Call Navy Federal or visit a branch to close your account
You can close a Navy Federal checking account by phone, in person, or by mail. The fastest route is a phone call to Navy Federal's member services line at 1-888-842-6328. Have your account number ready. A representative will walk you through the closure, confirm you have no pending transactions, and tell you when the account will be fully closed—usually within a few business days.
If you prefer to close in person, visit any Navy Federal branch with a photo ID and your account number. A member service representative will process the closure on the spot. Closing by mail is slower: you would write a letter requesting closure, include your account number and signature, and mail it to Navy Federal's address (which you can find on your statement or their website). Mail closures typically take one to two weeks to process.
Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to this account have been moved or stopped. Navy Federal will not close an account with pending transactions, and you do not want paychecks or bill payments going to a closed account.
Key Takeaways
- Phone closure at 1-888-842-6328 is the fastest method and takes a few business days from the time you call.
- You must stop or redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits before closure, or Navy Federal will delay the process.
- Bring your account number and photo ID if you close in person at a branch.
- Navy Federal will not close an account with a negative balance, so pay any overdraft fees or outstanding charges first.
- Once closed, checks written against that account will bounce, so notify anyone you have given checks to.
What to do with money still in the account
Before you call to close, decide how to access the money in your checking account. Navy Federal will not close an account with funds in it—you must either withdraw the balance or transfer it out. You can withdraw cash at any Navy Federal ATM or branch, or transfer the money to another bank account you own.
If you have a Navy Federal savings account or money market account, you can transfer funds between them online or by phone before closure. If you want the money to go to a different bank entirely, initiate an external transfer through Navy Federal's online banking platform, or ask a representative to process it when you call to close. External transfers usually take one to three business days.
Do not leave money in the account hoping to retrieve it later. Once Navy Federal closes the account, accessing any remaining balance becomes much harder and may require paperwork or a trip to a branch.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first
Any recurring bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers set up on this checking account need to be stopped or moved before closure. Log into your Navy Federal online banking account and review the "Payments" or "Transfers" section to see what is scheduled. Cancel each one, or update the payment method to a different account or card.
If your paycheck or other regular deposits go directly into this account, contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number at another bank. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change well before you close the Navy Federal account.
If you miss a recurring payment and it tries to post after closure, it will bounce and may trigger overdraft fees at your new bank or a late payment notice from the biller. Stopping these before closure prevents that headache.
Handle any outstanding fees or negative balance
Navy Federal will not close an account that has a negative balance or unpaid fees. If you have overdraft fees, monthly maintenance charges, or any other outstanding balance, you must pay those before the account can be closed. You can pay online, by phone, or at a branch.
If you are unsure whether there are any pending charges, ask the representative when you call to close. They can tell you the exact balance and any fees that have not yet posted. Some fees may still be processing, so ask when the account will be fully settled.
What happens to checks and debit cards after closure
Once your Navy Federal checking account is closed, any checks you have written against it will bounce if they have not yet cleared. If you have given checks to someone—a landlord, a contractor, a utility company—contact them and let them know the account is closing. Provide a new payment method or a new account number if you are moving to another bank.
Your Navy Federal debit card linked to this account will stop working immediately or within a few days of closure. If you have set up online bill pay through Navy Federal using this account, those payments will fail if they have not already processed. Review your bill pay schedule and cancel or update each one before you close.
If a check or payment does bounce after closure, the merchant or biller may charge you a returned-check fee. Navy Federal may also charge a fee for the failed transaction. Notifying people in advance and stopping payments beforehand avoids these charges.
Closing a joint account
If the checking account is a joint account with another person, both account holders must agree to close it. Navy Federal requires either both owners to call together, or one owner to call with written authorization from the other. If you and the other owner disagree about closure, Navy Federal will not close the account.
If you are the only one who wants to close the account, you have two options: ask the other owner to remove you from the account (making it solely theirs), or work out an agreement to close it together. Some joint account holders choose to close and open a new individual account instead.
After the account is closed
Once Navy Federal confirms the account is closed, you will receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records. If you need proof of closure for tax purposes, a mortgage application, or any other reason, you can contact Navy Federal and request a closure letter.
If you closed the account because you are moving to another bank, make sure your new bank's account is fully set up and working before you close Navy Federal. Test a small transfer or deposit to confirm the new account is active. If something goes wrong with the new account, you do not want to be without a working checking account.
If you plan to rejoin Navy Federal in the future, closing an account in good standing (no negative balance, no fraud) will not prevent you from opening a new account later. However, if there are unpaid fees or a negative balance when you close, Navy Federal may flag your membership and make it harder to open a new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Navy Federal checking account online?
Navy Federal does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-888-842-6328, visit a branch in person, or send a written request by mail. Phone is the fastest option.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment when I close?
Navy Federal will delay closure if there are pending transactions. Stop or redirect all automatic payments and direct deposits before you call to close. If a payment tries to post after closure, it will bounce and may trigger fees at your new bank.
How long does it take for Navy Federal to close my account?
Phone and in-person closures usually take a few business days. Mail closures take one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation by mail once the account is fully closed.
Will closing my Navy Federal checking account affect my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history—not on checking or savings accounts. Closing a Navy Federal checking account has no impact on your credit.
What if I closed my account and a check bounces later?
If a check written against your closed Navy Federal account bounces, the merchant or recipient will likely charge you a returned-check fee. Navy Federal may also charge a fee for the failed transaction. Contact the merchant to resolve it and provide a new payment method.