You can close most Truist accounts online through your account settings, but savings accounts and some linked products require a phone call
Truist lets you close a checking account through their online banking portal without calling. Log in, go to your account settings, find the option to close the account, and follow the prompts. The process takes a few minutes. However, if you have a savings account, money market account, or certain linked products like credit cards or loans tied to the account, you will need to call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657 to complete the closure. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized account closures.
Before you close any account, make sure your balance is zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank first or request a check. Truist will not close an account with a balance. You should also cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account, since they will fail once the account is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Checking accounts can be closed online through your Truist account settings, but savings accounts and linked products require a phone call to 1-800-872-2657.
- Your account balance must be zero before Truist will close it, so transfer or withdraw all remaining funds first.
- Stop any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before closing to avoid failed transactions.
- After closure, Truist will send you written confirmation, and the account will stop appearing in your online banking within one to two business days.
- If you have overdraft fees or pending transactions, resolve those before initiating closure to avoid complications.
What happens to pending transactions and checks
If you have checks still in circulation or pending transactions when you close your account, Truist will hold the account open long enough to process them. Do not assume closure is immediate. Checks can take up to 30 days to clear, and if one arrives after your account is closed, Truist may return it unpaid or charge you a returned check fee.
Before closing, review your recent statements and contact anyone you have written checks to, asking them to deposit or cash them soon. If you have recurring bills set up on automatic payment, change those to your new bank account at least a week before closure. Truist will not redirect payments to a new account.
Steps to close your checking account online
Open your Truist online banking account and log in with your username and password. Navigate to the account settings or account management section—this is usually found in a menu labeled "Settings," "Preferences," or "Account Services." Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Closure."
Select the checking account you want to close from the list of accounts. Truist will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand the account will be permanently closed. Read the confirmation carefully. Once you click to confirm, the closure request is submitted. You will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email receipt. The account will disappear from your online banking within one to two business days.
Keep the confirmation email for your records. If you need proof of closure later—for example, to show a creditor or employer—you can reference this email or call Truist to request a written closure letter.
When you must call instead of closing online
Savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs) cannot be closed through online banking. Call Truist at 1-800-872-2657 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your account number and Social Security number ready.
If your checking account is linked to a credit card, loan, or line of credit, you may also need to call. Truist wants to confirm that closing the checking account will not affect your ability to make payments on those products. The representative will walk you through the closure and may ask whether you want to keep the linked products open.
If you have a business account, Truist requires a phone call regardless of account type. Business closures involve additional verification steps and may require authorization from the account owner or authorized signer.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close your account, update any automatic payments that are tied to it. Log into each service—your utility company, insurance provider, subscription services, loan servicer—and change the payment method to your new bank account. This takes time, so start at least one week before you plan to close the Truist account.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government benefits, contact your employer or the benefits administrator and provide your new bank account information. Direct deposit changes can take one to two pay periods to take effect, so do this as soon as possible. If a deposit arrives after your account is closed, it will be returned to the sender, and you will have to contact them to resubmit it to the correct account.
For any automatic payments you cannot update before closure, contact the biller and ask them to pause the payment temporarily while you switch banks. Once your new account is active and you have updated the payment method, you can resume the payment.
Overdraft fees and negative balances
If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe Truist money—you cannot close it until the balance is paid. Truist will not allow closure of accounts with overdraft fees or other outstanding charges. If you see a negative balance when you try to close, deposit enough money to bring the balance to zero, then proceed with closure.
Check your account statement for any pending fees or holds. Sometimes a transaction will post after you think your balance is zero, creating a small negative balance. Wait a few business days after your last transaction to make sure everything has cleared before attempting to close.
After your account is closed
Once closed, your Truist account cannot be reopened. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account, which may require a new application and a new account number. Some Truist branches will waive the new account fee if you closed recently and want to reopen, but this is not may provide—ask when you visit.
Truist will keep records of your closed account for a set period for regulatory and tax purposes. If you need a statement from a closed account, you can request it by calling customer service. Keep your own copies of statements and transaction history before closing, especially if you need them for tax records or dispute resolution.
Your closed account will stop appearing on your credit report once it is closed, though it may remain visible in your credit history for up to seven years. This does not hurt your credit score; closed accounts in good standing actually show responsible account management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending dispute or chargeback?
No. Truist will not close an account while a dispute or chargeback is under investigation. You must wait for the dispute to be resolved first. Contact Truist customer service to check the status of any open disputes before attempting closure.
What if I close my account but still owe Truist money?
Closing the account does not erase the debt. Truist will continue to pursue collection of any outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or other charges. You will still owe the money, and Truist may report it to a collection agency or credit bureau.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The online closure request is processed within one to two business days, and the account will disappear from your online banking immediately. However, Truist may hold the account open in their system for 30 to 60 days to process any outstanding checks or transactions. You will not see it in your account list, but it is still technically open during this period.
Can I close my account if I have a Truist debit card?
Yes, but deactivate your debit card first or request a new one for your new bank account. Once the account is closed, your Truist debit card will stop working. If you have not yet set up a debit card with your new bank, do that before closing the Truist account to avoid being without a card.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close an account and miss a payment on a linked credit card or loan, that missed payment will hurt your score. Make sure all linked products are paid current before closure.