Close your account by phone, in person, or online

You can close a Truist checking account through three channels: calling Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657, visiting a Truist branch in person, or using Truist's online banking portal if your account is may be able to access. The fastest route is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending transactions have cleared, and you have redirected any automatic payments or direct deposits to another account.

Truist will not close an account with a negative balance. If you owe money, you must pay it first. Once the account is closed, Truist keeps records for seven years, so you can still dispute transactions or retrieve statements during that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-872-2657 to close your account over the phone, which usually takes 10 minutes and requires your account number and Social Security number for verification.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure; Truist will not close accounts with overdrafts or negative balances.
  • Stop or redirect automatic bill payments and direct deposits at least one week before closing to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
  • Request written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records, since Truist retains account data for seven years after closure.

What to do before you call or visit

Spend a few days before closure making sure no transactions are in flight. Check your account for pending charges, scheduled transfers, or automatic payments that have not yet posted. If you see a pending transaction, wait for it to clear before closing. An uncleared transaction can cause the closure to fail or leave you with a small balance that keeps the account open.

Next, move any money you want to keep to another bank account. You can transfer it online to another bank, withdraw it as cash, or ask Truist to send you a check. If you have a small balance (under $25), some people choose to leave it and let Truist close the account anyway; Truist will eventually send you a check for the remaining balance, though this can take weeks.

Stop or change the destination for any recurring payments. Log into your utility, insurance, loan, or subscription accounts and update the payment method or bank account number. Do this at least one week before you plan to close. If you miss a payment because the account is closed, you are responsible for any late fees or credit damage.

How to close by phone

Call 1-800-872-2657 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will ask why you are closing (this is optional to answer), confirm your account balance, and check for any pending transactions. If everything is clear, they will process the closure on the spot.

Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure, including the date it takes effect and your final account balance. Some closures are effective immediately; others take one to two business days. Write down the confirmation number they give you.

How to close in person at a branch

Visit any Truist branch with a photo ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, check your balance, and process the closure. Bring any debit cards associated with the account; the teller may ask you to cut them up or will destroy them on the spot.

Ask for a written receipt showing the account is closed, the closure date, and your final balance. Keep this receipt. If you have a large balance, the teller can issue a cashier's check or transfer the funds to another account while you wait.

What happens after closure

Once closed, you cannot use the account number to make deposits or withdrawals. Any checks you wrote before closure that have not yet cleared will still be processed against the account, so make sure you have enough balance to cover them. If a check bounces after closure, Truist may charge a fee and report it to ChexSystems, which can affect your ability to open accounts at other banks.

Truist keeps your account records for seven years. If you need a statement, a copy of a check, or proof of a transaction, you can contact Truist and request it. There is usually no charge for records from a closed account, though some requests may take a few weeks to process.

If you have a joint account

If the checking account is joint (held with another person), both account holders must agree to close it. You cannot close a joint account alone. Contact Truist and ask whether both owners need to be present or whether one owner can authorize closure on behalf of both. Some Truist branches allow one owner to close with written permission from the other; others require both to be present.

After closure, any funds in the account are typically split equally between the owners unless you have a different agreement in writing. If you disagree about how to split the balance, Truist may freeze the account and require both owners to sign off on the split before releasing funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen my Truist checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new Truist checking account at any time after closure. However, if you closed because of overdrafts or negative balances, Truist may review your ChexSystems report before approving a new account. If you had repeated overdrafts, Truist may require you to wait a certain period or may deny the new account.

What happens to my debit card when I close my account?

Your debit card stops working immediately or within one to two business days of closure. You should destroy it or ask Truist to deactivate it. If you do not destroy it and someone finds it, they cannot use it because it is no longer linked to an active account.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you had overdrafts that went to collections, that collection account could hurt your score.

What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled for after I close?

The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new bank account number at least one week before you close. If a deposit is rejected, it can take two to four weeks for the sender to reprocess it to your new account.

Do I need to close my Truist savings account too?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate. You can close your checking account and keep your savings account open, or vice versa. If you want to close both, you need to request closure for each one separately.