The basic process: what you need to do
Closing a bank account takes one phone call, one visit, or one online form—but you need to do three things first. Empty the account completely, set up direct deposit elsewhere if paychecks go there, and make sure no automatic payments are still running against it. Once those are done, contact your bank and tell them you want to close the account. They will confirm the balance is zero, process any final fees, and close it. The whole thing usually takes a few minutes on the phone or in person, though it can take a few business days to finalize.
The reason banks ask you to empty the account first is straightforward: they cannot close an account with money in it, because they have no way to send it to you. If you leave a balance behind, the bank will either refuse to close it or hold the money in a dormant account until you claim it. Some states have unclaimed property laws that eventually turn that money over to the state, which is a hassle to recover.
Key Takeaways
- Stop all automatic payments and transfers from the account before you close it, or they will bounce and trigger overdraft fees.
- Move your direct deposit to a new account first, because changing it after closure can take weeks and you may miss a paycheck.
- Withdraw or transfer every dollar in the account—banks cannot close accounts with a balance remaining.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through their website to request closure, and confirm in writing if the bank offers it.
- Check your credit report a few weeks later to make sure the account shows as closed by you, not by the bank for inactivity.
Stop automatic payments and subscriptions first
Before you call the bank, go through your account and find every automatic payment. This includes gym memberships, streaming services, insurance premiums, utility bills, loan payments, and any subscription that charges monthly. Log into each service's website or app, find the payment method settings, and either delete the card or change it to a different account. If you miss even one, that payment will bounce when the account closes, and you will get an overdraft fee even though the account no longer exists.
The safest way to find them all is to read three months of bank statements and look for recurring charges. Anything that appears more than once is likely automatic. Write down the company name, the amount, and the date it hits each month. Then go through each one and turn it off. This takes 30 minutes but saves you from a surprise bounce and a call to dispute the fee.
Move direct deposit to your new bank
If your paycheck goes into this account, change your direct deposit before you close it. Log into your employer's payroll system (usually through your HR portal or a service like ADP or Workday) and update your bank account information. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Most employers process this change within one or two pay cycles, but some take longer, so do this at least two weeks before you plan to close the old account.
If you close the account before direct deposit switches over, your next paycheck will bounce and go back to your employer. You will then have to contact payroll, wait for them to reissue it, and the delay can be two weeks or more. It is much faster to change it first and wait for one or two paychecks to hit the new account before closing the old one.
Withdraw or transfer your balance
Once automatic payments are off and direct deposit is moved, empty the account. You can do this three ways: withdraw cash at an ATM or teller, transfer the money to another account you own, or write a check to yourself. The fastest method is usually a transfer to your new bank account, which takes one to three business days. If you need the money when ready, withdraw it as cash or get a cashier's check from the teller.
Check the balance one more time after the transfer clears to make sure it is zero. Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee that hits on a specific date each month, so if you transfer the money but the fee hits before you close the account, you will have a small balance left. Call the bank and ask them to waive the final fee, or withdraw that small amount separately.
Contact your bank to request closure
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking and look for a "close account" option. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm the balance is zero. They will ask why you are closing it—you do not have to give a detailed reason, but "switching banks" or "no longer need this account" is enough.
The bank will process the closure when ready, though it may take a few business days to show as closed in their system. Ask the representative if they can email you a confirmation, or request one in writing. This gives you proof of closure if there is ever a dispute later.
What happens to fees and final charges
If your account has a monthly maintenance fee, the bank will charge it one last time on the day you close or shortly after. If there is a balance remaining after that fee, the bank will either refund it to you or hold it as unclaimed property. Some banks waive the final fee if you ask, especially if you have been a customer for a long time. It is worth asking, but do not count on it.
If you close the account with a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—they will keep the debt on record. You will still owe it, and the bank may send it to a collection agency if you do not pay. Pay any overdraft or negative balance before you close, or the bank will not let you close until you do.
Check that the account closed correctly
A few weeks after closure, log back into your online banking to confirm the account no longer appears in your account list. If it still shows up, call the bank and ask for confirmation that it is closed. Also check your credit report through one of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to see how the closure is reported. You can get a free report once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
The account should show as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request." If it shows as "closed by bank" or "closed due to inactivity," that can hurt your credit score slightly, so contact the bank and ask them to correct it. They may be able to update the record if you closed it recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a bank account online?
Some banks let you close accounts through their website or app, but many still require a phone call or in-person visit. Log into your account and look for a "close account" or "account settings" option. If you do not see one, call the number on your debit card. Online closure is usually faster if your bank offers it.
What if I have a small balance left after I transfer the money?
Call the bank and ask them to either waive the final fee or send you a check for the remaining balance. If they refuse, the money will sit in the account as unclaimed property. You can claim it later, but it is easier to get it now.
Do I need to close my account in person?
No. Most banks let you close by phone or online. In-person closure is only necessary if the bank requires it or if you want to withdraw large amounts of cash. Call first and ask what methods they accept.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not hurt your credit because these accounts do not report to credit bureaus. Credit cards and loans do report, so closing those can have a small impact. Bank accounts are not part of your credit history.
What if the bank will not let me close the account?
Banks can refuse to close an account if there is a balance remaining, if you owe them money, or if there are pending transactions. Empty the account completely, pay any negative balance, and wait for all transfers to clear. Then try again. If the bank still refuses, ask to speak to a manager and ask why.