The basic process for closing a Metrobank savings account

To close a Metrobank savings account, you visit a branch in person with a valid ID, tell the teller you want to close the account, and they will process it on the spot. The bank will give you any remaining balance as cash, a check, or a transfer to another account — you choose. The whole thing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to call ahead or fill out forms before you arrive, though calling first to confirm your branch is open can save a trip.

Metrobank is a Philippine bank, so this process applies if you have an account at any Metrobank branch in the Philippines. If you are outside the Philippines or your account is with a different bank, the steps will be different.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Metrobank branch in person with a valid ID to close your account — there is no online or phone option.
  • Bring your ATM card and passbook if you have them, though the teller can look up your account by ID alone.
  • Any money left in the account will be given to you as cash, a check, or transferred to another bank account on your request.
  • The account closes when ready after the teller processes it, so do not schedule any automatic payments or transfers to that account after you visit.
  • If you have an outstanding balance or pending transactions, the bank may ask you to wait until those clear before closing.

What to bring to the branch

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, or national ID card all work. This is the only document Metrobank requires. The teller will check your ID against the account holder's name to confirm you are authorized to close it.

Bring your ATM card and passbook if you still have them, though neither is required. The teller can pull up your account using your ID and the account number alone. If you have lost your card or passbook, do not worry — you can still close the account.

If you want the remaining balance transferred to another bank account instead of given as cash or a check, bring the account details of the receiving bank: the account number, the bank name, and the account holder's name. Metrobank can transfer the money the same day or within one to two business days depending on which bank you are transferring to.

What happens to your remaining balance

When you close the account, Metrobank will give you whatever money is left. You have three options for how to receive it: cash on the spot, a check mailed to your address, or a transfer to another bank account.

Cash is the fastest — you walk out with the money when ready. A check takes a few days to arrive by mail and then a few more days to clear at your bank. A transfer to another account usually clears within one to two business days, depending on whether you are transferring to another Metrobank account (faster) or a different bank (slower).

If your balance is very small — a few pesos — the teller may ask if you want to leave it rather than process a transfer or check. You can insist on receiving it, but some branches will not process a transfer for amounts under a certain threshold.

Stopping automatic payments and transfers before you close

Before you visit the branch, check whether you have set up any automatic payments, salary deposits, or bill payments using this account. If you do, you need to stop or redirect them first.

Log into Metrobank's online banking or mobile app and cancel any standing instructions tied to the account. If you receive a salary or regular transfer to this account, contact your employer or the person sending the money and give them your new account number at a different bank. If you have automatic bill payments set up, change those to a different account or payment method.

If you close the account while automatic payments are still scheduled, those payments will fail and you may face late fees from the companies you owe. The bank will not process the payment just because the account is closed.

What to do if you have outstanding transactions or a negative balance

If you owe the bank money — a negative balance — you must pay it before closing the account. This can happen if you have unpaid fees or if a check you wrote bounced. Ask the teller how much you owe and pay it in cash or by debit card before they process the closure.

If you have a pending transaction — a check you wrote that has not cleared yet, or a transfer you initiated that is still processing — the bank may ask you to wait until it clears. This can take a few days. You can either wait and come back, or in some cases the teller can hold the account open long enough for the transaction to clear and then close it.

If you are unsure whether you have any outstanding items, call your branch or log into online banking to check your recent transactions before you visit.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must visit the branch together to close it. Metrobank will not close a joint account if only one owner shows up. If the other owner is unavailable or unwilling, you will need to contact the bank about your options — you may be able to remove yourself from the account instead of closing it entirely.

When you both visit, bring both IDs. The teller will confirm that both of you want to close the account. The remaining balance will be given to both of you, or you can ask the bank to transfer it to a single account if you both agree.

After the account is closed

Once the teller processes the closure, the account is closed when ready. Your ATM card will stop working. Any checks you have written from this account will bounce if they have not cleared yet. Do not write any more checks from this account.

Keep the receipt the teller gives you as proof that you closed the account. If you ever need to show that the account is closed — for a loan process, a dispute, or a tax matter — you can use this receipt.

If you had automatic deposits set up, those will fail starting the next business day. Make sure you have redirected your salary or regular payments to a different account before the next deposit is due.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Metrobank account online or by phone?

No. Metrobank requires you to close an account in person at a branch. You cannot do it through the mobile app, online banking, or by calling customer service. You must visit with a valid ID.

What if I live far from a Metrobank branch?

If you cannot reach a branch easily, you have a few options. You can ask a trusted family member or friend to close the account on your behalf if you give them a signed letter authorizing them and your valid ID. Some branches will accept a notarized authorization letter. Call your nearest branch first to ask what they will accept, because policies vary slightly between locations.

How long does it take to close the account?

The closure itself takes 15 to 30 minutes at the branch. If you choose a check or transfer instead of cash, the money takes a few more days to reach you — checks arrive by mail in a few days, and transfers clear within one to two business days.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not on which accounts you keep open. Closing a savings account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.

What if I change my mind after closing the account?

Once Metrobank closes the account, it is closed. You cannot reopen the same account number. If you want to bank with Metrobank again, you will need to open a new account. This is a separate process and you will receive a new account number.