How to close a Santander account
You can close a Santander account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available on your account type. Santander requires you to have a zero balance before closing — you must withdraw or transfer out all remaining funds, and any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account need to be moved elsewhere first. The process typically takes a few business days once you initiate it, though the exact timeline depends on whether you have outstanding checks or pending transactions.
The method you use matters because some account types have restrictions. If you have a checking account with a debit card, you can usually close it through any channel. Savings accounts, money market accounts, and accounts with certificates of deposit (CDs) may require you to visit a branch or call, depending on your region and account terms.
Key Takeaways
- Your Santander account must have a zero balance before closure — withdraw or transfer all money out first.
- You can close most accounts by phone at 1-855-728-9332, in person at any Santander branch, or through online banking if your account type allows it.
- Stop any automatic payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits from being sent to the account before you close it.
- The closure takes a few business days, and Santander will send you written confirmation once it is complete.
Prepare your account before you call or visit
Before you contact Santander, move all your money out of the account. This includes checking balances, savings balances, and any funds in linked sub-accounts. If you have a CD that has not yet matured, you may face an early withdrawal penalty — Santander will explain this when you call, and you can decide whether to pay it or wait until the CD reaches its term.
Check for any automatic payments or subscriptions tied to the account. This includes recurring bills (utilities, insurance, subscriptions), direct deposits from your employer, and transfers you have set up to other accounts. You will need to update these with your new account information or cancel them. Give yourself at least a week to do this before closing, because some billers take time to process changes.
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing the account. Santander can hold the account open longer if needed, but it is simpler to let the checks clear first. You can check your pending transactions in online banking or by calling customer service.
Close your account by phone
Call Santander customer service at 1-855-728-9332. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, verify that your balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account — this is standard practice and does not affect whether they will close it.
The representative will confirm which accounts you want to close (if you have multiple) and will tell you what happens next. Santander will send you a written confirmation in the mail within a few business days. Keep this confirmation for your records, especially if you are closing the account because of fraud or a dispute.
If you have any pending transactions or holds on the account, the representative will let you know. They may ask you to wait a few more days before closing, or they may close it and handle the pending items separately.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Santander branch with your ID and account number. A teller or banker can close the account on the spot if your balance is zero and you have no pending transactions. This is the fastest method if you have a branch nearby, because you get when ready confirmation and do not have to wait for mail.
Bring any debit cards or checks associated with the account. The branch can destroy them for you, or you can do it yourself at home. Either way, the cards and checks will not work once the account is closed.
If you have questions about early withdrawal penalties on CDs or other account-specific issues, the branch banker can explain them and help you decide whether to proceed. This is also a good time to ask about moving your money to another Santander account if you want to stay with the bank.
What happens after you close the account
Once your account is closed, you cannot use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any automatic payments or direct deposits sent to the account after closure will be rejected. This is why updating your payment methods and direct deposit information beforehand is critical — if you miss one, the payment will fail and you may face late fees from the biller.
Santander will send you a final statement showing the closure date and your final balance (which should be zero). Keep this for your tax records and for proof that the account is closed, especially if you are closing it because of fraud.
If you closed the account because of a problem — unauthorized charges, poor service, or a dispute — document everything. Keep the closure confirmation, any correspondence with Santander, and notes on what happened. If you filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator, include that documentation too.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Santander may require both of you to be present in person, or they may allow one person to close it by phone if the other person has authorized it in writing. Call ahead to ask what Santander requires for your specific situation.
If you and the other account holder disagree about closing the account, one person cannot unilaterally close a joint account. You will need to resolve the disagreement or contact a lawyer if the account involves a dispute.
If you want to keep banking with Santander
If you are closing one account but want to keep another open, tell the representative which account to close. Santander will not close all your accounts unless you specifically ask them to. If you are switching to a different account type within Santander — for example, from a basic checking to a premium checking account — ask whether you can convert the account instead of closing and reopening it. This is usually faster and avoids the risk of losing your account number or history.
If you are closing because of fees or service issues, ask the representative whether there are other account options that might work better for you. Santander offers different account tiers with different fee structures, and switching might solve the problem without losing your banking relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. If you owe money because of overdraft fees or unpaid charges, you need to deposit funds to bring the balance to zero before Santander will close the account. If you dispute the charges, resolve that with customer service before attempting to close.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not hit yet?
Wait for it to clear before closing the account, or update your direct deposit information with your employer first. If the deposit arrives after the account is closed, Santander will reject it and your employer will have to reissue it to your new account. This can take weeks, so it is easier to wait or change the deposit address beforehand.
Do I need to destroy my debit card before closing?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. The card will stop working once the account closes, but destroying it prevents accidental use or confusion. You can cut it up yourself or ask a Santander branch to do it for you.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on bank accounts. Closing a bank account is a normal transaction and will not show up on your credit report.
How long does it take to close a Santander account?
If you close in person at a branch, the account closes when ready. If you close by phone, Santander typically completes the closure within a few business days. You will receive written confirmation in the mail. If you have pending transactions or holds, closure may take longer.