You need both account holders' consent, and the bank will freeze the account until the process is complete

Closing a joint account requires agreement from everyone on it. The bank will not let one person unilaterally shut down an account that belongs to two or more people. Most banks will freeze the account during the closure process — meaning no deposits or withdrawals — until the balance reaches zero and all outstanding checks or automatic payments have cleared.

The exact steps depend on your bank and whether you and the other account holder are on good terms. If you are, the process takes a few days to a week. If you are not, or if the other person will not cooperate, closing the account becomes more complicated and may require legal action.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must consent to close a joint account; one person cannot close it alone.
  • You will need to withdraw or transfer the remaining balance, and the bank will hold the account open until all pending transactions clear.
  • If the other account holder refuses to cooperate, you may need to remove yourself as an authorized user instead, or pursue a court order.
  • Some banks allow one person to convert a joint account to a single-owner account if both parties agree, which avoids full closure.
  • Notify any businesses with automatic payments from the account before closure, or those payments will fail.

Gather the account information and contact your bank

Start by calling or visiting your bank in person with the other account holder, if possible. Bring a government-issued ID and the account number. Tell the bank you want to close the joint account. The bank will explain their specific process, which varies slightly between institutions.

Some banks require both people to be present. Others will accept a written request signed by both account holders, or a phone call from each person on separate occasions. A few banks allow one person to initiate closure if the other person has already authorized it in writing. Ask your bank which method they use before you make a trip in person.

Settle the account balance and stop automatic transactions

Before the bank will close the account, the balance must reach zero. If there is money in the account, you and the other account holder must decide what to do with it. You can split it equally, divide it according to a prior agreement, or transfer it to another account. The bank will not close the account with a remaining balance.

Next, identify any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account — subscriptions, insurance premiums, utility bills, paycheck deposits. Contact each business or employer and update your payment method or direct deposit information before the account closes. If you do not, those payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.

Ask your bank how long they will hold the account open after you request closure. Most banks keep it open for 7 to 14 days to allow pending checks and automatic transactions to clear. During this time, the account is usually frozen, so no new transactions can be made.

What happens if the other account holder will not cooperate

If the other person refuses to sign off on closure or cannot be reached, you have limited options. You cannot close the account without their consent, but you may be able to remove yourself as an authorized user. This means you are no longer responsible for the account and cannot access it, but the account itself remains open under the other person's name.

To remove yourself, contact the bank and request to be removed as a joint owner or authorized user. The bank may require written consent from the other account holder, or they may allow you to remove yourself unilaterally depending on your account agreement. Ask the bank what their policy is.

If you are concerned about the other person's access to your money or personal information, or if there is a dispute over the account balance, you may need to consult a lawyer. In cases of domestic abuse, fraud, or financial exploitation, a court can order the account frozen or closed even without the other person's consent. Contact a family law attorney or your local legal aid office for guidance.

Converting a joint account to a single-owner account as an alternative

Some banks offer a middle path: converting the joint account to a single-owner account in one person's name. This requires both people's written consent and is often faster than full closure. The other account holder's name is removed, but the account number, routing number, and account history remain the same.

This option works well if one person wants to keep the account open but the other wants out. The person keeping the account avoids the hassle of updating direct deposits and automatic payments. The person leaving avoids the risk of the other person making unauthorized transactions. Ask your bank whether they offer this option and what paperwork they need.

After the account closes

Once the bank confirms the account is closed, you will receive written confirmation by mail or email. Keep this documentation for your records. If you had direct deposit set up, make sure your paycheck is now going to a different account. If you had automatic bill payments, verify that they are now coming from your new account or that you have switched to a different payment method.

Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account is reported as closed by mutual agreement, not as delinquent or in default. You can order a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close a joint account without the other person's permission?

No. Banks require consent from all account holders before closing a joint account. If the other person will not cooperate, you can ask the bank to remove you as an authorized user instead, which lets you exit the account without closing it. In cases of abuse or fraud, a court order may override this requirement.

What happens to money in the account when it closes?

The balance must be zero before the bank will close the account. You and the other account holder must decide together how to split or distribute the money. If you cannot agree, the bank will not proceed with closure until the dispute is resolved.

How long does it take to close a joint account?

The process usually takes 7 to 14 days from the date you request closure, depending on how long the bank holds the account open for pending transactions to clear. If both account holders are present and the account has no balance, some banks can close it the same day.

Will closing a joint account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Your credit report tracks loans and credit cards, not checking or savings accounts. The bank will report the account as closed by mutual agreement, which has no negative impact.

What if I have checks that haven't cleared yet?

Tell the bank about any outstanding checks before closure. The bank will hold the account open long enough for those checks to clear. If a check arrives after the account is closed, it will bounce. Contact anyone you wrote checks to and ask them to cash them before the closure date, or provide them with a new account number.