The basic process: both owners must agree
Closing a joint checking account requires consent from both account holders. You cannot close it alone, even if you opened it or contributed most of the money. The bank will not process a closure request from one person without written permission from the other, or both of you present in person.
The reason is straightforward: a joint account belongs to both of you equally in the bank's eyes. Either person can withdraw all the money or make changes to the account. That same power means either person can also request to close it — but the bank protects both owners by requiring agreement before the account actually closes.
If you and the other account holder are on good terms, closing takes a few days. If you are not, the process becomes more complicated and may require a lawyer or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must agree in writing or appear together at the bank to close a joint checking account.
- You must empty the account completely — the bank will not close it while money remains, and some banks charge a fee if the balance is negative.
- Decide together how to split any remaining balance, and get that agreement in writing if the relationship is strained.
- If the other account holder refuses to close the account or cannot be reached, you may need a lawyer to petition the court for an order.
- After closure, the bank will send you a final statement showing the account is closed; keep this for your records.
Steps to close the account when both owners agree
Start by contacting your bank directly. Call the number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking and look for a "contact us" option. Tell them you want to close the joint account and ask what documents or steps they require.
Most banks will ask you to visit a branch in person with a photo ID, or they will send you a form to sign and return. Some banks allow one account holder to request closure by phone or online if the other holder has already authorized it in writing. Ask your specific bank what their process is — it varies.
Before you contact the bank, make sure the account balance is zero. Withdraw all remaining money or transfer it to another account. If there is a negative balance (you owe the bank money), deposit enough to bring it to zero. Some banks charge a fee to close an account with a negative balance, so confirm the exact amount owed first.
Once the account is empty and both owners have signed off, the bank will close it. This usually takes three to five business days. You will receive a final statement in the mail showing the account is closed.
Splitting the remaining money when you disagree
If you and the other account holder cannot agree on how to split the money in the account, do not withdraw it yourself. Taking money without permission can create a legal dispute and may prevent the account from closing.
The safest approach is to ask the bank to freeze the account while you and the other person work out the split. Some banks will do this if both owners request it. You can also ask the bank to hold the money in a separate savings account in both names until you reach an agreement.
If you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to involve a lawyer. A lawyer can send a formal letter to the other account holder, or in some cases petition a court to order the account closed and the money divided. This is expensive and slow, so it should be a last resort.
What to do if the other account holder will not cooperate
If the other person refuses to close the account, ignores your requests, or cannot be found, you have limited options through the bank alone. Most banks will not close a joint account without both owners' consent or a court order.
Your first step is to send a written request to the other account holder by certified mail, asking them to contact the bank within a specific timeframe (30 days is reasonable). Keep a copy for yourself. This creates a paper trail if you later need to involve a lawyer.
If that does not work, contact a lawyer who handles family law or contract disputes. They can send a formal demand letter, which sometimes prompts cooperation. If the other person still refuses, the lawyer can petition a court to order the account closed. The court will decide how to split the money if you cannot agree.
This route is costly and takes weeks or months, so explore whether the other person straightforward needs time, information, or reassurance before pursuing legal action.
Closing the account if you are the only one who can access it
In rare cases, one account holder may have died, disappeared, or become incapacitated. If you cannot reach the other person and they are not deceased, you generally cannot close the account without a court order.
If the other person has died, bring a certified copy of their death certificate to the bank. The bank will close the account and may require you to go through probate (a court process that settles the deceased person's estate) to claim your share of the money. Ask the bank what documents they need.
If the other person is incapacitated and you have legal power of attorney or guardianship, bring those documents to the bank. The bank will recognize your authority to act on their behalf and will close the account.
What happens after the account closes
Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to use any debit cards or checks linked to it. The bank will deactivate them automatically. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up on this account, they will fail after closure, so update those with a new account number before the account closes.
The bank will send you a final statement showing the closing date and the final balance. Keep this statement for at least one year. If there are any disputes later about the account or the money, this statement is your proof that the account was closed and what happened to the balance.
If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, ask the bank whether those connections are automatically removed or whether you need to cancel them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close the account if I just remove my name from it instead?
No. Removing your name converts it to a single-owner account in the other person's name — it does not close the account. If you want the account to stop existing entirely, it must be closed, and both owners must consent. If you only want to stop being responsible for it, ask the bank about removing yourself as an owner.
What if the other account holder has been missing for years?
Contact a lawyer. After a certain period (usually seven years, but it varies by state), a person can be declared legally dead, which allows you to close the account. A lawyer can guide you through this process and help you petition the court.
Will closing a joint account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history. A checking account is not a credit product, so closing it has no impact on your credit.
Do I need to close the account in person, or can I do it by phone?
It depends on your bank. Some banks allow closure by phone or mail if both owners authorize it. Others require at least one owner to visit a branch in person. Call your bank and ask what they require — do not assume based on another bank's policy.
What if there is a negative balance when I try to close?
You must deposit money to bring the balance to zero before the bank will close it. Some banks charge a fee for closing an account with a negative balance. Ask the bank the exact amount owed, including any fees, and deposit that amount before requesting closure.