Call BB&T or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a BB&T checking account is to call 1-800-226-5228 during business hours and ask to speak with a representative about account closure. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no outstanding checks or automatic payments tied to the account, and process the closure on the call. If you prefer to close in person, visit any BB&T branch with a photo ID and ask a teller to initiate the closure.

BB&T (now operating under the Truist brand following a 2019 merger) does not charge a fee to close a checking account. The process typically takes a few minutes if you handle it by phone or in branch, though the actual closure may take a few business days to finalize in their system.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance, you will need to deposit funds to cover it before closing. Also check that no automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or standing transfers are still linked to the account—these must be stopped or redirected first.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-226-5228 or visit a branch in person to close your BB&T checking account; there is no fee.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance and no active automatic payments, direct deposits, or transfers before closure can be processed.
  • If you have outstanding checks, wait until they clear before closing, or the bank may hold the account open longer.
  • Closure typically finalizes within a few business days after you request it, though the bank may take up to 30 days to send any remaining balance.

Stop all automatic payments and transfers first

Before contacting BB&T, log into your online account or mobile app and review the last 60 days of transactions. Look for any recurring charges, automatic bill payments, or transfers to other accounts. Each of these must be canceled or moved to a different account before you close.

If you have automatic bill payments set up through the account, contact each biller directly (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, etc.) and provide them with a new payment method or account number. Do not rely on the bank to notify them—you are responsible for redirecting these payments. If you miss this step, payments may fail and result in late fees or service interruptions.

For direct deposits (paychecks, government benefits, etc.), contact your employer or the paying organization and update your banking information. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.

Handle any outstanding checks

If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing the account. You can check the status of recent checks in your online banking portal or by calling the bank. Outstanding checks can delay closure or cause the bank to keep the account open longer.

If you have checks that are very old (more than six months) and you are unsure whether they cleared, ask the bank representative to search for them when you call to close. They can tell you which ones are still pending and which ones have cleared. If a check never cleared and you no longer need it, you can request that the bank cancel it.

Decide what to do with any remaining balance

If your account has a positive balance when you close it, BB&T will send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. When you call or visit to close, tell the representative how you want the money sent. A check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though the bank may take up to 30 days.

If you want the funds transferred to another bank account instead, provide the representative with the account number and routing number of the receiving bank. This is faster than waiting for a check and reduces the risk of the check being lost or delayed in the mail.

What happens after you request closure

Once you have submitted your closure request by phone or in branch, the account will be marked for closure in the system. You will still be able to access online banking for a short period to verify that all transactions have cleared. The account will be fully closed within a few business days, though some banks hold accounts open for up to 30 days to catch any stray transactions.

After closure, you will no longer be able to use your debit card, write checks, or access the account online. If a payment or deposit attempts to post after closure, it will be rejected. Make sure all your redirects are in place before the account fully closes.

If you cannot reach the bank by phone

If you are unable to call during business hours or prefer not to call, you can visit a BB&T branch in person. Bring your photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative about closing your checking account. They can process the request on the spot and answer any questions about your balance or pending transactions.

You can also contact BB&T through their website at truist.com (BB&T now operates under the Truist brand) to find a branch near you or to look up customer service hours. Some branches offer extended hours on weekdays and limited Saturday hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my BB&T account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and will not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not on checking or savings accounts.

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

You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero or positive before the bank will close the account. The amount owed is your responsibility, and the bank will not close an account with an outstanding balance. Once you deposit the funds, you can proceed with closure.

Can I reopen a BB&T checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, the bank may flag your history and require additional documentation or a waiting period before opening a new account.

How long does it take for a check from my closed account to arrive?

BB&T typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days after closure, though the bank may take up to 30 days. Once mailed, delivery depends on your postal service and usually takes 3 to 5 business days. If you do not receive it within 30 days, contact the bank to request a replacement.

What if I close my account but still have a pending direct deposit?

The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the paying organization immediately to update your banking information so future deposits go to your new account. This is why it is important to redirect direct deposits before closing.