The basic steps to close a Fifth Third checking account
You can close a Fifth Third checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available in your account settings. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Fifth Third statement — you'll reach someone who can walk you through the closure and answer questions about what happens to any remaining balance or automatic payments.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), and that you've stopped or redirected any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account. Fifth Third will not close an account with a negative balance until you pay what you owe. If you have pending transactions, ask when those will clear before you formally request closure.
The account typically closes within one to five business days after you request it, though the exact timing depends on whether there are outstanding checks or pending deposits. Fifth Third will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account you specify.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card or statement to reach Fifth Third customer service, or visit a branch in person to close your account.
- Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure — you cannot close an account with an overdraft without paying it first.
- Stop or redirect all automatic payments and direct deposits before you request closure, because Fifth Third will not manage those for you.
- The account closes within one to five business days, and any remaining balance will be mailed as a check or transferred to another account you name.
- Ask Fifth Third to confirm the closure in writing so you have a record that the account is closed and no longer active.
What to do with automatic payments before closing
Any recurring charges — subscriptions, insurance payments, loan payments, utility bills — that are set to pull from your Fifth Third checking account will fail once the account closes. This can result in late fees, service interruptions, or a negative mark on your credit if a loan or credit card payment bounces.
Log into your Fifth Third online banking or mobile app and review your recent transactions to find anything that repeats monthly or on another schedule. For each one, you have two options: update the payment method in that company's system to point to a different bank account, or contact the company directly and ask them to stop the automatic withdrawal.
Do this at least one week before you request account closure, so you have time to confirm the changes took effect. If you miss one and a payment fails after closure, contact that company when ready to explain the situation and ask them to resubmit the charge to your new account.
Handling direct deposits and incoming transfers
If your paycheck, benefits, or regular transfers from another person or account are set to deposit into your Fifth Third checking account, you'll need to update those before closure. Contact your employer's payroll department, your benefits administrator, or whoever sends you money and provide them with your new account details.
Fifth Third will not forward deposits to another account — the money will straightforward fail to arrive, and you may not notice for days or weeks. Payroll departments usually need three to five business days to process a change, so submit the update as soon as you know you're closing the account.
If a deposit arrives after the account is closed, Fifth Third will typically return it to the sender. You'll then have to contact that sender and ask them to resubmit it to your correct account, which adds delay.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Once Fifth Third closes your account, your debit card will stop working when ready or within a day. You do not need to do anything with the card — it will straightforward decline at the point of sale. If you want to destroy it for security reasons, you can cut it up or shred it.
If you have checks printed with your Fifth Third account number, those will also stop working once the account closes. Do not use any remaining checks after closure. If you have a large stack of unused checks, you can destroy them or contact Fifth Third to ask if they'll cancel the check stock for you.
Fifth Third will not reissue a debit card or checks for a closed account, so if you need either one, you'll have to open a new account or use a different bank.
Closing your account in person versus by phone
Closing by phone is faster if you have no complications — the call usually takes five to ten minutes. You'll confirm your identity, state that you want to close the account, and arrange where any remaining balance should go. Fifth Third will give you a confirmation number on the call.
Closing in person at a branch lets you ask questions face-to-face and walk out with written confirmation that the account is closed. This can be useful if you want to be absolutely certain the closure went through, or if you have questions about fees, overdrafts, or other account details that are easier to discuss with someone in front of you.
Both methods are equally valid. Choose whichever fits your schedule. If you close by phone, ask the representative to email or mail you a written confirmation, so you have documentation in case you need to prove the account is closed.
Fees and final charges you might see
Fifth Third may charge a monthly maintenance fee on your account right up until the day it closes. If your account closes mid-month, you may see a prorated fee on your final statement. This is normal and will be deducted from your remaining balance before any refund is sent to you.
If your account has been overdrawn, Fifth Third will not close it until the overdraft is paid. Overdraft fees themselves vary depending on your account type and Fifth Third's current fee schedule, so ask the representative what you owe before you send payment.
Once the account is closed, Fifth Third will not charge you anything else related to that account. If you see charges after closure, contact them when ready to dispute them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Fifth Third account online?
Some Fifth Third accounts allow closure through online banking, but not all. Log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option. If you don't see it, you'll need to call or visit a branch. The phone number is on your debit card or statement.
What if I have a negative balance when I want to close?
Fifth Third will not close an account with an overdraft. You must pay the negative balance first, either by depositing funds, transferring money from another account, or paying over the phone with a debit or credit card. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can request closure.
How long does it take to get my remaining balance after I close?
If you request a check, it usually arrives within five to seven business days. If you ask Fifth Third to transfer the balance to another bank account, it typically takes one to three business days. Ask the representative which option is faster when you call to close.
Will closing my Fifth Third account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score. However, if you have outstanding overdrafts or fees that go unpaid, Fifth Third may report that to a collections agency, which can damage your credit. Pay any balance owed before closure to avoid this.
What if I change my mind after closing?
Once Fifth Third closes your account, you cannot reopen it. You would need to open a new account, which may require a new process and a new account number. Contact Fifth Third when ready if you realize you made a mistake, as some banks have a brief window to reverse a closure.