Close your BB&T account in person, by phone, or by mail—but confirm the account is fully settled before you leave

BB&T (now operating as Truist Financial Corporation after a 2019 merger) lets you close a checking account through three routes: walk into a branch with your ID, call their customer service line, or send a written request by mail. The fastest method is in-person closure at any BB&T or Truist branch, which takes minutes and gives you when ready confirmation. Phone closure takes one business day to process. Mail takes longer but works if you cannot reach a branch.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending transactions have cleared, and you have redirected any automatic deposits or payments. BB&T will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to them. If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not automatically close those—you must request each closure separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any BB&T or Truist branch with your ID to close your account when ready, or call 1-800-226-5228 to start the process by phone.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive; BB&T will not close accounts with money owed to the bank.
  • Stop or redirect automatic deposits and bill payments before closure, because the account will no longer exist to receive or send funds.
  • Request a final statement or confirmation of closure in writing so you have proof the account is closed for your records.
  • Linked accounts (savings, credit cards) must be closed separately—closing your checking account does not affect them.

Closing in person at a BB&T or Truist branch

Bring your government-issued ID and your debit card to any BB&T or Truist branch. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, check that your balance is zero or positive, and process the closure on the spot. If your account has a positive balance, ask whether they will issue a check, transfer the funds to another account, or mail you a check. Most branches issue a check when ready or can transfer funds to another bank account you provide.

Ask the teller for written confirmation of the closure—either a receipt or a letter stating the account number, closure date, and final balance. Keep this for your records. If you have pending transactions that have not yet cleared, the teller will tell you; you may need to wait a few business days before closing to avoid overdraft fees or failed transactions.

Closing by phone with BB&T customer service

Call BB&T customer service at 1-800-226-5228. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and ask why you are closing (this is optional to answer). They will process the closure request and tell you the effective date—usually the next business day.

Ask the representative to mail you written confirmation of the closure. If your account has a positive balance, confirm how they will return it: by check, by transfer to another account, or by holding it for pickup at a branch. Request a final statement as well. Write down the representative's name, the date and time of the call, and the confirmation number they provide. Phone closure takes longer than in-person closure because the request must be processed by the back office, but it is useful if you cannot visit a branch.

Closing by mail

Write a letter to BB&T requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the account type (checking), and your signature. State that you want the account closed and ask how they will return any remaining balance. Mail the letter to your local BB&T branch or to their main address (you can find the correct mailing address on your statement or by calling 1-800-226-5228).

Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you mailed it. Mail closure typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date BB&T receives your letter. During this time, do not use the account for deposits or payments. Once the account is closed, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If you do not hear back within two weeks, call customer service to confirm the closure was processed.

What to do before you close

Stop or redirect any automatic bill payments linked to the account. Log into your online banking or call each company (utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan servicers) and update your payment method. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions. Give yourself at least one week before closure to make these changes.

Redirect automatic deposits such as paychecks, government benefits, or transfers from other accounts. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number. Social Security, disability, and veteran benefits can take one to two pay cycles to reroute, so start this early.

Review your account for any pending transactions—checks you wrote that have not cleared, pending transfers, or pending charges. Wait until these clear before closing, or they may bounce or fail. Check your recent statement and online transaction history for anything dated within the last 5 to 10 business days.

What happens to your remaining balance

If your account has money left when you close it, BB&T will return it to you. The method depends on how you close: in-person closures usually result in a check issued on the spot or a transfer to another account you name. Phone and mail closures result in a check mailed to your address on file, which typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

If you have a positive balance and do not receive it within two weeks of closure, call customer service to confirm the check was mailed or ask them to reissue it. Keep the closure confirmation letter so you can reference the final balance if there is a dispute.

If your account has an overdraft or outstanding balance

BB&T will not close an account if you owe the bank money. If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must deposit funds to bring it to zero before closure. If you have unpaid fees or charges, those must be paid as well. Once your balance is zero or positive and all fees are settled, you can proceed with closure.

If you are unsure whether you owe money, call customer service or visit a branch and ask for your current balance. They will tell you exactly what you owe and what you need to do to settle it. Only after the account is settled can you close it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my BB&T checking account online?

BB&T does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must close in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-226-5228, or by mail. In-person is fastest; phone takes one business day.

What if I have a check that has not cleared yet?

Wait until the check clears before closing your account. If you close before it clears, the check may bounce and you could face overdraft fees or legal action from the payee. Check your statement online or call the bank to confirm all pending transactions have posted.

Do I need to close my BB&T savings account separately?

Yes. Closing your checking account does not close any linked savings account, money market account, or credit card. You must request closure of each account separately using the same methods (in person, by phone, or by mail).

How long does it take to close a BB&T account?

In-person closure is when ready. Phone closure takes one business day. Mail closure takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the bank receives your letter. You will receive written confirmation once the account is closed.

What if I closed my account but still see it online?

Closed accounts sometimes remain visible in online banking for 30 to 60 days for record-keeping purposes. If the account shows a zero balance and is marked as closed, this is normal. If it still shows activity or a balance after 60 days, contact customer service to confirm the closure was completed.