You can close a Truist checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding issues

The fastest route is usually a phone call to Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, and walk you through the closure. Most accounts close within one to three business days after you confirm.

If you prefer to close in person, visit any Truist branch with a government-issued ID and your account number. The teller will verify your identity, may support there are no holds or pending items, and process the closure on the spot. You'll receive written confirmation.

Online closure is available through Truist's website or mobile app, but only for accounts with a zero balance and no pending transactions. Log in, navigate to account settings, and follow the closure prompts. This method is the least reliable because it often fails if there are any complications—even small pending charges can block it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Truist at 1-800-872-2657 with your account number ready; closure takes one to three business days after confirmation.
  • Visit a branch in person if you want when ready written confirmation and to handle complications on the spot.
  • Online closure works only if your balance is exactly zero and no transactions are pending—otherwise you'll need to call or visit.
  • Before closing, redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits to another account, or cancel them entirely.
  • Ask for written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case the account appears on your credit report later.

What to do before you close

Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account at least one week before closure. This includes subscription services, insurance premiums, loan payments, or utility bills. Contact each company directly to update your payment method, or cancel the service if you no longer need it. If you don't redirect these, they may bounce and create overdraft fees or negative marks on your banking record.

Redirect direct deposits to another account. If your paycheck or benefits deposit to this Truist account, contact your employer or the benefits administrator and provide your new account number. Allow at least one pay cycle for the change to take effect, so you don't miss a deposit.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. You can do this at an ATM, through online transfer, or by visiting a branch. If you leave money in the account after closure, Truist will mail you a check, which can take two to four weeks. Some people prefer to close with a zero balance to avoid this delay.

Check for outstanding checks or pending transactions. If you've written checks that haven't cleared yet, wait for them to post before closing, or contact the recipients to cancel them. Ask Truist whether any transactions are pending—these can prevent closure or cause problems after the account closes.

What happens to your balance after closure

If your account has a positive balance when it closes, Truist will mail you a check to the address on file. This typically arrives within two to four weeks. The check is drawn on a Truist account and can be deposited at any bank.

If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), Truist will attempt to collect the debt. They may contact you by phone or mail, or refer the account to a collections agency. Negative balances can appear on your banking history and affect your ability to open accounts at other banks.

Once closed, the account number becomes inactive. Any deposits or payments sent to that number after closure will be rejected or returned to the sender. This is why redirecting direct deposits and automatic payments before closure is critical.

If you have a savings account or other products linked to your checking

Closing only your checking account does not affect linked savings accounts, money market accounts, or credit cards. You can close the checking account independently. However, if you have overdraft protection set up—where Truist transfers money from savings to cover checking overdrafts—that link will be removed when the checking account closes.

If you want to close multiple accounts, you can do so in the same call or visit. Tell the representative which accounts you want closed and in what order. Some people close checking first and keep savings; others close everything at once. The process is the same for each account.

Closure confirmation and your records

After closure, ask for a written confirmation letter or account closure statement. This document shows the closure date, final balance, and the fact that the account is no longer active. Keep this for your records for at least one year. It protects you if the account appears on your credit report or if a payment is mistakenly sent to the closed account later.

You can also request a final statement showing all transactions up to the closure date. This is useful for tax purposes if you had interest income or if you need to track where money went.

If you closed the account online and did not receive confirmation, log back in to verify the account is gone. If it still appears, call customer service to confirm closure and request written proof. Some accounts take longer to fully process out of the system.

Why your closure might be delayed or refused

Truist may refuse to close an account when ready if there are pending transactions, holds, or unresolved disputes. Common reasons include: a check that hasn't cleared, a pending ACH transfer, a fraud investigation, or an outstanding balance. Ask the representative specifically what is blocking closure and when it will be resolved.

If you have a history of overdrafts or returned checks, Truist may flag your account for review before allowing closure. This is a fraud prevention measure and can add one to five business days to the process.

If you're closing because of a dispute or complaint, document everything. Keep records of all communications with Truist, including the date, time, representative name, and what was discussed. If the closure is delayed unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Truist checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Truist checking account at any time after closure. However, if you closed due to overdrafts or negative balance, Truist may review your banking history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but approval is not automatic.

What if I close my account but a check comes in after closure?

Checks deposited to a closed account are returned to the sender marked "account closed." The sender can contact you to arrange payment another way, or the check may be lost. This is why notifying people who send you checks is important before closure.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it entirely by phone?

You can close entirely by phone. In-person closure is optional and mainly useful if you want when ready written confirmation or need to handle complications with a representative face-to-face. Phone closure is faster and equally valid.

Will closing my Truist account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close with a negative balance that goes to collections, that can harm your credit. Closing a positive account has no credit impact.

How long does it take for my account to fully disappear from Truist's system?

The account becomes inactive when ready after closure, but it may remain visible in your online banking for 30 to 90 days. This is normal. After that period, it will no longer appear. If it still shows after 90 days, contact Truist to confirm the closure was processed.