You can close a TD Bank checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the fastest way is usually a phone call to customer service
TD Bank lets you close a checking account without a penalty or waiting period. You do not need a reason, and the bank will not try to talk you out of it. The process takes a few minutes, though it may take several business days for the account to fully close and any remaining balance to reach you.
Before you call or visit, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to this account are moved elsewhere. Once the account closes, transactions tied to it will fail — paychecks will bounce back to your employer, and bill payments may not go through.
Key Takeaways
- Call TD Bank customer service at 1-800-937-8372 or visit your local branch in person to close your account.
- Move any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers to another account before closing.
- If you have a balance, ask whether the bank will mail a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide.
- The account closes when ready, but it may take several business days for any remaining funds to reach you.
- Keep your account number and final statement for your records in case questions arise later.
What to do before you call or visit the branch
The most common reason a checking account closure goes wrong is that money or payments are still tied to it. Before you contact TD Bank, go through your recent statements and look for any automatic payments — insurance, utilities, subscriptions, loan payments, anything that comes out on a regular schedule.
Next, check whether your paycheck or any other regular deposits go into this account. If they do, you will need to update your employer or the organization sending the money with your new account details. This usually takes a few business days to take effect, so do it as soon as you decide to close the account.
If you have checks linked to this account, stop using them. Any checks you write after closing will bounce. If you have a debit card, you can stop using it, though TD Bank will deactivate it once the account closes.
How to close your account by phone
Call TD Bank customer service at 1-800-937-8372. Have your account number ready — you can find it on a recent statement, check, or your debit card. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account.
The representative will ask a few questions: whether you have any outstanding checks, whether you want to move money to another account, and how you want to receive any remaining balance. You can ask them to transfer funds to another TD Bank account you own, transfer to an account at a different bank, or mail you a check. A check usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and to note in your file that you initiated the closure. This creates a record if any questions come up later.
How to close your account in person at a branch
Visit any TD Bank branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They will ask the same questions as a phone representative: what to do with any remaining balance and whether you have outstanding checks.
In-person closure can be faster if you need the funds when ready — some branches can give you cash on the spot if your balance is not too large. If the balance is large, ask whether they can transfer it to another account or issue a cashier's check, which you can deposit elsewhere right away.
Ask the teller to give you a written confirmation that the account is closed, including the date and the final balance. Keep this for your records.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money left in the account when you close it, TD Bank will not keep it. You choose how to receive it: as a transfer to another bank account, as a transfer to another TD Bank account you own, or as a mailed check.
If you choose a transfer, it usually takes 1 to 3 business days. If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Make sure you provide the correct account number and routing number if you are transferring to another bank — a mistake here means the money goes to the wrong place and takes time to recover.
What to do if you have automatic payments set up
Automatic payments that are scheduled to come out of this account after it closes will fail. Your creditor or service provider will see the failed payment and may charge you a late fee or report it to your credit history.
Before closing, log into each service — your insurance company, utility company, loan servicer, subscription services — and update the payment method to your new account. Some services let you do this online; others require a phone call. Allow a few days for the change to take effect before the account closes.
If you forget to update a payment and it fails after the account closes, contact the service provider right away. Explain that you closed the account and provide your new payment information. Many companies will waive a single late fee if you update the account quickly.
What to do if you have direct deposits
If your paycheck or benefits deposit into this account, you need to update your employer or the benefits administrator with your new account information. This is usually done through your employer's payroll system or the government agency's website.
Changes to direct deposit typically take 1 to 2 pay periods to take effect. Do not close the account until at least one paycheck has gone into your new account — if you close too early, your next paycheck may bounce back to your employer and delay your payment.
If a direct deposit fails after you close the account, contact your employer or the benefits office right away. They can reissue the payment to your new account, though it may take a few extra days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will TD Bank charge me a fee to close my checking account?
No. TD Bank does not charge a fee to close a checking account. You can close it at any time without penalty, even if you just opened it.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The account closes when ready when you request it, but it may take several business days for any remaining funds to reach you. A mailed check usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A transfer to another account typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fees?
You will need to pay any negative balance or outstanding fees before the account closes. The representative will tell you the amount owed. You can pay it by debit card, transfer from another account, or cash if you are closing in person.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with TD Bank at any time. However, the old account number will not reopen — you will be opening a brand new account with a new number.
What if I have checks that haven't cleared yet?
Tell the representative about any outstanding checks before you close. They may ask you to wait until those checks clear, or they may allow you to close and handle the checks separately. Either way, make sure the account has enough money to cover them.