You can close a Fifth Third account online through their website, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances or linked services

Fifth Third Bank does not offer a full account closure option through their online banking portal. Instead, you will need to call their customer service line at 1-800-555-2108 to close a checking or savings account. If you have a credit card, you close that separately through the card services department. Before you call, make sure your account has a zero balance, all automatic payments are stopped, and any linked services (like bill pay or transfers) are disconnected.

The reason Fifth Third requires a phone call is that closing an account involves verifying your identity, confirming you have no pending transactions, and ensuring you understand the implications for any linked accounts or services. A representative will walk you through the steps, answer questions about what happens to your debit card and checks, and confirm your mailing address for any final statements or tax documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third requires you to call 1-800-555-2108 to close a checking or savings account; online closure is not available through their website.
  • Your account must have a zero balance before closure, and all automatic payments, transfers, and bill pay services must be stopped first.
  • Credit cards are closed through a separate process; call the number on the back of your card or use their card services line.
  • After closure, Fifth Third will mail you a final statement and any tax documents (like 1099 forms) to the address on file.

Steps to prepare your account before calling to close it

Start by logging into your Fifth Third online banking account and reviewing your current balance. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account or withdraw it in cash at a Fifth Third branch or ATM. Fifth Third will not close an account with a balance remaining, and they will not transfer funds to another bank on your behalf.

Next, stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers linked to the account. Check your bills, subscriptions, and paycheck deposits to see which ones are tied to this Fifth Third account. Update those payments to come from a different account at least one billing cycle before you call to close. Log into your Fifth Third online banking portal and turn off any active bill pay services, standing orders, or automatic transfers. If you have a debit card attached to this account, you will not be able to use it after closure, so plan for that transition.

If you have a Fifth Third credit card, that is a separate product and requires a separate closure call. Do not assume closing your checking account closes your credit card. Write down the card number or have it handy, then call the number on the back of the card to close it separately.

What to expect when you call Fifth Third customer service

Call 1-800-555-2108 during business hours. Fifth Third's customer service is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account (though you are not required to give a detailed reason).

The representative will confirm the mailing address where you want your final statement sent. They will also ask whether you want to keep your debit card active until a certain date or deactivate it immediately. Once you confirm the closure, the account will be closed that day, though it may take a few business days for the closure to fully process in their system.

What happens to your debit card and checks after closure

Your Fifth Third debit card will stop working immediately or on a date you specify during the closure call. If you have checks linked to this account, do not write any new checks after you initiate closure. Any checks you have already written may still clear for a few days after the account closes, so make sure your account has enough funds to cover them, or contact Fifth Third to put a stop payment on specific checks before closure.

If you have a checkbook with blank checks remaining, you can destroy them or contact Fifth Third to request they stop payment on the entire series. Fifth Third will not automatically stop payment on unused checks, so it is your responsibility to prevent them from being used.

Tax documents and final statements after closure

After your account closes, Fifth Third will mail you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining activity. If you earned interest on a savings account or had other taxable income from the account during the year, Fifth Third will send you a 1099-INT form by January 31 of the following year. Make sure the mailing address you provide during the closure call is current, because these documents are important for your tax records.

Keep the final statement and any tax documents for your records. If you need to reference the account later for dispute resolution or tax purposes, you will need proof that the account existed and when it closed.

If you have a Fifth Third credit card to close

Credit cards are closed separately from checking and savings accounts. Call the number on the back of your credit card, or call Fifth Third's credit card services line. Have your card number and Social Security number ready. The representative will confirm your identity and ask whether you want to close the account immediately or on a specific date.

If you have a balance on the card, you can still close it, but you will need to continue making payments on that balance after closure. Some people choose to pay off the balance before closing to avoid ongoing payments. After the card is closed, you will receive a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance due.

What to do if you cannot reach Fifth Third by phone

If you are unable to call during business hours or prefer not to use the phone, you can visit a Fifth Third branch in person with your ID and account information. A branch representative can initiate the closure process for you. Some branches may require an appointment, so call ahead or check the Fifth Third website to find a branch near you and confirm their hours.

Fifth Third does not offer account closure through email, chat, or their mobile app. Phone or in-person visit are your only options. If you are outside the United States or have a hearing or speech disability, Fifth Third offers relay services; call 1-800-555-2108 and ask for the relay service operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Fifth Third account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring your account to zero or positive before closure. If your account is negative, you owe Fifth Third that amount. Contact customer service to discuss payment options, then close the account once the balance is resolved.

What happens to pending transactions after I close my account?

Transactions that have already been authorized but not yet posted may still clear after closure. Make sure your account has enough funds to cover them, or contact Fifth Third to stop specific transactions before you close. Once the account is closed, Fifth Third will not accept new transactions.

Do I need to close my Fifth Third savings account separately from my checking account?

Yes. Each account is separate and must be closed individually. Call the same number (1-800-555-2108) and request closure for each account, or close them both during one call by providing both account numbers.

How long does it take for my Fifth Third account to fully close?

The account closes the same day you call, but it may take three to five business days for the closure to fully process in Fifth Third's system. During that time, do not attempt to use the debit card or write checks, as they may be declined or cause complications.

Will closing my Fifth Third account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Closing a credit card may have a small impact if it reduces your available credit, but the effect is usually temporary. Your payment history and overall credit usage matter more than the number of accounts you have open.