The fastest way to close an Arvest account

Call Arvest customer service at 1-800-235-8378 and tell them you want to close your checking account. They will ask for your account number, verify your identity, and walk you through the process on the phone. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have checks outstanding or pending transactions, they will ask about those before finalizing the closure.

You can also close your account in person at any Arvest branch. Bring a photo ID and your account number if you have it. A banker will help you settle any remaining balance and confirm the closure. This method works well if you have questions or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Online closure is not available for Arvest checking accounts. You must use the phone or visit a branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Arvest at 1-800-235-8378 to close your account by phone, or visit any branch with a photo ID.
  • Make sure all your checks have cleared and all automatic payments have stopped before you close the account.
  • If your account has a negative balance, you will need to pay that amount before the account closes.
  • Ask Arvest for written confirmation of the closure, including the date and final balance.

What to do before you call or visit

Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers linked to the account. Log into your Arvest online banking or call customer service to review what is set up. Common recurring items include insurance payments, utility bills, subscription services, and loan payments. If you switch these to a new account, do it at least a week before closing so the first payment goes through without a problem.

Wait for all checks you have written to clear. If you have outstanding checks, ask the person or business you paid when they typically deposit them. Arvest will not close the account while checks are still pending. If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, log into online banking and check your recent transactions, or call customer service to ask.

Withdraw any remaining balance or arrange a transfer to another account. You can do this at an ATM, at a branch, or by calling customer service. If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), you must pay that before closure. Arvest will not close an account with an outstanding balance.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Arvest debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have not already done so, destroy the card by cutting it in half. Do not throw it away whole — cutting it prevents someone from finding it and attempting to use it.

Any unused checks will no longer be valid after closure. You do not need to do anything with them, but you may want to write "account closed" on the back and keep them for your records. If you have a large supply of unused checks, you can ask Arvest to destroy them for you during the closure process.

Getting confirmation of closure

Ask Arvest for written confirmation before you hang up the phone or leave the branch. This confirmation should include the date the account closed, your final balance, and the account number. Keep this document for your records. It proves the account is closed if a payment or charge appears later by mistake.

If you do not receive written confirmation within a few days, call back and request it. You can ask for it by mail or email, depending on what Arvest offers. Having this on file protects you if a company tries to charge the closed account or if there is a dispute about when the account closed.

What to do if you have a negative balance

A negative balance means you owe Arvest money — usually because of overdraft fees or a transaction that posted after your balance dropped below zero. You must pay this amount before the account can close. You can pay it by transferring money from another account, bringing cash or a check to a branch, or asking Arvest to deduct it from another account you hold with them.

If you are not sure whether your account is negative, ask customer service when you call to close. They will tell you the exact amount owed and the fastest way to pay it. Once you pay, the account can close when ready.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Call Arvest and ask whether both signatures are required or whether one person can request closure. Some banks allow either person to close a joint account; others require both to be present or to sign a form.

If you and the other account holder disagree about closing, you may need to visit a branch in person so Arvest can verify both parties' wishes. Bring photo ID and be prepared to discuss how to split any remaining balance if that is a question.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an Arvest checking account to fully close?

The account closes when ready once you complete the process by phone or in person. However, it can take 5 to 10 business days for the closure to show in all of Arvest's systems. During this time, do not attempt to use the debit card or write checks. If a payment tries to post after closure, Arvest will reject it.

What if a company tries to charge my closed Arvest account?

The charge will be rejected because the account no longer exists. The company will receive a notice that the account is closed and will need to contact you for a new payment method. Keep your closure confirmation letter in case you need to prove the account was closed on a specific date.

Can I reopen an Arvest checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Arvest checking account at any time. However, you will need to go through the full account opening process again, including providing identification and initial deposit. Your old account number will not be reused.

Do I need to close my savings account if I close my checking account?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate. You can close one without affecting the other. If you only want to close your checking account, tell Arvest that specifically when you call or visit.

What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled for after the closure date?

The deposit will be rejected because the account will no longer exist. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account information before the closure date. This usually takes one to two pay periods to update in their system.