You can close a Citizens Bank savings account by phone, in person, or online, depending on your account type and the reason you're closing
Citizens Bank lets you close a savings account through three main routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if your account type supports it. The fastest method is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or transfer any remaining funds to another bank account — Citizens will not hold money after closure. You'll also want to confirm whether you have any pending transactions, automatic transfers, or bill payments linked to the account, since those will stop working once the account is closed.
The method you choose depends on what works for your schedule and whether you need to handle linked accounts or overdraft protection at the same time. Phone closure works well if you just want to close the account and move on. In-person closure is better if you have questions about linked accounts or want a printed receipt on the spot. Online closure, where available, is the quickest if you're comfortable with digital banking.
Key Takeaways
- Call Citizens Bank customer service at 1-800-922-9999 to close your account by phone, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires your account number and Social Security number for verification.
- Visit any Citizens Bank branch with a valid ID and your account number to close in person, and ask the teller to confirm the account is fully closed before you leave.
- Transfer or withdraw your full account balance before closing, since Citizens will not hold funds in a closed account.
- Cancel any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to the account at least a few days before closure to avoid failed transactions.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records, especially if you had overdraft protection or linked accounts.
Closing by phone with Citizens Bank customer service
Call Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday). Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and process the closure. If you have a remaining balance, they will either transfer it to another Citizens account you own or issue a check, which usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and request a reference number for the closure. Write down this number and the date — you may need it later if you dispute a charge or if the account appears on your credit report. The representative will also tell you whether any pending transactions are still processing; if there are, ask when they will clear before finalizing the closure. Request that they email or mail you a written confirmation of the closure so you have documentation.
Closing in person at a Citizens Bank branch
Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your account number to any Citizens Bank branch. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance, and process the closure on the spot. If you have funds remaining, you can withdraw cash, transfer to another account, or receive a check.
Before you leave the branch, ask the teller to print or write a confirmation that the account is closed. This receipt serves as proof and protects you if the account somehow remains open in the system. If you have overdraft protection or linked accounts, mention this to the teller so they can remove those connections during closure. Take a photo of the confirmation or ask for a copy to keep with your records.
Removing automatic payments and transfers before closing
Any bill payments, direct deposits, or automatic transfers tied to your savings account will fail once it closes. Log into Citizens Bank online or call customer service at least three to five business days before you plan to close the account. Cancel each automatic payment individually — do not rely on the account closure to stop them automatically.
If you have direct deposit set up (for example, from an employer or government benefit), update your direct deposit information with the paying organization to send funds to a different account instead. If you have automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website or call them to change the payment method or account number. Failing to do this can result in failed payments, late fees, or missed bills. Make a list of every automatic transaction tied to this account and confirm each one has been moved or cancelled before you proceed with closure.
What happens to your account after closure
Once Citizens Bank closes your account, you cannot make deposits or withdrawals. If a transaction attempts to post after closure, it will be rejected. Your account will no longer appear in your online banking login, though Citizens may keep records for a set period for compliance reasons.
If you receive a check from Citizens for a remaining balance, deposit it at another bank within 90 days. After that window, the check may expire and you will need to contact Citizens to request a replacement. Keep any closure confirmation or reference number for at least one year in case a dispute arises about the account status or if a transaction unexpectedly posts after closure.
Handling overdraft protection and linked accounts
If your savings account has overdraft protection connected to a checking account, closing the savings account will remove that safety net. Your checking account will no longer be able to draw from the savings account if it goes negative. Make sure your checking account has sufficient funds or that you have another overdraft protection method in place before you close.
If you have multiple Citizens accounts linked together (for example, a savings account and a money market account), closing one does not affect the others. However, if you have set up transfers between accounts, those will stop working once the closed account is removed from the system. Update any recurring transfers to use a different account if you want them to continue. Ask the teller or representative to confirm which linked accounts will be affected by the closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Citizens Bank charge me a fee to close my savings account?
Citizens Bank does not charge a fee to close a savings account. However, if your account has an outstanding balance due (for example, from overdraft fees), you must pay that before closure. Some accounts may have early closure penalties if closed within a certain timeframe of opening, though this is rare for savings accounts.
How long does it take to close a Citizens Bank savings account?
Closing by phone or in person is immediate — the account is closed within minutes. If you have a remaining balance and request a check, the check typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Online closure, if available for your account type, also processes immediately.
Can I reopen a Citizens Bank savings account after closing it?
Yes, you can open a new savings account with Citizens Bank at any time after closure. However, you will need to meet current account opening requirements and may be subject to a new waiting period before certain features (like debit card access) become available. Your old account number will not be reused.
What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?
Pending transactions may still post after closure, which can cause overdraft fees or failed payments. Contact Citizens Bank before closing to confirm all pending items have cleared. If a transaction posts after closure and is rejected, contact the merchant or biller to resubmit payment to your new account.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it remotely?
Phone closure is available for most Citizens Bank savings accounts and is the fastest remote option. Online closure may be available depending on your account type — check your online banking portal or call customer service at 1-800-922-9999 to confirm. In-person closure is always an option if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.