Varo lets you close your account online through the app or by calling customer service, but you need to settle any pending transactions and withdraw or transfer your balance first.
Closing a Varo account takes a few steps and usually completes within one business day once you've initiated the request. You can start the process yourself using the mobile app, or you can call Varo's customer service line and ask them to close it for you. Either way, Varo will not delete your account data immediately — they keep records for regulatory reasons, typically for seven years — but your account will stop accepting deposits and you won't be able to log in after closure.
The most common reason people close Varo accounts is switching to another bank, dissatisfaction with fees or features, or consolidating multiple accounts. Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward as long as you handle the money in your account first.
Key Takeaways
- You must withdraw or transfer your full balance before Varo will close your account; they will not close an account with money in it.
- Any pending transactions, direct deposits, or automatic payments need to settle or be cancelled before you initiate closure.
- You can close your account through the Varo mobile app under account settings, or by calling customer service at the number on the back of your card.
- Closure typically takes one business day, but Varo retains your account records for seven years for regulatory compliance.
- After closure, you lose access to your Varo debit card, any linked savings goals, and Varo's early direct deposit feature.
Steps to close your account through the Varo app
Open the Varo mobile app and log in with your credentials. Navigate to the account or settings menu — this is usually represented by a gear icon or your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the app. Look for an option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Close Account."
Before you proceed, Varo will show you your current balance and any pending transactions. If your balance is not zero, transfer or withdraw the full amount first. If you have pending direct deposits or automatic bill payments scheduled, cancel or redirect those before attempting closure. Once your balance is zero and there are no pending transactions, select the option to close your account. Varo will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you're closing the account — this is optional feedback.
After you confirm, Varo will send a confirmation email to the address on file. Your account access will be disabled within one business day. Your debit card will stop working immediately, so do not rely on it after you've initiated closure.
Closing your account by phone
If you prefer not to use the app or run into trouble during the online process, call Varo customer service. The phone number is printed on the back of your Varo debit card. Have your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready when you call.
Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity, check your balance, and confirm that you have no pending transactions. If your account has a balance, they will walk you through transferring or withdrawing it. If you have scheduled transfers or bill payments, the representative can help you cancel those as well. Once everything is settled, they will process the closure request and provide you with a confirmation number.
Keep the confirmation number for your records. Varo will send a closure confirmation email within one business day. If you do not receive it within 24 hours, call back and reference your confirmation number to verify the closure went through.
What to do with your money before closing
Varo will not close your account if you have any balance remaining. You have two options: withdraw the money or transfer it to another bank account.
To withdraw cash, use your Varo debit card at any ATM that accepts Visa cards. Varo does not charge ATM fees at most networks, but some ATM operators may charge you a fee — check the ATM screen before you complete the withdrawal. You can also withdraw at any bank branch that accepts Visa debit cards, though some branches may charge a fee for non-customers.
To transfer your balance to another bank, use the transfer feature in the Varo app or ask a customer service representative to initiate an ACH transfer. Provide the routing number and account number of the bank you're transferring to. ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. If you're in a hurry to close your account, withdraw the cash instead — it's immediate.
Cancelling direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close your account, make sure no money is scheduled to arrive or leave. If you have direct deposit set up — for example, from your employer or a government benefit — you need to update that with your new bank account information or cancel it. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account details.
If you have automatic bill payments or recurring charges set up on your Varo card, log into each service and update your payment method or cancel the payment. Common examples include utilities, subscriptions, insurance, and loan payments. Varo will not automatically redirect these, and if a payment tries to process after your account is closed, it will fail and may trigger a late fee or service interruption with the company you owe.
Check your Varo app transaction history for the past 30 days to identify any recurring charges you might have forgotten about. Once you've cancelled or redirected everything, wait a few days to make sure no unexpected transactions appear, then proceed with closure.
What happens to your Varo features after closure
Closing your Varo account means you lose access to several features that were tied to it. Your Varo debit card will stop working immediately. Any savings goals you created in the app will be deleted, though the money in those goals will be transferred to your main account balance before closure. If you had early direct deposit enabled — Varo's feature that lets you receive paychecks up to two days early — that benefit ends.
If you had a Varo savings account linked to your checking account, both accounts close. You cannot close just one. Any rewards or cashback you had pending will be forfeited if you close before they post, so check your rewards balance and wait for pending rewards to clear if you want to keep them.
Your account history and statements remain available through Varo's customer service for seven years after closure, in case you need them for tax purposes or dispute resolution. You do not need to do anything to preserve them — Varo keeps them automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my Varo account after I close it?
Varo does not allow you to reopen a closed account. If you want to use Varo again, you would need to open a new account from scratch. This means a new account number, a new debit card, and starting over with any savings goals or features. If you're unsure about closing, contact customer service to discuss your concerns first.
What if I have a pending direct deposit when I close my account?
A direct deposit that arrives after your account is closed will be rejected and returned to the sender. This can take several days, and the sender may charge you a fee for the returned deposit. Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefit provider before you close your account to avoid this.
Will closing my Varo account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Bank account closures are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, Varo may report that to a collections agency, which could hurt your credit. Settle any balance or fees before closing.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Your account access is disabled within one business day of your closure request. However, Varo may take up to five business days to process the closure completely and stop all associated services. During this time, any transactions that were already in progress may still post. Once the closure is complete, you will not be able to log in or use your card.
What if I forgot to cancel a subscription before closing my account?
If a subscription or recurring charge tries to process after your account is closed, the transaction will fail. The company charging you will receive a rejection notice and may attempt to collect the payment through other means or charge you a late fee. Contact the company directly, explain that your account closed, and provide a new payment method or cancel the subscription.