How to close or remove a bank account
You can remove a bank account by closing it with your bank, removing yourself as an owner on a joint account, or having someone else removed from an account you own. The process depends on which account is yours, whether other people own it with you, and whether the account has a balance or outstanding checks. Most banks let you close an account online, by phone, or in person—it usually takes a few minutes to a few days.
If you want to close your own account entirely, contact your bank and ask to close it. If you're on a joint account and want your name off, you'll need the other owner's permission or a court order. If someone else is on your account and you want them removed, you can do that alone if you're the primary account holder, though some banks require both owners to agree.
Key Takeaways
- Closing your own account takes a phone call or online request to your bank and is complete within days, but you must move or spend any remaining balance first.
- Removing yourself from a joint account requires the other owner's written consent or a court order, because both owners have equal rights to the money.
- Removing someone else from an account you own is possible if you're the primary holder, though some banks require both signatures or a waiting period.
- Outstanding checks, automatic payments, and direct deposits tied to the account must be redirected before closing, or transactions will fail.
- If the account is frozen, overdrawn, or tied to fraud, the bank may refuse to close it until the issue is resolved.
Closing an account you own alone
Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal and look for a "close account" or "account management" option. You'll need to confirm your identity and specify which account to close. The bank will ask what you want to do with any remaining balance—you can transfer it to another account, request a check, or withdraw it in person.
Before you close, make sure no automatic payments or recurring charges are still tied to the account. Check your recent statements for subscriptions, insurance payments, loan transfers, or bill payments that use this account. Move those to a different account or cancel them. If direct deposit from your employer goes to this account, update your payroll information with your new account number.
The bank will confirm the closure in writing, usually by email or mail. Keep this confirmation. If checks you wrote are still outstanding, the bank may hold the account open for 30 to 90 days to clear them, or they may close it when ready and return unpaid checks to the people who tried to cash them.
Removing yourself from a joint account
A joint account is owned equally by both people on it. Either owner can withdraw all the money, and either owner can close it. Because of this, removing yourself from a joint account is not straightforward—the other owner has to agree, or you need a court order.
Ask the other account owner to contact the bank with you (or separately) and request that your name be removed. The bank will usually require both of you to sign a form or both of you to call and authorize the change. Some banks will not remove one owner without the other owner's written consent, even if you're the one asking.
If the other owner refuses or you cannot reach them, you cannot remove yourself without a court order. You would need to file a petition in family court (if it's a spouse or ex-spouse) or civil court (if it's anyone else) asking the judge to remove you. This is expensive and slow. A simpler option is to stop using the account and open a new one for your own money, though your name will remain on the joint account and you remain liable if it goes overdrawn or is used fraudulently.
Removing someone else from an account you own
If you're the primary account holder and someone else's name is on the account, you can usually remove them without their permission. Call your bank and ask to remove an authorized user or joint owner. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity and may require you to sign a form.
There is a difference between an authorized user and a joint owner. An authorized user can use the account but does not own it—removing an authorized user is straightforward and fast. A joint owner has equal rights to the account and the money in it. Some banks require both owners to agree before removing a joint owner, while others allow the primary holder to remove them unilaterally. Ask your bank which applies to your account.
Once someone is removed, they can no longer access the account, make withdrawals, or see the balance. If they have a debit card, it will stop working. If they have checks, those will be rejected. The bank may notify them of the removal, or it may not—check your bank's policy.
What to do if the account has a balance or outstanding issues
You cannot close an account with a negative balance (overdraft). The bank will not let you close it until you pay the overdraft. If the account is overdrawn, deposit money to bring it to zero or positive, then request closure.
If the account is frozen due to fraud, a court order, or a debt collection claim, the bank will not close it until the freeze is lifted. Contact your bank to find out why the account is frozen and what you need to do to unfreeze it. If it's a fraud hold, you may need to dispute the transaction. If it's a court order or levy, you may need a lawyer.
If you have a credit card or line of credit attached to the account, closing the bank account does not close the credit product. You must close those separately or they will remain open and may accrue fees.
Removing a bank account from a deceased person's name
If someone has died and their name is on an account with you, you cannot straightforward remove their name. The account becomes part of their estate. If the account is small and has no will or probate, some banks will close it and release the money to the surviving owner if you provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship. Call your bank and ask what documents they need.
If there is a will or the estate is going through probate, the executor or administrator must handle the account. You cannot remove the deceased person's name or access the money without court approval. This process can take months.
If you are the sole surviving owner and the account is in both names, some states have a simplified process called "succession without administration" for small accounts. Your bank can tell you whether your state allows this and what paperwork you need.
What happens after you close or remove an account
Once an account is closed, you will no longer receive statements for it. Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account will fail. If you set up a new account, you must update your employer, creditors, and any services that use the old account number.
The bank will keep records of the closed account for several years. If you need a statement or transaction history, you can request it from the bank, though they may charge a fee for old records.
If someone removed from the account disputes the removal or claims they had money in it, the bank will not reopen the account or reverse the removal. You may need to handle the dispute in small claims court or civil court if they sue you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a bank account if I still owe money on it?
No. If the account is overdrawn, you must deposit money to bring it to zero before the bank will close it. If you owe the bank money through a separate loan or credit card, closing the bank account does not erase that debt—you still owe it and the bank can pursue collection.
What if my ex-spouse won't agree to remove their name from our joint account?
You can file a petition in family court asking the judge to remove them. This requires a lawyer and takes several months. In the meantime, you can open a new account for your own money and stop using the joint account, though your name will remain on it.
Will the other person know if I remove them from the account?
The bank may send them a notice, or it may not—it depends on the bank's policy. Their debit card will stop working and any checks they write will be rejected, so they will find out quickly either way.
How long does it take to close a bank account?
Most banks close an account within one to three business days after you request it. If there are outstanding checks, the bank may keep the account open for 30 to 90 days to clear them. Some banks close when ready and return unpaid checks to the people who tried to cash them.
Can I reopen a bank account I closed?
Yes, you can open a new account with the same bank or a different bank. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, the bank may refuse to let you open a new account. Check your bank's policy before you close.