The steps to close a checking account, in order
Closing a checking account takes three to five business days if you do it right, and one phone call or branch visit if you do it wrong. The difference is whether you've moved your money out first and settled any outstanding checks or automatic payments.
Start by moving your balance to another account—either at the same bank or elsewhere. If you have a paycheck or direct deposits hitting this account, change those at your employer or the source first. Then contact your bank and tell them you want to close the account. They will confirm the balance is zero, check for pending transactions, and close it. Some banks let you do this online; most require a phone call or in-person visit.
The real work happens before you call. A checking account with money still in it, or with checks you wrote that haven't cleared yet, creates a problem: the bank won't close it until both are resolved, and you risk overdraft fees if a check clears after you've moved your money.
Key Takeaways
- Move your full balance to another account before you contact the bank, because they will not close an account with money in it.
- Wait at least five business days after your last check or automatic payment clears before closing, so nothing bounces after the account is gone.
- Update your direct deposits and automatic bill payments before you close, or they will fail and create late fees or missed payments elsewhere.
- Keep the account open for at least one statement cycle after your last transaction, so you can catch any errors or unexpected charges.
Moving money out without leaving anything behind
Transfer your full balance to your new account first. If you're moving to a different bank, use an external transfer through your old bank's website or app—most process in one to three business days. If you're moving to another account at the same bank, the transfer is usually when ready.
Check your account for recurring charges: subscription services, gym memberships, insurance payments, or anything else that comes out automatically. These will fail once the account closes, and you'll get hit with late fees or service interruptions. Log into each service and update the payment method, or cancel if you don't need it anymore. This is the step most people skip and regret.
Look at your last three months of statements for one-time payments you may have forgotten about—tax refunds you were expecting, reimbursements from work, or money you lent someone who said they'd pay you back. If any of those are still pending, wait for them to arrive before you close.
Timing: when to actually call the bank
Wait until at least five business days after your last check or automatic payment clears. If you wrote a check on a Friday and the recipient doesn't deposit it until the following week, that check might not clear for another five to seven days. If you close the account before it clears, the check will bounce and the recipient will be charged a fee—and so will you, if the bank allows overdrafts on closed accounts.
The safest approach: move your money, update your recurring payments, then wait one full statement cycle (usually 30 days) before closing. This gives you time to catch any charges you missed and to confirm that nothing unexpected is still trying to hit the account.
If you're closing because you're switching banks entirely, some banks offer a "switch kit" that handles the timing for you. Ask whether your new bank provides this service—they may contact your old bank directly and coordinate the closure.
How to close it: phone, online, or in person
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or your most recent statement. Tell them you want to close the account and confirm the balance is zero. They will ask for your account number and may verify your identity with your Social Security number or a PIN. The call takes five to ten minutes.
Some banks let you close accounts through their website or mobile app—look for a "close account" or "account settings" option. If you don't see it, or if the bank requires you to close in person, visit a branch with your ID and debit card. Bring a recent statement so you have your account number handy.
Ask the bank representative for written confirmation that the account is closed. Some banks email this; others print it on the spot. Keep it for your records in case a charge shows up later or a creditor claims you owe money on that account.
What happens to checks and automatic payments after closure
Any check written on a closed account will bounce, even if you had money in the account when you wrote it. The bank will return it unpaid, and the recipient will be charged a returned-check fee (usually $25 to $35). You will also be charged a fee for the returned check, typically $25 to $35. This is why the timing matters.
Automatic payments scheduled after the account closes will fail. Your utility company, insurance provider, or loan servicer will see the payment as rejected and may charge you a late fee or report the missed payment to a credit bureau. Update every automatic payment before you close.
If you're worried you missed something, call the bank a few days after closure and ask them to confirm no transactions have tried to post since the account closed. They can tell you if anything bounced or failed.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both of you usually need to consent to close it. Call the bank and ask what their policy is—some require both account holders to be on the call, others let one person request closure as long as the balance is zero and there are no pending transactions.
Before you close a joint account, make sure the other account holder knows and agrees. If you close it without their knowledge and they have automatic payments or direct deposits hitting it, those will fail and they may blame you for the late fees or missed payments.
After the account is closed: what to keep and what to watch for
Keep your final statement and the closure confirmation letter for at least one year. If a charge appears on your credit report or a creditor claims you owe money on that account, you'll need proof that it was closed and the balance was zero.
Monitor your credit report for the next few months. Occasionally a bank will report a closed account incorrectly, or a creditor will try to collect on a debt they claim is tied to that account. If you see something wrong, dispute it with the credit bureau and send them a copy of your closure confirmation.
If you're closing because the bank is charging too many fees, compare checking accounts at other banks before you open a new one. Some banks waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use their debit card a certain number of times per month. Knowing what you're switching to helps you avoid the same problem at the next bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I close my account and then a check I forgot about tries to clear?
The check will bounce and both you and the recipient will be charged a fee. This is why waiting five to seven days after your last check clears is important. If it happens, contact the bank and ask if they can reopen the account temporarily to process the check, though they are not required to do so.
Can I close my account online, or do I have to go to a branch?
Most banks let you close accounts by phone or through their website if the balance is zero and there are no pending transactions. A few still require an in-person visit. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out which method they accept.
Will closing a checking account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close the account and a bill payment fails because you forgot to update it, the late payment could be reported and hurt your score.
What if the bank says there's still money in the account and won't close it?
Ask the bank representative to tell you exactly what balance remains and what transactions are pending. Sometimes a deposit or check takes longer to clear than expected. Once you understand what's holding it up, you can either wait for it to clear or ask the bank to send you a check for the remaining balance.
Do I need to close the account, or can I just stop using it?
You can stop using it, but the bank may charge you an inactivity fee or convert it to a savings account after a certain period. Closing it is cleaner because it removes the account from your name entirely and prevents surprise fees. If you think you might use the account again, ask the bank about their inactivity policy instead.