Call your bank or visit a branch to close the account
The fastest way to close a bank account is to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will walk you through the steps. If you prefer to do it in person, go to any branch of your bank with a photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative.
Most banks can close an account over the phone in five to ten minutes. You do not need to have a zero balance first — the bank will handle any remaining funds. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments set up, the bank will tell you about them before closing, so you can decide what to do.
Some banks allow you to close an account through their mobile app or website, though this is less common. Check your bank's website under "Account Services" or "Help" to see if this option is available to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can close a bank account by phone, in person, or sometimes through your bank's app — the phone method is usually fastest.
- You do not need to bring the account to zero balance before closing; the bank will handle any remaining money.
- Tell the bank about any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account so you can redirect them before closure.
- The account typically closes within one to five business days, though the bank may hold it open longer if there are pending transactions.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records.
What to do with money still in the account
If you have money in the account when you close it, the bank will transfer it to another account you own at the same bank, or they will issue you a check. Tell the bank which option you prefer when you call to close the account.
If you want the money transferred to an account at a different bank, you will need to provide the routing number and account number of that bank. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you are not sure of those numbers, you can find them on a check from the other account, or call that bank and ask.
If the bank issues you a check, it will arrive by mail within five to ten business days. Make sure you have a current mailing address on file before you close the account.
Stop automatic payments and recurring charges before closing
Before you close the account, go through your recent bank statements and look for any automatic payments, subscriptions, or recurring charges. These include gym memberships, streaming services, insurance payments, loan payments, utility bills, or paycheck direct deposit.
Contact each company or service and update your payment method to a different account or payment card. Do this at least one week before you plan to close the account. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will be rejected, and the company may charge you a fee or suspend your service.
If you have a paycheck that deposits directly into this account, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account information. This change usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect.
Timing: how long the closure takes
Most bank accounts close within one to five business days after you request closure. The exact timeline depends on whether there are pending transactions, outstanding checks, or automatic payments still processing.
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, the bank may keep the account open until those checks are paid. This can extend the closure by one to four weeks. Ask the bank how long they will hold the account open and whether you can close it once the checks clear.
Some banks charge a fee if you close an account within a certain period — often 90 days to six months of opening it. Check your account agreement or ask the bank whether a closure fee applies to you.
What happens to your debit card and checks
When you close the account, your debit card will stop working immediately or within one business day. You do not need to do anything with the card — you can throw it away or cut it up. Some banks ask you to return the card, but most do not.
Any checks you have printed for this account will no longer work once the account closes. If you have blank checks left, destroy them. If you have already written checks that have not been deposited yet, contact the people or companies you wrote them to and give them a new payment method.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Call the bank and ask whether both signatures are required. Some banks allow one person to close a joint account, but this is less common.
If you want to close a joint account and the other person does not, you have limited options. You can ask the bank to remove your name from the account, which converts it to a single-name account. The other person would then own the account outright. This requires the other person's consent and signature in most cases.
Reasons to close an account and alternatives
People close bank accounts for many reasons: high fees, poor customer service, moving to a different bank, or no longer needing the account. Before you close, consider whether you might want to keep it open for a backup account or for a specific purpose like savings.
If the reason is high fees, call the bank and ask whether they can waive them or move you to a different account type with lower costs. Some banks will do this to keep your business. If the reason is poor service, you can try a different branch or speak with a manager.
If you are closing because you are switching banks, you do not have to close the old account right away. Many people keep both accounts open for a month or two to make sure all automatic payments have moved over successfully, then close the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a bank account if I owe the bank money?
No. If you have an overdraft balance or owe fees, the bank will not close the account until you pay what you owe. Pay the balance first, then request closure. If you dispute the charges, the bank may still require payment before closing.
What if I close an account and then a check comes in?
Once the account is closed, any checks deposited to it will be rejected. The person or company who sent the check will be notified, and they can reissue it to your new account. This is why it is important to update your payment information with all regular payers before closing.
Do I need to close accounts at every branch, or just one?
You only need to close the account once, through any branch or by phone. The account is closed across the entire bank's system. You do not need to visit multiple branches or make multiple calls.
Will closing an account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close an account and miss a payment because you did not redirect automatic payments, that missed payment could hurt your credit.
How do I get proof that my account is closed?
Ask the bank for written confirmation of the closure when you close the account. They can email it to you, mail it, or print it at the branch. Keep this confirmation for your records in case there are questions later about the account status.