You can close a Fifth Third account by phone, in person, or online, depending on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

Fifth Third Bank lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line, at a branch, or through online banking. The process takes a few minutes if your account has a zero balance. If you have money in the account, you'll need to move it first—either to another bank or withdraw it in cash. If you have an outstanding balance (meaning you owe the bank money), you must pay it before closing.

The fastest route is usually a phone call to Fifth Third's customer service at 1-800-972-3030. They can confirm your account status, process the closure, and answer questions about any remaining balance or pending transactions. If you prefer to close the account in person, any Fifth Third branch can do it, though you may need to wait for an appointment depending on how busy the branch is.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance in your account before Fifth Third will close it, so move or withdraw your money first.
  • Call 1-800-972-3030 to close the account by phone, or visit a branch in person during business hours.
  • If you have an outstanding balance or pending charges, the bank will not close the account until those are resolved.
  • After closure, Fifth Third may continue to report the account to credit bureaus for a period of time, which is normal.
  • Keep your account number and final statement for your records, in case you need to dispute a charge later.

What to do before you call or visit

Before you contact Fifth Third, move any remaining balance out of the account. You can transfer money to another bank using an external transfer, or withdraw it as cash or a cashier's check at a branch. Check your recent statements to see if any automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to this account—if they are, you'll need to update them at the source (your employer, utility company, subscription service, and so on) before closing.

Log into your online banking or call customer service to check for any pending transactions or holds on the account. If there are pending charges, the account cannot close until they clear. This usually takes one to three business days. Also check whether you have any Fifth Third credit cards, loans, or other products tied to this account—closing a checking account won't affect them, but the bank may ask about them during the closure process.

Closing by phone

Call Fifth Third customer service at 1-800-972-3030. Have your account number ready. Tell them you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other verification details. They'll check the account balance and any outstanding issues.

If the balance is zero and there are no holds or pending transactions, the representative can close the account when ready. They will give you a confirmation number and may offer to email you a closure confirmation. Ask them to confirm the date the account closes and whether any final statements will be mailed to you. If you have questions about fees or charges on the account, ask them now—once the account is closed, it's harder to dispute charges.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit any Fifth Third Bank branch with a valid photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller or customer service representative that you want to close the account. They will verify your identity and check the account status on their system. If you have cash in the account, they can withdraw it for you on the spot. If you prefer a cashier's check, they can issue one.

The branch will process the closure and give you a receipt. Ask for a written confirmation of the closure date. If the branch is busy, you may be asked to schedule an appointment, especially if you have questions about your account history or pending transactions. Closing in person is useful if you want to withdraw cash when ready or if you have questions the phone line cannot answer.

What happens if you have an outstanding balance

If your account is negative (you owe Fifth Third money), you must pay the balance before the account can close. The bank will not process a closure request until the debt is settled. You can pay the balance by transferring money from another account, depositing cash at a branch, or mailing a check to Fifth Third's payment processing center.

If you're unsure whether you have an outstanding balance, call customer service or check your most recent statement. Some fees or charges may not show up when ready, so ask the representative to confirm the exact amount owed and the important date for payment. Once you've paid, you can proceed with closing the account.

What to do after the account closes

Keep your final statement and the closure confirmation number for your records. Fifth Third will mail a final statement showing all transactions up to the closure date. Review it to make sure there are no unexpected charges. If you spot an error or a charge you don't recognize, contact Fifth Third within 60 days—after that window, disputing becomes much harder.

The closed account will remain on your credit report for a period of time (usually seven years for negative items, or indefinitely for positive history). This is normal and does not hurt your credit score straightforward because the account is closed. If you opened a new account at another bank, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits have been switched over. Check your new bank's statements for the first few months to confirm everything is working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Fifth Third account online?

Fifth Third does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service or visit a branch in person. This is a security measure to confirm your identity before closing.

What if I have a negative balance and can't pay it right away?

The account cannot close until the balance is paid. Contact Fifth Third to discuss a payment plan or important date. If the balance is very old, they may have already sent it to collections, in which case you'll need to resolve that separately before closing.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly hurt your credit score. However, if the account had a negative balance that went unpaid, that may already be on your credit report and could affect your score.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

Most accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure, though it can take longer if there are pending transactions. The representative will tell you the exact date when you call or visit.

What if I closed the account but a charge still posted to it?

Contact Fifth Third when ready with the charge details and your closure confirmation number. Charges that post after closure are the bank's responsibility to handle, and they should be able to redirect the charge or refund it.