The fastest way to close a Truist checking account

You can close a Truist checking account by calling Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option appears in your account settings. The phone route is usually fastest — you'll reach someone who can process the closure when ready, though you may wait on hold. In-person closure at a branch takes longer but lets you handle any remaining balance questions face-to-face. Online closure, when available, is when ready but not all account types offer it.

Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to this account are moved elsewhere. Truist will not automatically redirect them. If you have a balance remaining, Truist will mail you a check, which takes five to ten business days. If you're overdrawn, you'll need to cover the negative balance before closing — the bank won't close an account with an outstanding debt to them.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-872-2657 to close your account over the phone, which is the fastest method and requires no branch visit.
  • Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least a week before closing, or redirect them to your new account first.
  • If you have a positive balance, Truist mails a check within five to ten business days after closure.
  • You cannot close an account with a negative balance — you must pay any overdraft or fees owed before the closure goes through.
  • Bring your ID and account number if closing in person at a branch, or have them ready if calling.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when you close it, Truist sends a check to the address on file. This check arrives within five to ten business days of the closure date. The bank does not transfer the balance to another account automatically, and they do not offer to deposit it into a different Truist account during the closure call — you receive a physical check.

If the address on file is outdated, update it before you close. You can do this online, by calling customer service, or at a branch. If the check arrives and you're no longer at that address, you can contact Truist to request a replacement check, but this adds another week or two to the process.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before closure

Any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or payroll direct deposits linked to this account will fail after closure. The transactions won't bounce back to the sender automatically — they'll straightforward be rejected, and you may face late fees from creditors or your employer may flag the issue.

Log into your Truist online banking at least one week before closing and review the Transfers or Bill Pay section to see what's set up. For each automatic payment, either cancel it or change the account number to your new bank. For direct deposits (paycheck, benefits, etc.), contact your employer or the benefits administrator and provide your new account details. Some employers need three to five business days to process the change, so start this early.

Closing your account over the phone

Call 1-800-872-2657 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready — they'll ask for your Social Security number to verify you're the account holder. The representative will confirm your current balance, ask why you're closing (optional to answer), and process the closure on the spot.

The account closes when ready, though it may take one business day for the closure to show in your online banking. If you have a positive balance, confirm the mailing address where the check should go. If you're overdrawn, the representative will tell you the amount owed and may offer to deduct it from a linked savings account or require you to make a payment before closure can proceed.

Closing your account at a Truist branch

Visit any Truist branch with your ID and account number. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They'll pull up your account, show you the current balance, and process the closure. This takes ten to fifteen minutes if there are no complications. Bring a second form of ID if possible — some branches ask for two.

In-person closure is useful if you have questions about pending transactions, need to discuss an overdraft, or want to move money to another account before closing. The teller can also update your address on the spot if the one on file is wrong, ensuring your refund check goes to the right place.

What to do if you have an overdraft or negative balance

Truist will not close an account that is overdrawn. If your balance is negative, you owe the bank money. You must pay the full negative amount before closure can be processed. You can do this by transferring funds from another account, making a payment online, or depositing cash or a check at a branch.

If you're unsure of the exact amount owed, call customer service and ask for your current balance including any pending fees. Some overdraft fees post a day or two after the transaction that caused them, so the balance may change. Once you've paid the negative balance, you can close the account when ready.

Timeline for full closure and receiving your refund

The account itself closes on the day you request it — either the phone call, branch visit, or online action completes the closure when ready. However, the refund check takes five to ten business days to arrive after that closure date. If you close on a Friday, the clock starts Monday. Weekends and bank holidays don't count toward the five to ten days.

If you don't receive the check within ten business days, contact Truist customer service. They can confirm the check was mailed and provide a replacement if it was lost. Requesting a replacement check adds another five to ten business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

Some Truist checking accounts allow online closure through the mobile app or website, but not all do. Log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. If you don't see it, you'll need to call or visit a branch. The option depends on your account type and whether you have any linked accounts or outstanding issues.

What if I have a debit card linked to this account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have a new account open, request a new debit card for that account before closing the old one. If you still need the old card for a few days, ask the representative when it will be deactivated — usually it's when ready, but sometimes there's a brief delay.

Do I need to close a linked savings account too?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect any savings account, money market account, or other accounts you hold at Truist. You can close just the checking account and keep the others open. If you want to close multiple accounts, you'll need to request each closure separately.

What if I have pending transactions when I close?

Pending transactions may still post after closure. If a charge posts after the account is closed, it will be rejected and the merchant may contact you. Contact Truist if you're unsure whether a transaction will clear before closure — they can tell you which pending items are likely to post within the next day or two.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Truist can reopen a recently closed account if you contact them within a short window, usually 30 days. After that, you'll need to open a new account instead. If you think you might want the account back, ask about the reopening window before you close.