How to close a Fifth Third Bank account
You can close a Fifth Third Bank account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available for your account type. The process takes a few minutes, but you need to handle a few things first: make sure your account balance is zero (or transfer any remaining funds out), stop any automatic payments or direct deposits, and get confirmation in writing once the account is closed.
Fifth Third does not charge a fee to close an account, and you do not need to provide a reason. The bank will not reopen a closed account, so verify you have moved everything you need before you confirm the closure.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer or withdraw all remaining funds from your account before closing, since Fifth Third will not hold money in a closed account.
- Stop any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits linked to the account at least a few days before you close it.
- Call Fifth Third customer service, visit a branch, or use online banking to request closure — the bank will not charge you for this.
- Ask for written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case a payment or deposit attempts to post after the account is closed.
What to do before you close the account
Empty the account completely. Transfer any balance to another bank account or withdraw it in cash. Fifth Third will not keep money in a closed account, and if funds remain, the closure may be delayed or the account may stay open.
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers. Log into your Fifth Third online banking or call customer service to cancel any bill payments, loan transfers, or standing orders tied to this account. Do this at least three to five business days before you plan to close, so the cancellations process fully. If you miss this step, a payment may bounce or fail after the account closes, and you could face overdraft fees or late payment penalties on the bill itself.
Redirect your direct deposit. If your paycheck or other regular deposits go to this Fifth Third account, change the deposit instructions with your employer or the organization sending the money. This usually takes one or two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change as soon as you decide to close the account.
Check for pending transactions. Review your recent statements and online activity to make sure no checks you wrote are still outstanding, and that no online purchases or subscriptions are set to charge this account in the coming weeks.
Close the account by phone
Call Fifth Third Bank customer service at 1-800-555-2108. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account, confirm that the balance is zero, and ask them to process the closure immediately.
The representative will ask a few verification questions to confirm your identity, then submit the closure request. The account will typically close within one to three business days. Before you hang up, ask the representative for a confirmation number and the expected closure date, and write both down.
If you have multiple accounts with Fifth Third, be specific about which one you are closing. The bank will not close all your accounts at once unless you explicitly ask them to.
Close the account in person at a branch
Visit any Fifth Third Bank branch with a government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.
This method is fastest if you need immediate confirmation, and you can ask the teller to print a receipt showing the account has been closed. Keep this receipt as proof.
If you do not have a branch nearby, phone closure is usually faster than waiting for a trip to the bank.
Close the account online
Some Fifth Third accounts can be closed through online banking. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and search for a "close account" or "close this account" option. Not all account types offer this feature — if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and verify the balance is zero. You should receive an on-screen confirmation and an email receipt. Print or save the email as proof of closure.
What happens after you close the account
The account will no longer accept deposits or withdrawals. Any checks, ACH transfers, or automatic payments that attempt to post after the closure will be rejected. The person or business sending the money will receive a notice that the account is closed, but you will not see the transaction in your Fifth Third records.
Fifth Third will keep your account records for a set period (usually five to seven years) in case you need to dispute a transaction or retrieve old statements. You can request copies of statements or transaction history by calling customer service, even after the account is closed.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, report it to Fifth Third's fraud department as well. Closing the account stops new transactions, but it does not reverse charges that already posted — you will need to dispute those separately.
If you need to reopen the account
Fifth Third does not reopen closed accounts. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account instead. The new account will have a different account number, and you will need to update any direct deposits or automatic payments to use the new number.
If the account was closed due to inactivity or a compliance issue (rather than your request), contact Fifth Third customer service to ask whether the account can be reopened. Some accounts closed by the bank for inactivity may be reopened within a certain window, but this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Fifth Third charge me to close my account?
No. Fifth Third does not charge a fee to close a checking, savings, or money market account. If you have an outstanding balance on a loan or credit product, you will still owe that balance, but the account closure itself is free.
What if I have a pending check or automatic payment after I close the account?
The check or payment will be rejected and returned to the sender with a notice that the account is closed. You will not see the transaction post. If the payment is important (like a bill payment), contact the company to resubmit it to your new account. If a check bounces, you may face a returned-check fee from the recipient.
How long does it take to close a Fifth Third account?
Closure usually takes one to three business days after you request it. If you close in person at a branch, you may receive confirmation the same day. Phone and online closures typically process within one to two business days.
Can I close my account if it has a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. If the account is overdrawn, deposit funds to cover the negative balance first, then request closure.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing the account?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Cut the card in half or shred it so it cannot be used. The card will stop working once the account closes, but destroying it prevents accidental use or confusion later.