The fastest way to close is by phone or in person at a branch

Call First Horizon Bank's customer service at 1-901-523-4444 (the main number for First Horizon Bank) and ask to close your checking account. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing, and walk you through the final steps. If you prefer to close in person, visit any First Horizon branch with a photo ID and your account number.

Closing by phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In person, plan for 15 to 20 minutes depending on branch traffic. Either way, the bank will tell you what happens to any remaining balance and when the account officially closes—usually within one to three business days after you request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-901-523-4444 or visit a First Horizon branch in person to close your account; both methods are faster than mail or online options.
  • You must have a zero balance or arrange to transfer or withdraw remaining funds before the account closes.
  • Ask the representative to confirm the closure date and whether any pending transactions will post after you close.
  • First Horizon will mail you a final statement showing the account closure; keep this for your records.
  • If you have automatic payments or direct deposits linked to this account, update those with your new bank before closing.

What to do with money still in the account

First Horizon will not close an account with a balance. Before you call or visit, decide what to do with the money: withdraw it in cash, transfer it to another account at First Horizon or elsewhere, or leave it for the bank to mail you a check after closure.

If you transfer the balance to another bank, that transfer typically takes one to three business days. If you withdraw cash, do it a few days before you request closure so the withdrawal has time to post. If you ask the bank to mail you a check, First Horizon will send it to the address on file within one to two weeks after the account closes.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before closing

Any automatic bill payments or recurring transfers linked to this checking account will fail once the account closes. Log into your First Horizon online banking or call the bank at least one week before closure to review what's set up on the account. Write down each automatic payment: the company name, the amount, and the date it normally posts.

Contact each company directly—your utility, insurance provider, loan servicer, employer, or whoever sends money to or takes money from this account—and give them your new account number at your new bank. Do not rely on the bank to notify them. If you miss this step and a payment fails, you may face late fees or service interruptions at those companies.

What happens to checks you've already written

Checks written on a closed First Horizon account will bounce if they haven't cleared yet. If you've given checks to someone and the account closes before they deposit them, that check will be returned unpaid. The person who received the check may charge you a returned-check fee, and you could face overdraft or closure fees from First Horizon.

Before you close, contact anyone you've written a check to and ask them to deposit it when ready, or ask them for their bank details so you can send payment another way. If you're unsure whether a check has cleared, log into your First Horizon account online or call the bank to check your recent transactions.

How to close if you have a First Horizon savings account too

If you have both a checking and savings account at First Horizon, you can close them separately or at the same time. When you call or visit, tell the representative which accounts you want to close. The process is the same for each: confirm your identity, zero out the balance, and confirm the closure date.

Some people keep a savings account open even after closing checking, or vice versa. The bank will not force you to close both. If you're closing both, make sure you've moved or withdrawn all money from each account before the closure takes effect.

What you'll receive after the account closes

First Horizon will mail you a final statement to the address on file. This statement shows the closure date, any final transactions, and the account status as closed. Keep this statement for your records—you may need it for tax purposes, to prove you closed the account, or to dispute any charges that post after closure.

If the bank mailed you a check for a remaining balance, that check will arrive separately, usually within one to two weeks. The check is valid for six months from the date printed on it. If you don't cash it within that time, you may need to contact First Horizon to request a replacement.

If you can't reach customer service or want written confirmation

If you're unable to call or visit a branch, you can write to First Horizon Bank requesting account closure. Send a letter to the address on your statement or the back of your debit card, include your account number and full name, and state that you want to close the account. Sign and date the letter, and keep a copy for yourself.

Mail takes longer than a phone call—expect the bank to receive your letter within three to five business days, and closure to take another one to two weeks after that. If you need confirmation that your letter arrived, send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a paper trail if there's a dispute later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will First Horizon charge me a fee to close my checking account?

First Horizon does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account has a negative balance or outstanding fees at the time of closure, the bank will deduct those from any remaining balance or from a linked account before closing.

What if I close my account and then a check I wrote clears?

The check will bounce and be returned unpaid. The person who deposited it will likely be charged a returned-check fee by their bank, and they may charge you a fee as well. Contact them when ready to arrange payment another way, such as a wire transfer or cashier's check.

Can I reopen a First Horizon checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new checking account at First Horizon after closing one. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, repeated overdrafts, or violation of the bank's terms, First Horizon may decline to open a new account for you. Call the bank to ask about your specific situation.

How long does it take for a First Horizon checking account to fully close?

The account usually closes within one to three business days after you request it. However, pending transactions may post for several days after closure. The final statement, which confirms the closure, arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

First Horizon will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive. You must deposit money to cover the negative balance, or the bank will deduct it from a linked account if you have overdraft protection enabled. Once the balance is settled, the closure can proceed.