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 fastest method is usually a phone call: Fifth Third's customer service team can process the closure while you're on the line and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance or any pending transactions. You'll need your account number and a form of identification ready.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have overdraft protection linked to the account, Fifth Third will disable it during closure. Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account should be redirected to another bank account first—Fifth Third won't automatically transfer these for you, and missed payments or lost deposits can create problems weeks after closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call Fifth Third customer service, visit a branch, or use online banking to request closure; phone is usually fastest.
- Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, or they may fail after the account shuts down.
- Settle any outstanding balance and confirm all pending transactions have cleared before the closure is finalized.
- Request written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case disputes arise later.
- Closed accounts remain visible on your banking history for several years and may affect credit inquiries if the bank reports the closure.
Steps to close your account by phone
Call Fifth Third's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on their website. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm the current balance. If there's money in the account, ask how Fifth Third will return it—they typically mail a check to your address on file or can transfer it to another bank account you provide.
Ask the representative to confirm that all automatic payments and recurring charges have been stopped. Request written confirmation of the closure, including the date it takes effect and your final balance. Some Fifth Third accounts take one to three business days to fully close after the request is made, so don't assume it's immediate. Write down the representative's name and the time of your call in case you need to reference it later.
Closing your account in person at a branch
Visit any Fifth Third Bank branch with your government-issued ID and debit card. Tell a teller or banker that you want to close your account. They'll pull up your account details, confirm your balance, and ask why you're closing (this is optional to answer). If you have money in the account, you can request a check, a transfer to another bank, or cash withdrawal on the spot.
The teller will print a closure confirmation form for you to sign. Keep this receipt—it's your proof that the account was closed on that date. Ask the teller to note on the form that all automatic payments have been stopped. If you have checks still in circulation or pending transactions, mention this so the teller can flag it in the system.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits
Before closing, log into your Fifth Third online banking or call customer service to identify every automatic payment and recurring charge linked to the account. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, loan payments, subscription services, and gym memberships. Contact each company directly and provide them with your new bank account number, or switch to a different payment method entirely.
If you receive direct deposits—paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds—update your employer or the paying agency with your new account details at least one week before closure. Direct deposits that arrive after your account closes will be returned to the sender, and you may face delays getting the money reissued. Fifth Third will not hold or redirect these deposits for you.
Handling your remaining balance and outstanding checks
If your account has a positive balance, Fifth Third will return the money during closure. You can choose to have them mail a check to your address on file, transfer the funds to another bank account (you'll need to provide routing and account numbers), or withdraw cash at a branch. Mailed checks typically arrive within five to seven business days. If you're closing because you're moving, update your address with Fifth Third before requesting closure so the check goes to the right place.
If you've written checks that haven't cleared yet, those will still be processed against your closed account if they arrive within a reasonable time frame. Fifth Third may charge an overdraft fee if a check bounces after closure. Contact anyone you've written checks to and ask them to deposit or cash them before your closure date, or provide them with your new account information.
What happens after your account closes
Once Fifth Third closes your account, you can no longer use your debit card, write checks, or access online banking for that account. The account will appear on your banking history for several years. If you later need proof that the account existed or was closed in good standing, Fifth Third can provide account statements or closure documentation—you may need to request this in writing or by phone.
A closed account does not hurt your credit score directly, but if the closure was due to overdrafts or disputes, Fifth Third may report this to ChexSystems, a banking history database. Future banks may see this report when you try to open a new account. If you closed the account in good standing with no outstanding issues, this won't affect your ability to bank elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Fifth Third account online?
Fifth Third does not currently offer account closure through their website for most account types. You must call customer service or visit a branch. Some specialty accounts may have different rules, so check your account terms or call to confirm.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
You cannot close an account with a negative balance or outstanding overdraft fees. Pay the full amount owed first, then request closure. Fifth Third will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Most Fifth Third accounts close within one to three business days after you request it. During this time, pending transactions may still post. Ask for a specific closure date when you make the request so you know when it's final.
Will I get my debit card back if I close in person?
The teller will ask you to surrender your debit card during closure. They'll destroy it or return it to you depending on Fifth Third's policy at that branch. If you close by phone, destroy your card yourself once you receive confirmation that the account is closed.
What if Fifth Third owes me money after closure?
If Fifth Third finds an error in your favor after closure—a refunded fee, a corrected transaction—they will mail a check to your address on file. Keep your closure confirmation and any account statements for at least one year in case you need to dispute something later.