You can close a Truist checking account online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have pending transactions

Truist does not offer a complete account closure option in their online banking portal. Instead, you must call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657 to close a checking account. Before you call, make sure your account balance is zero and you have no pending direct deposits, automatic payments, or outstanding checks. If you have money in the account, you will need to transfer it out first or ask the representative to issue a check.

The phone-only requirement exists because Truist needs to verify your identity and ensure there are no active transactions tied to the account. This protects you from accidental closure and prevents fraud. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the account closes within one to three business days after the representative processes your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist requires you to call 1-800-872-2657 to close a checking account; the option is not available in online banking.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closure, so transfer or withdraw all remaining funds first.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account before calling.
  • Account closure takes one to three business days after you speak with a representative.
  • Keep your account number and the confirmation number from the closure call for your records.

Steps to prepare your account before calling

Log into your Truist online banking account and review your recent transactions. Look for any pending charges, scheduled transfers, or automatic payments that have not yet cleared. If you see recurring bills tied to this account—such as utilities, subscriptions, or loan payments—you must update those payees with a new payment method or account number before closure. Truist will not process transactions on a closed account, and missed payments can damage your credit or result in service interruptions.

Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account you control. You can do this through Truist's online transfer feature if you have another account at Truist, or by setting up an external transfer to a different bank. External transfers typically take one to three business days. If you have a small balance and prefer not to wait, you can ask the Truist representative to issue a check during your closure call, though this adds a few extra days to receive the funds.

Check whether you have any outstanding checks you wrote from this account. If you issued checks that have not yet cleared, those will bounce after closure. Contact anyone you wrote checks to and ask them to deposit or cash them before you close the account, or provide them with your new account information if you are moving to another bank.

What happens during the closure call

Call 1-800-872-2657 during Truist's customer service hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity and confirm that your account balance is zero.

Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will ask why you are closing it, though your answer is not required for approval. They will also confirm that you have no pending transactions and that you understand the account will no longer be accessible after closure. Once you confirm, the representative will process the closure and provide you with a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date of the call.

If your account still has a balance, the representative can transfer it to another account you provide, issue a check, or in some cases hold the funds temporarily while you arrange a transfer. Ask which options are available for your situation.

Timeline and what to expect after closure

Your Truist checking account will close within one to three business days after your call. You will lose access to the account immediately in most cases, though it may still appear in your online banking for a day or two before disappearing completely. Do not attempt to use the account number or debit card after closure, as transactions will be declined.

If you had a debit card linked to the account, destroy it or contact Truist to request a replacement card for any other accounts you hold with them. If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, those connections will be severed. Check your email for a closure confirmation from Truist within a few days.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must agree to closure. Truist may require both of you to be on the call, or they may allow one person to close the account if the other has authorized it in writing. Call ahead to ask about Truist's policy for joint accounts, as it can vary by branch or account type.

If you and the other account holder disagree about closure, you cannot unilaterally close the account. You would need to contact Truist to discuss options such as removing yourself as an authorized user or converting the account to a single-holder account.

What to do if you cannot reach customer service

If you are unable to call during business hours or prefer not to call, you can visit a Truist branch in person with your ID and account number. A banker can initiate the closure process for you, though the account may still take one to three business days to fully close. Find your nearest branch on Truist's website or in the mobile app.

Truist does not offer closure through mail, email, or secure message in their online banking portal. Phone or in-person are your only options. If you are outside the United States or have difficulty using the phone, visiting a branch is your best alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Truist checking account if I still have a small balance?

No, your balance must be zero before closure. However, you can ask the representative to issue a check for any remaining funds during your closure call, or transfer the balance to another account before you call. The representative will not close the account if money remains in it.

What happens to my debit card after I close the account?

Your debit card will stop working immediately or within one business day. Destroy the card or contact Truist to request a replacement if you have other accounts with them. Do not attempt to use it after closure, as transactions will be declined.

Will closing my Truist checking account affect my credit score?

No, closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts. However, if you have outstanding checks or automatic payments tied to the account, missed payments could damage your credit.

How long does it take to close a Truist checking account?

The account closes one to three business days after you call customer service. You lose access immediately in most cases, though it may take a day or two to disappear from your online banking. The exact timeline depends on whether there are any pending transactions.

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

Yes, you can open a new Truist checking account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or violation of Truist's terms, you may be denied. For a standard closure, opening a new account is straightforward and can be done online or in a branch.