The basic steps for closing online

Most banks let you close an account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. Log into your account, look for a settings or account management section, and find the option to close or deactivate your account. The exact wording and location varies by bank — some call it "close account," others say "deactivate" or "manage accounts." If you cannot find it after a few minutes of looking, call the bank's customer service number on the back of your card; they can walk you through it or close it over the phone.

Before you start the closing process, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account you control. If the account is overdrawn (you owe the bank money), pay that balance first. Banks will not close an account with a negative balance, and they may send it to a collection agency if you leave it unpaid.

After you request the closure online, the bank will send you a confirmation — usually by email, sometimes by mail. Keep this confirmation. The account typically closes within a few business days, though some banks take up to two weeks. During this time, any checks you wrote or automatic payments you set up may still go through, so do not assume the account is closed until you see the confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close most bank accounts through the website or app by finding the account settings or management section and selecting the close or deactivate option.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closing — transfer any remaining money out and pay any overdraft balance first.
  • Save the confirmation email or letter the bank sends you after you request closure, as proof the account is closed.
  • Checks and automatic payments may still process for a few days after you request closure, so notify anyone who regularly pays you or receives payments from this account.
  • If you cannot find the close option online, call customer service using the number on your card or statement.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing

If your paycheck or benefits deposit into this account, change the deposit information with your employer or the government agency before you close the account. This usually takes a few days to take effect, so do it at least a week before you plan to close. If a deposit goes into a closed account, the bank will return it, and your employer or the agency may charge you a fee for the returned payment.

Similarly, if you have automatic bill payments set up from this account — utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions — move them to your new account or cancel them before closing. Log into each company's website or app and update the account number, or call them directly. Do not rely on the bank to forward these payments; they will bounce and may damage your credit or result in late fees.

Handling checks you have already written

If you have written checks from this account that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing. A check can take up to two weeks to clear after you write it. If you close the account before a check clears, it will bounce, and the person who received it will be charged a fee by their bank. You will also face a returned-check fee from your bank.

If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, log into your account and look at your transaction history. Cleared checks show as deducted from your balance. If you have written checks you cannot track, contact the people who received them and ask whether they have deposited them yet. Once you know all outstanding checks have cleared, you can safely close the account.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working as soon as the account closes, usually within a few business days of your request. You do not need to do anything special with the card — you can throw it away or shred it. Some people prefer to cut it up to be safe, but it is not required.

If you have a checkbook for this account, you can also throw it away or shred it. Do not use any remaining checks after you close the account; they will be rejected. If you are worried about someone finding unused checks and trying to use them, shredding them is a good precaution.

Closing a joint account

If the account is in both your name and someone else's name, both of you usually need to agree to close it. Some banks require both account holders to request closure in person or to sign a form. Call the bank and ask what their policy is for joint accounts — it varies. If the other person does not want to close the account, you may not be able to close it online, and you may need to visit a branch or have a conversation with the bank about your options.

If you want to remove yourself from a joint account without closing it entirely, that is a different process. Ask the bank whether you can remove yourself as an authorized user or whether you need to close the account and have the other person open a new one in their name alone.

Reasons a bank might refuse to close your account online

Some banks do not allow online closure if the account has a negative balance, if there are pending transactions, or if the account is linked to other products like a credit card or loan. If the close option does not appear in your account settings, check whether any of these explore to you. Paying off a negative balance or waiting for pending transactions to clear usually solves the problem.

A few banks require you to close accounts in person or by mail, especially if the account is old or has unusual features. If you cannot close online after checking for these issues, call customer service. They can tell you why the online option is not available and walk you through the alternative method.

What to keep after closing

Save the confirmation email or letter from the bank for at least a year. If a payment bounces or someone claims you still owe money on the account, you will need proof that you closed it. You should also keep records of any transfers you made out of the account, in case you need to show where the money went.

If you received tax documents from this account — like a 1099 form for interest earned — keep those separately. Closing the account does not change your tax obligations for the year it was open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?

Most banks will not let you close an account with pending transactions. Wait for them to clear, which usually takes one to three business days. You can check your pending transactions in the account activity section of your online banking.

What if I close my account and then a check comes through?

The check will bounce, and the person who deposited it will be charged a fee by their bank. You will also face a returned-check fee from your bank. This is why it is important to wait for all checks to clear before closing.

Do I need to visit the bank in person to close my account?

Most banks allow online closure, but some require you to close in person or by mail. If the online option is not available in your account settings, call customer service to ask what methods they offer.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Banks do not report checking or savings account closures to credit bureaus the way they report credit card or loan activity.

How long does it take for an account to fully close?

Most accounts close within three to five business days after you request closure online. Some banks take up to two weeks. The bank will send you a confirmation when the closure is complete.