closes when ready if the balance is zero; if there's money in it, the process takes a few business days.

What to do before you call or visit

Review your last two or three bank statements to see what payments come out of this account automatically. Common ones are utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, and loan payments. For each one, log into that company's website or call them to change the payment method to a different account or payment source.

Check whether you have direct deposit set up on this account — paychecks, government benefits, or other regular deposits. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number if you're moving to a different bank, or confirm you want deposits to stop if you're closing all your accounts with Citizens Bank.

Look for any outstanding checks you've written that haven't cleared yet. If you're unsure, wait a few more days before closing. A check that clears after the account is closed can cause overdraft fees or be returned unpaid, which may damage your relationship with the person or business you wrote it to.

Closing in person versus by phone

Closing by phone is faster if you know you have no pending transactions and you're comfortable verifying your identity over the phone. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You'll need your account number, and the representative may ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.

Visiting a branch in person is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face, if you have a complicated account situation, or if you prefer to handle banking in person. Bring a photo ID and your account number. The process is the same, but you may have a shorter wait if you go during off-peak hours — typically mid-morning on a weekday.

If you have a joint account, both account holders may need to be present or consent to the closure. Call ahead to ask what Citizens Bank requires for your specific situation.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money in the account when you close it, you have two main options. The first is to have Citizens Bank transfer the balance to another account — either another Citizens Bank account you own or an account at a different bank. You'll need to provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

The second option is to have Citizens Bank mail you a check for the remaining balance. This takes longer — usually 5 to 10 business days — but it's useful if you don't have another account set up yet or if you want to move the money to a completely different bank. Ask the representative for an estimate of when the check will arrive.

If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe Citizens Bank money — you'll need to pay that amount before the account can close. The representative will tell you the exact amount owed and your options for payment.

Closing online or through the mobile app

Some Citizens Bank account types allow you to request closure through online banking or the mobile app, though this option is not available for all accounts. Log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option. If you see it, follow the prompts and answer any security questions.

Even if you start the closure online, a representative may contact you to confirm, especially if there are pending transactions or if your account has a balance. Keep your phone available after you submit an online closure request.

If you don't see a closure option in your online banking or app, or if you're unsure whether your account type supports it, call customer service instead. They can tell you whether online closure is available for you and walk you through the phone process if needed.

After your account is closed

Once the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. If you closed the account by phone or in person, ask for written confirmation of the closure. Some representatives will email or mail this to you; others may give you a reference number you can use if you need to follow up.

Keep any confirmation documents for your records. If a payment you thought you'd redirected tries to come out of the closed account, or if you see unexpected activity, you'll want proof that the account was officially closed on a specific date.

If you're moving to a different bank, make sure your new account is fully set up and working before you close your Citizens Bank account. Test a small transfer or deposit to confirm the new account is active. This prevents the situation where you close one account and then discover the new one isn't working yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Citizens Bank account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account with Citizens Bank after closing one. However, if you closed the account due to a problem — such as unpaid fees or a negative balance — Citizens Bank may review your history before approving a new account. Contact a branch or call customer service to ask about reopening if you're concerned.

What if I have a loan or credit card with Citizens Bank — does closing my checking account affect it?

Closing a checking or savings account does not close a loan or credit card. Those are separate products. However, if you have automatic payments set up from the account you're closing, you must redirect those payments to another account or payment method before closure, or your loan or credit card payments will fail.

How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up in my online banking?

Usually a few business days. Once the account is fully closed and any remaining balance has been transferred or mailed, it will disappear from your account list. If it's still showing after a week, call customer service to confirm the closure went through.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, if you miss payments on loans or credit cards because you forgot to redirect automatic payments, that can hurt your credit. This is why redirecting automatic payments before closure is important.

What if I'm closing the account because of a dispute or problem?

Tell the representative why you're closing when you call or visit. If there's a specific issue — such as unexpected fees or a transaction you didn't authorize — they may be able to address it before you close. If you still want to close after discussing it, that's your choice, but raising the issue gives Citizens Bank a chance to resolve it.