The basic steps to close your account
Closing a bank account takes a phone call, a visit, or a few minutes online—but the order matters. Contact your bank first to ask what they need from you, then move or spend the money in the account, then formally request the closure. Banks will not close an account with a balance still in it, and they will not forward money to you automatically after closure.
Start by calling the number on the back of your debit card or logging into your online banking portal and looking for account settings. Tell them you want to close the account. They will tell you the exact steps your bank requires—some want you to visit a branch in person, some handle it entirely by phone, and some let you do it online. Ask whether there are any fees for closing, whether you need to return your debit card, and what happens to any pending transactions.
Move your money out before you request closure. Transfer the full balance to another account at the same bank or a different bank, or withdraw it as cash. If you have automatic deposits (paychecks, benefits) or automatic payments (bills, subscriptions) coming from this account, change those to your new account first. A closed account cannot receive deposits or pay bills, and your employer or creditor will not automatically know where to send money instead.
Key Takeaways
- Move all money out of the account before requesting closure, because banks will not close accounts with a balance and will not forward funds to you.
- Update automatic deposits and payments to your new account before closure, because a closed account cannot receive paychecks or pay bills.
- Ask your bank whether closure requires a branch visit, a phone call, or can be done online, because the process varies by bank.
- Return your debit card if the bank asks for it, and confirm in writing that the account is closed to protect yourself against future fraud or errors.
What to do with money still in the account
If the account has a balance, you must move it somewhere before closure. Transfer it to another account you own at the same bank or a different bank—this usually takes one to three business days. If you want cash instead, withdraw it at an ATM or at a teller window. Do not leave money in the account hoping the bank will forward it; they will not, and after a period of inactivity (usually one to three years depending on your state), the bank may turn unclaimed funds over to your state's unclaimed property program.
If the account is overdrawn—meaning you owe the bank money—you must pay the negative balance before closure. Call the bank and ask the exact amount owed, including any fees. Pay it by transferring funds from another account, by check, or by debit card. Once you have paid the overdraft, the account balance will be zero and you can request closure.
Updating automatic payments and deposits before closure
Any paycheck, government benefit, or regular deposit tied to this account will fail after closure. Contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office and give them your new account number and routing number. This usually takes effect within one to two pay periods. Do the same for any automatic bill payments—contact each creditor, subscription service, or utility company and update your payment method to your new account or a different payment method.
Check your account for the next two weeks after closure to make sure no deposits or payments are still trying to hit the old account. If a payment fails, you may be charged a non-sufficient funds fee by the new account, or your bill may go unpaid. If a deposit fails, contact the sender and ask them to resubmit it to your new account.
Whether you need to visit a branch or can do it by phone or online
Most banks let you close an account by phone or online without visiting a branch. Call the customer service number on your debit card or log into your online banking portal and look for account settings or account management. Some banks have a "close account" option in the app or website; others require a phone call. A few banks, particularly smaller regional banks or credit unions, may require you to visit a branch in person with your ID.
Ask the bank whether they need you to return your debit card. Some banks deactivate the card automatically when you close the account; others ask you to cut it up and mail it back or destroy it in front of a teller. If they ask you to mail it, do not send it in an envelope—cut it into pieces first so it cannot be used if it is lost in the mail.
Debit card and checks after closure
Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed, usually within 24 hours. If you have checks printed for this account, they will bounce after closure. Do not write checks on a closed account—the bank will refuse payment and the recipient will be charged a fee. If you have unused checks, destroy them or contact the bank to ask whether they will cancel the checks for you.
If you have a checkbook for the closed account, keep it for your records for at least one year in case a dispute arises about a check you wrote before closure. Do not throw it away when ready.
Getting written confirmation of closure
After the bank confirms the account is closed, ask for written confirmation by email or mail. This confirmation should state the account number, the closure date, and the final balance (which should be zero). Keep this document for your records. If the bank later claims the account is still open or tries to charge you fees, you have proof of closure.
Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account shows as closed on your record. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still shows as open, contact the bank and ask them to update the credit bureaus.
What happens if you close an account with pending transactions
If you close an account while a check is still being processed or a bill payment is still pending, the transaction may fail or bounce. Before you request closure, wait for all pending transactions to clear. Log into your account and look at the transaction history—if you see any transactions marked "pending" or "processing," wait until they show as complete before closing.
If a transaction fails after closure because the account no longer exists, the recipient will be charged a non-sufficient funds fee and may contact you for payment. You are responsible for making sure the payment goes through, either by resubmitting it from your new account or by paying the recipient directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. Contact the bank, ask the exact amount owed, and transfer funds from another account or pay by check. Once the balance is zero, you can request closure.
What if my bank says I have to wait a certain number of days before closing?
Some banks require a waiting period, usually a few days to a week, before closure takes effect. This is rare but does happen. Ask the bank why and whether the waiting period can be waived. If not, mark your calendar for the closure date and make sure no deposits or payments are scheduled during the waiting period.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if the account is overdrawn and the bank reports it to a collection agency, that can hurt your score. Pay any negative balance before closure.
What if I closed the account but money is still being deposited to it?
Contact the sender when ready and give them your new account number. The bank will not forward deposits to your new account automatically. If the deposit fails, the sender may be charged a fee and will contact you. You are responsible for updating all automatic deposits before closure.
Do I need to close the account in person if I opened it online?
Not necessarily. Most online banks let you close the account online or by phone. Log into your account and look for a close account option, or call the customer service number. A few online banks may require a phone call. Check your bank's website or call to confirm their process.