Yes, you can close most bank accounts online, but the process depends on your bank and account type
Many banks let you close a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch or calling. The exact steps vary — some banks have a dedicated "close account" button in settings, while others require you to contact customer service through find messaging. A few banks still require a phone call or in-person visit, so your first step is checking your bank's website or logging into your account to see what options are available to you.
Before you close anything, you need to handle three things: empty the account completely, make sure no automatic payments are still pulling from it, and wait for any pending deposits or checks to clear. If you skip these steps, your bank may freeze the account or charge overdraft fees. The actual closing usually takes a few minutes once the account is ready, but the full process from start to finish typically takes one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks allow you to close accounts online through their website or app, but some still require a phone call or branch visit.
- You must withdraw all money, cancel automatic payments, and wait for pending transactions to clear before closing the account.
- After you close the account, keep your confirmation number and check your credit report in a few weeks to make sure the closure was recorded correctly.
- If your bank does not offer online closure, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit a branch in person.
How to close your account through your bank's website or app
Log into your account and look for a settings or account management section. Most banks put the close account option under "Account Settings," "Manage Accounts," or "Account Services." Click on the account you want to close, then look for a link that says "Close Account," "Close This Account," or "Deactivate Account." Some banks make you answer a few questions first — they may ask why you are closing the account or whether you want to transfer money somewhere else.
Once you find the option, the bank will usually show you a checklist of things to do before closing: withdraw remaining funds, cancel automatic payments, and confirm that no pending transactions are still processing. Do not skip this step. If you try to close with money still in the account or with automatic payments scheduled, the bank may reject the request or charge you fees. After you complete the checklist, the bank will ask you to confirm the closure. You will receive a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. Keep it for your records.
What to do before you close the account
Empty the account first. Withdraw all remaining money by transferring it to another account you own, writing a check to yourself, or using the ATM. Do not leave even a small balance — some banks charge monthly fees on closed accounts with balances, and it complicates the closure process.
Cancel any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account. This includes direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments, subscription services, and transfers to savings accounts. Log into each service (your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your streaming service) and update the payment method or account number. This step takes the longest, but it is the most important. If you close the account while automatic payments are still scheduled, the bank may reopen the account to process them, or the payments may be rejected and you could face late fees from the companies you owe.
Wait for pending transactions to clear. If you have written checks that have not cleared yet, or if you made a purchase that is still processing, wait until those transactions show as complete in your account history. This usually takes three to five business days. Closing the account while transactions are pending can cause checks to bounce or payments to fail.
What happens if your bank does not offer online closure
Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, do not allow online account closure. If you cannot find a close account option in your app or website, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or check. Tell them you want to close the account and ask what information they need from you. They will usually ask for your account number and may verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number or a PIN.
The phone representative will confirm that the account is empty and that no automatic payments are scheduled. They will then process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write down the date, time, and representative's name along with the confirmation number. If you prefer not to call, you can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask to close the account there.
What to do after the account is closed
Your bank will send you a final statement showing the account balance at the time of closure and any final fees or interest. This usually arrives within one to two weeks. Check it carefully to make sure the balance was zero and that no unexpected charges appear.
Update your records with any companies that had your old account number on file. If you set up a new account at the same bank or a different bank, make sure your employer, benefits office, and any other organizations sending you money have the new account number. You can usually update this information online through their websites or by calling customer service.
Check your credit report a few weeks after closing the account. You can view your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. The account closure should appear on your report, and it should show that you closed it in good standing. If the account shows as closed by the bank or shows a negative status, contact the bank to correct it.
Common reasons the closure might not go through
If your bank rejects your closure request or the account does not close after you submit the request, the most common reason is that money is still in the account or automatic payments are still scheduled. Go back and check both of these. Withdraw any remaining balance, no matter how small, and cancel every automatic payment you can find.
Another reason is that pending transactions are still processing. Wait a few more days and try again. If you have written checks that have not cleared, you may need to wait longer — some checks take up to two weeks to process. In the meantime, keep the account open and do not use it for anything else.
If you have tried multiple times and the account still will not close, call customer service and ask them directly what is blocking the closure. They can see details you cannot see in the app, such as pending transactions or holds placed by the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing a bank account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly hurt your credit score because banks do not report these accounts to credit bureaus. However, if you close an account while you owe the bank money or while automatic payments are still scheduled, the resulting overdraft fees or missed payments could be reported and damage your score. Close the account cleanly — with a zero balance and no pending transactions — and your credit will not be affected.
What if I closed my account but I still receive a check or direct deposit?
If money arrives after you close the account, the bank will return it to the sender. Direct deposits are usually returned within one to three business days, and the sender will be notified that the account is closed. Checks may take longer — some banks hold returned checks for 30 days before sending them back. Contact the sender and ask them to reissue the payment to your new account number.
Can I reopen a bank account I just closed?
Most banks allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, usually 30 to 90 days, without going through the full account opening process again. Call your bank and ask if your account can be reopened. If it has been longer than 90 days, you will likely need to open a new account instead. There is no penalty for reopening, but you will need to provide the same information you did when you first opened it.
Do I need to close my account in person if I opened it in person?
No. The way you opened the account does not determine how you can close it. If your bank offers online closure, you can use it regardless of whether you opened the account at a branch or online. The only reason to close in person is if your bank does not offer online or phone closure, or if you prefer to do it face-to-face.