Call USAA or use their app to close your account, but first move your money out and set up direct deposit elsewhere

USAA does not let you close a checking account online through their website. You have two options: call USAA Member Services at 1-800-531-8722, or use the USAA mobile app to request closure. Either way, the process takes a few minutes, but you need to handle your money first — any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, which can take one to two weeks.

Before you call or open the app, move all your money out of the account. If you have direct deposit set up (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), change it to your new bank now — this can take one to two pay periods to take effect at your employer or benefit provider. If you have automatic bill payments or subscriptions tied to this account, update them with your new account number or payment method. Any pending transactions will still process against the account even after you request closure, so give yourself a few days to make sure everything has cleared.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA requires you to call 1-800-531-8722 or use their mobile app to close a checking account — you cannot do it online through their website.
  • Move all your money to another account before requesting closure, because any remaining balance will be mailed as a check, which takes one to two weeks.
  • Change your direct deposit at your employer or benefit provider before closing the account, since the switch can take one to two pay periods to process.
  • Update automatic bill payments and subscriptions with your new account number or payment method to avoid failed transactions.
  • The account closure itself is final once USAA processes it, so confirm you have moved everything before you request it.

Steps to close your account by phone

Call USAA Member Services at 1-800-531-8722 during their business hours. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — they will ask you to verify your identity before they process anything. Tell them you want to close your checking account. They will ask why (this is optional to answer), confirm your current balance, and explain what happens to any remaining money.

If your balance is zero, the closure is straightforward. If you have money left, USAA will mail you a check to the address on file. Ask them to confirm the mailing address before they close the account. Once you hang up, the account is flagged for closure, though it may take a few business days for USAA to fully process it on their end. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.

Closing your account through the USAA app

Open the USAA mobile app and log in. Navigate to the account settings or account management section — this is usually found under a menu labeled "Settings," "Profile," or "Account." Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Services." Select your checking account from the list of accounts you hold.

The app will walk you through a confirmation process and ask you to verify your identity. You may be asked to confirm your current balance and the address where a check should be mailed if you have remaining funds. Once you submit the request, you will receive a confirmation on screen and via email. Like the phone method, closure takes a few business days to process fully.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when you request closure, USAA will not transfer it to another account. Instead, they mail a check to the address on file. This check is issued in your name and can take one to two weeks to arrive, depending on mail delivery. Once you receive it, you can deposit it into your new bank account.

If you do not receive the check within three weeks, contact USAA again and provide them with the date you closed the account. They can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, arrange a wire transfer to your new bank if you provide the routing and account numbers.

Stopping direct deposit and automatic payments before closure

Direct deposit changes take time. Contact your employer's payroll department or your benefits provider (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds) and give them your new account number and routing number at least one pay period before you close the USAA account. If you miss this window, your next deposit may still go to the closed account, and you will have to contact the payer to redirect it.

For automatic bill payments — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — log into each biller's website or app and update your payment method. Do not rely on USAA to forward payments or notify billers. If a payment tries to process after the account is closed, it will fail and may trigger a late fee or service interruption. Give yourself at least one week to update all recurring payments.

What to do if you have pending transactions

Pending transactions are charges that have been authorized but not yet settled. They can take one to three business days to post. If you close your account while transactions are still pending, they will still process against the account after closure. This means the account will briefly reopen to accept the transaction, then close again.

To avoid this, wait until your account shows a zero balance and you have not made any new purchases or transfers for at least three to five business days. Check your recent transactions in the app or online to make sure nothing is stuck in pending status. If you are unsure, call USAA and ask them to confirm that all transactions have posted before you request closure.

Reopening a closed USAA account

Once USAA closes your checking account, you cannot reopen that exact account. If you change your mind, you will have to open a new checking account, which means a new account number and routing number. You will also have to update direct deposit and automatic payments again.

If you closed the account by mistake or realize you need it within a day or two, call USAA immediately. They may be able to stop the closure request before it is fully processed, but this depends on how far along the process is. The sooner you call, the better your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my USAA checking account online?

No. USAA does not offer online account closure through their website. You must call 1-800-531-8722 or use the USAA mobile app to request closure.

How long does it take for USAA to close my account?

The closure request is processed within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If you have a remaining balance, the check takes one to two weeks to arrive after the account is closed.

What if I have a negative balance when I close my account?

If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before USAA will close it. You can transfer money in from another account or ask USAA how they want you to settle it.

Will closing my USAA checking account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts.

Can I close my account if I have a USAA loan or credit card?

Yes. Your checking account is separate from other USAA products. You can close the checking account without affecting loans, credit cards, or other services you hold with USAA.