You can close a Navy Federal checking account by phone, in person, or by mail, but you need to settle your balance and stop automatic payments first
Navy Federal does not require you to visit a branch to close a checking account. You can initiate the closure over the phone by calling Navy Federal's member services line at 1-888-842-6328, or you can walk into any Navy Federal branch with your account number and ID. If you prefer to close by mail, you can write to Navy Federal's member services department, though this route takes longer because they need to verify your identity and process the request manually.
Before you close the account, you need to handle three things: bring your balance to zero (or close to it), stop any automatic bill payments or transfers linked to the account, and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. Navy Federal will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and if you leave automatic payments running, they may bounce or cause problems after closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-888-842-6328 to close your account over the phone, or visit a Navy Federal branch in person with your account number and a valid ID.
- Your account balance must be zero or negative (meaning Navy Federal owes you a refund) before closure is processed.
- Cancel all automatic bill payments, transfers, and direct deposits linked to the account at least a week before you close it.
- If you have a debit card attached to the account, Navy Federal will deactivate it when the account closes, so plan your payment methods in advance.
- Closing takes one to three business days if you do it in person or by phone, but five to ten business days if you submit a written request by mail.
What to do before you call or visit
Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance in the account. You can do this through Navy Federal's mobile app, online banking, at an ATM, or at a branch. If the account has a small negative balance (meaning you owe Navy Federal money), you can pay it by debit card, check, or cash at a branch, or by phone transfer from another account.
Log into your Navy Federal online account or mobile app and review all active automatic payments. Look for recurring bill payments, transfers to savings accounts, paycheck direct deposits, and any other scheduled transactions. Contact each company or employer to redirect these payments to a different account. For example, if your paycheck goes to this checking account, you will need to update your employer's payroll system to send it elsewhere. If you have automatic bill payments set up through Navy Federal's bill pay service, cancel each one individually through the online portal.
Wait at least five to seven business days after canceling automatic payments before you close the account. This gives the system time to process the cancellations and ensures no pending transactions slip through after closure.
Closing by phone
Call Navy Federal member services at 1-888-842-6328. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account (this is optional to answer). They will then process the closure request.
The account will close within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. If you have a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working when ready after the closure is processed. Any checks you have written from this account will bounce if they have not cleared yet, so make sure all outstanding checks have been cashed or canceled before you close.
Closing in person at a branch
Visit any Navy Federal branch with your account number and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID). Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.
In-person closure is the fastest method. The account closes when ready, though it may take one business day for the closure to show in Navy Federal's system. You will receive a written confirmation at the branch or by mail. If you have a debit card, the representative may ask you to return it or will deactivate it during the visit.
Closing by mail
Write a letter to Navy Federal Credit Union requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the account type (checking), and your signature. Mail it to Navy Federal's member services address. You can find the current mailing address on the Navy Federal website or by calling 1-888-842-6328.
Include a copy of your government-issued ID with the letter. Navy Federal requires this to verify your identity before processing a closure request by mail. Do not send your original ID—send a photocopy only.
Mail closure takes five to ten business days from the date Navy Federal receives your letter. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. This method is slower than phone or in-person closure, so use it only if you cannot reach Navy Federal by phone or visit a branch.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Your Navy Federal debit card will stop working as soon as the account closes. If you have pending transactions that have not cleared yet, they may still process for a few days after closure, but Navy Federal will not honor new transactions. Any checks you have written will bounce if they have not been cashed before the account closes.
If you have checks left in your checkbook, you can destroy them or keep them as records. Do not try to use them after the account closes. If you are worried about outstanding checks, contact the people or companies you wrote them to and ask if they have cashed them yet. If not, ask them to hold off or issue you a refund.
What to do with your Navy Federal savings account
Closing your checking account does not affect any other accounts you have with Navy Federal, including savings accounts, money market accounts, or certificates of deposit. Those accounts will remain open and active. If you want to close those as well, you will need to submit separate closure requests for each one.
If you have automatic transfers set up between your checking account and a savings account, cancel those transfers before you close the checking account. Otherwise, the transfer will fail and may trigger an error message in your Navy Federal account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Navy Federal checking account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not on checking or savings accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not hit my account yet?
Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and ask them to redirect it to a different account before you close. If a deposit arrives after the account is closed, Navy Federal will return it to the sender. The sender will then need to reissue the payment to your new account, which can take several days.
Can I reopen a Navy Federal checking account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new Navy Federal checking account at any time as long as you remain a Navy Federal member. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening. However, you will need to go through the account opening process again, which includes providing identification and initial funding.
What if my account has a negative balance when I try to close it?
You will need to pay the negative balance before Navy Federal will close the account. You can pay by debit card, check, or cash at a branch, or by phone transfer from another account. Once the balance is paid, the account can be closed.
Do I need to close my Navy Federal membership to close my checking account?
No. Closing a checking account does not close your Navy Federal membership. You will remain a member and can open new accounts or use other Navy Federal services. If you want to close your membership entirely, that is a separate request you would need to submit.