You can close a USAA checking account by phone, online, or in person — the fastest route is a phone call to USAA member services

USAA does not require you to visit a branch or submit written forms to close a checking account. You can initiate the closure over the phone by calling USAA member services at 1-800-531-8722, through your online account dashboard, or by visiting a USAA financial center if one is near you. The process takes minutes to start, though the account itself may take a few business days to fully close after you've confirmed the request.

Before you close the account, you need to handle three things: move any remaining money out, stop any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account number, and make sure you don't have pending transactions that haven't cleared yet. If you skip these steps, USAA will hold the remaining balance and you'll have to contact them later to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call USAA member services at 1-800-531-8722 to close your account — this is faster than online closure and gives you when ready confirmation.
  • Empty the account completely before closing, including any pending deposits or transfers, because USAA will hold leftover funds after closure.
  • Stop all automatic bill payments and direct deposits at least a few days before closure to avoid failed transactions.
  • The account closure itself takes three to five business days after you request it, though USAA may ask you to confirm the request in writing.

What to do with money still in the account

Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account you own before you request closure. You can do this through USAA's online banking portal by setting up a one-time transfer to an external account, or by visiting a USAA financial center and withdrawing the money in cash or via cashier's check.

If you have a small balance and forget to move it, USAA will not close the account until you do. Once the account is closed, USAA holds the remaining balance for a set period — usually 90 days to one year depending on your state — and you'll have to call them to request a check or wire transfer to retrieve it. This delay is avoidable if you move the money first.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments or recurring transfers tied to your USAA checking account number will fail once the account closes. You need to update these at least three to five business days before you request closure.

For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, etc.) and change the payment method to a different account or payment source. For direct deposits — paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds — contact your employer's payroll department or the agency sending the deposit and provide them with a new account number. USAA can tell you which transactions are scheduled to hit the account if you ask during your closure call, which helps you catch ones you might have forgotten about.

Closing through phone, online, or in person

By phone: Call USAA member services at 1-800-531-8722. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing (optional), verify the account balance is zero, and process the closure request. You'll receive a confirmation number. This takes about 10 minutes.

Online: Log into your USAA account, navigate to account settings, and look for a "close account" or "account management" option. USAA's online closure tool walks you through the same steps as a phone call. Some account types may not allow online closure, in which case you'll be directed to call.

In person: Visit a USAA financial center with your ID and account information. A representative will process the closure on the spot. USAA has financial centers in select cities; you can find the nearest one through their website or by calling member services.

What happens after you request closure

USAA typically closes the account within three to five business days of your request. During this time, the account remains open but you cannot use the debit card or make new transactions. Any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet may still process against the account during this window, so avoid writing checks close to your closure date.

Once the account is fully closed, USAA will send you a confirmation letter in the mail. Your debit card will stop working when ready. If you had a linked savings account or other USAA products, those remain open unless you specifically request to close them as well.

If you want to reopen the account later

USAA allows you to reopen a closed checking account within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days — without going through the full new account process. If you close the account and change your mind within that window, call member services and ask about reopening. After that period, you'll have to open a new account, which means a new account number and a new process.

Reopening is simpler than opening a new account from scratch, so if you think you might want the account back, ask USAA about their reopen policy before you close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait until the check clears before you close the account. If you close while a check is still pending, it may bounce or process after closure, which can trigger overdraft fees or cause the check to fail. Call USAA and ask them to tell you which checks are outstanding, then wait for those to clear.

Do I need to close my USAA savings account too?

No. Closing your checking account does not close any other accounts you have with USAA. If you want to close a savings account, credit card, or other product, you have to request that separately. Many people keep a USAA savings account open even after closing checking.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking 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 checking account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.

What if USAA asks me to confirm the closure in writing?

Some account types or situations may require written confirmation. If USAA asks, they'll tell you how to send it — usually by mail or through a find message in your online account. Follow their instructions and send the confirmation within the timeframe they give you, or the closure request may expire.

Can I close the account if I still owe USAA money?

If you have an outstanding loan, credit card balance, or overdraft with USAA, you cannot close the checking account until that debt is resolved. Pay off or transfer the balance first, then request closure. USAA will tell you during the closure call if there are any outstanding balances preventing closure.