Contact Arvest directly by phone, in person, or through online banking to close your account

Arvest Bank does not post a single public phone number for account closures on their website, so your first step is to call the branch where you opened the account or the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to close your checking account. They will ask for your account number and verify your identity. Some branches allow you to close an account over the phone; others require you to visit in person.

If you have an Arvest online banking login, you may also be able to submit a closure request through the messaging feature in your account dashboard. Log in, look for "Contact Us" or "Message Center", and request account closure. Arvest will respond within one to two business days to confirm the request or ask you to call or visit.

The fastest route is usually to visit your local Arvest branch in person with a photo ID. A teller can close the account on the spot, answer questions about outstanding checks or pending transactions, and hand you a final statement.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the branch where you opened the account or the number on your debit card to start the closure process.
  • Arvest may require you to visit a branch in person to close the account, depending on your branch's policy.
  • Before closing, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account.
  • Ask for a final statement and confirmation that the account is closed so you have proof for your records.

What to do before you close the account

Stop any automatic bill payments or recurring charges tied to the account at least one week before closure. Log into your Arvest online banking and review the last three months of transactions to catch subscriptions or payments you may have forgotten about. If you find any, cancel them with the merchant or service provider first.

Redirect your direct deposit to a new account if you have one. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number and routing number. Allow at least one full pay cycle for the change to take effect.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. You can do this at an Arvest ATM, at the branch, or by transferring the money online to another bank account. Arvest will not charge you to close an account with a zero balance, but some banks charge a fee if you close within a certain time frame of opening—check with your branch about any early closure fees.

What happens to checks you have written

If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, those checks will bounce once the account is closed. Before closing, wait until all checks you have issued have cleared your account. You can see this in your online banking transaction history or by calling the branch.

If you have already closed the account and a check comes in, contact Arvest immediately. Some banks will honor the check if you have funds available in another account with them, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to wait for all outstanding checks to clear before you request closure.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Arvest will close the account within one to three business days of your request, depending on whether you close in person or by phone. If you close by phone, you will receive written confirmation in the mail within five to seven business days. Keep this confirmation letter for your records.

Your debit card will stop working immediately after closure. If you have not already done so, destroy the card or cut it up. Any pending transactions that have not yet posted may still go through for a few days after closure; Arvest will either honor them if funds are available or return them as unpaid.

If you have a linked savings account or other products

Closing your checking account does not automatically close a linked savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit. If you want to close those as well, you must request closure for each account separately. Tell the teller or phone representative which accounts you want to close.

If you have a credit card issued by Arvest, closing your checking account will not affect it. The credit card account remains open and active unless you separately request to close it.

What to do if you cannot visit a branch

If you live far from an Arvest branch or cannot visit in person, call the branch and ask whether they will close the account by phone. Some branches will; others require a visit. If your branch requires a visit, ask whether you can authorize closure by mail or by having a power of attorney sign on your behalf.

Another option is to transfer your remaining balance to another bank and let the account sit dormant. Arvest may eventually close it for inactivity, though this can take several months or longer. This is slower than requesting closure directly, but it avoids the need to visit a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Arvest charge me a fee to close my checking account?

Arvest does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, some accounts have an early closure fee if you close within 30 to 90 days of opening. Ask your branch whether your account has this restriction before you request closure.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You must bring the account to zero or positive before Arvest will close it. If you owe money due to overdraft fees or unpaid transactions, you will need to deposit funds to cover the balance. Once the account is settled, you can request closure.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Arvest checking account at any time. However, if you closed due to a dispute or problem, Arvest may review your banking history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but approval is not automatic.

How do I know if my account is actually closed?

Arvest will give you a written confirmation when you close in person. If you closed by phone, keep the confirmation letter you receive in the mail. You can also call the branch and ask them to confirm the account is closed, or try logging into online banking—a closed account will no longer appear in your account list.

What if I forgot to cancel a subscription before closing?

Contact the merchant or service provider and give them your new payment method or ask them to stop charging you. If they charged the closed account after closure, the charge will be returned as unpaid. You may then need to pay the merchant directly or dispute the charge with your new bank.