You can close a US Bank account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or sending a written request — the fastest method is usually a phone call

US Bank does not charge a fee to close an account, and you can do it without visiting a branch if that is not convenient for you. The process takes a few minutes on the phone, though it may take several business days for the account to fully close and for any pending transactions to clear. Before you close, make sure you have moved any money you want to keep, set up direct deposit elsewhere if you need it, and stopped any automatic payments that use that account.

The main thing to know is that US Bank will not automatically return money to you after closing — you control where it goes. If you have a balance, you can ask them to send a check, transfer it to another account, or pick it up in person. If you have overdraft fees or other charges pending, those will be deducted from your balance before the account closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Call US Bank customer service at 1-800-872-2657 to close your account over the phone, which is faster than visiting a branch.
  • Move your money out of the account before closing, and tell US Bank where to send any remaining balance — by check, transfer, or in-person pickup.
  • Cancel or update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay arrangements that use this account before you close it.
  • The account will take several business days to fully close even after you request it, so do not expect when ready access to any remaining funds.
  • You can also close the account in person at any US Bank branch or by mail if you prefer not to call.

Closing by phone is the fastest route

Call US Bank customer service at 1-800-872-2657 and tell them you want to close your account. Have your account number ready — you can find it on a check, your debit card, or your online banking login. They will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth.

Once you are verified, tell the representative where you want any remaining balance to go. You can ask them to mail you a check, transfer the money to another bank account (you will need to provide the routing number and account number), or arrange for you to pick up a check at a branch. Ask them to confirm the closing date and whether any pending transactions will clear before the account closes.

The whole call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Write down the date you called, the representative's name if they give it, and the confirmation number they provide — keep this in case you need to follow up.

Closing in person at a branch

If you prefer to close your account face-to-face, visit any US Bank branch during business hours. Bring a photo ID and your account number. The banker will verify your identity and ask the same questions as the phone representative: where you want your money sent, whether you have pending transactions, and whether you want to close all accounts or just one.

Closing in person takes about the same amount of time as closing by phone, but you avoid the wait time if you call during a busy period. If you want to pick up a check when ready, ask whether the branch can issue one on the spot — some branches can, but others will mail it to you instead.

Closing by mail

You can also close your account by sending a letter to US Bank. Write a straightforward letter that includes your name, account number, the date, and a statement that you want to close the account. Sign it and mail it to the address on your statement or the back of your debit card.

This method is slower — it can take two to three weeks for your letter to arrive, be processed, and for the account to close. US Bank may also try to contact you to confirm the request before closing, which adds more time. Use this method only if you cannot call or visit a branch.

What to do before you close

Before you call or visit, move any money you want to keep out of the account. You can transfer it to another bank account, withdraw it as cash, or ask US Bank to send it somewhere else. Check your account for any pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but have not cleared yet — because these will still be deducted from your balance after you request the closing.

Cancel or update any automatic payments that use this account. This includes bill pay, automatic transfers, subscription charges, and payroll direct deposit. If you forget to update direct deposit, your paychecks will bounce or be returned, and your employer may charge you a fee. Log into your online banking or call customer service to change these before you close the account.

Check whether you have any pending checks you wrote from this account. If you do, wait for them to clear before closing, or ask the person who received the check to deposit it soon. A check written on a closed account may bounce, and you could face overdraft fees or legal trouble if someone tries to cash it after the account is gone.

What happens after you request closing

US Bank will process your closing request, but the account does not disappear when ready. Pending transactions may still clear for several business days after you request the closing. This means money could still leave the account even though you asked to close it. Once all pending transactions clear, US Bank will send your remaining balance wherever you asked it to go.

If you requested a check by mail, it can take 5 to 10 business days to arrive. If you requested a transfer to another bank, it may take 1 to 3 business days depending on the other bank. If you asked to pick up a check in person, call the branch first to confirm it is ready.

After the account fully closes, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, access online banking, or write checks from that account. If you have a US Bank credit card, closing a checking or savings account does not affect it — the credit card stays open unless you close it separately.

If you have overdraft fees or other charges

If your account has overdraft fees, insufficient funds fees, or other charges pending, US Bank will deduct these from your balance before sending you the remaining money. You cannot avoid these charges by closing the account — they are your responsibility. If you believe a fee was charged in error, ask the representative to review it, but be prepared that they may not reverse it.

If your account balance is negative (you owe US Bank money), you must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. You can do this by depositing money or asking them to deduct the negative balance from another account you have with them. If you do not, US Bank may not close the account until the balance is settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a US Bank account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account because of overdraft fees or other issues, US Bank may review your banking history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period — you can open a new account the same day you close the old one if you want.

What if I have a joint account — can I close it without the other person?

No. Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. If only one person wants to close it, you will need to contact US Bank to discuss your options, which may include removing one person from the account instead of closing it entirely.

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 accounts like credit cards and loans, not bank accounts. Closing a bank account is a normal action and has no negative impact on your credit.

What if I still owe US Bank money after closing?

If you have an overdraft or negative balance, you must settle it before the account closes. US Bank will not close an account with a negative balance. You can deposit money to bring it to zero, or ask them to transfer the amount from another account you have with them.

How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up in my online banking?

Once the account fully closes, it usually disappears from your active accounts list within a few business days. You may still see it in your account history for record-keeping purposes, but you will not be able to access it or make transactions on it.