The basic steps to close a checking account
To close a checking account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through their website—and tell them you want to close it. Before you do, make sure your account balance is zero or move any remaining money to another account. Pay off any outstanding checks or automatic payments tied to that account number. Once the bank confirms the account is closed, you will receive written confirmation, usually by mail within one to two weeks.
The exact process varies slightly by bank. Some banks let you start the closure online; others require a phone call or a visit to a branch. If you have a joint account, both account holders usually need to agree to close it, though some banks allow one person to close their portion.
Do not simply stop using the account and assume it closes on its own. Inactive accounts can trigger monthly fees, and the bank may try to contact you about the balance. Closing it formally protects you from surprise charges and makes sure any remaining funds are handled correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Move or withdraw all money from the account before you contact the bank, because you cannot close an account with a balance.
- Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to that account number at least a week before you close it.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to request closure, and ask for written confirmation once it is complete.
- Keep the confirmation letter for your records in case a payment or fee appears after the account is supposedly closed.
- If you have a joint account, confirm whether both owners need to consent or if one person can close it alone.
Empty the account and redirect automatic payments first
Before you call the bank, withdraw or transfer every dollar in the account. Banks will not close an account that still holds money. If you have direct deposit set up, change it to your new account at least one pay period before closing the old one—do not wait until after you have closed the account.
Next, identify every automatic payment or recurring charge tied to that account number. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, loan payments, and any other regular transfers. Log into the account online or call the companies directly and update their payment information to your new account. Do this at least seven to ten days before you close the account, so the changes have time to process.
Check for outstanding checks you have written. If you wrote a check that has not cleared yet, wait for it to process before closing the account, or contact the bank to ask whether they can handle it after closure. Some banks will honor checks for a short period after an account closes; others will not.
Contact the bank and request closure
Call your bank's customer service number, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal to find the closure option. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and ask them to confirm that the balance is zero and no pending transactions remain.
If you are closing the account because of poor service or fees, you can mention that, but it is not required. The bank will not try to talk you out of it—they process closures regularly. Ask the representative to email or mail you a written confirmation of the closure, including the date it takes effect.
If you have a joint account, ask whether both owners must be present or on the call. Some banks require both signatures; others allow one person to close it. If you cannot both be present, ask whether you can authorize the closure in writing or over the phone with both parties on the line.
What happens to your remaining balance
If there is any money left in the account after you close it, the bank will send it to you by check, transfer it to another account you specify, or hold it for a set period before sending it. Ask the representative which method they use and provide clear instructions on where the money should go.
In rare cases, a bank may hold a small balance (usually under $25) if there are pending transactions they are still processing. They will contact you about it once those transactions clear. If you do not hear from the bank within 30 days of closure, call them to confirm the account is fully closed and ask about any remaining balance.
After the account is closed
Keep the closure confirmation letter for at least one year. If a payment or charge appears on your credit report or if a company tries to charge the closed account, you will have proof that the account no longer exists.
Monitor your credit report for the next few months to make sure no unexpected activity appears. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see charges or inquiries related to the closed account, contact the bank and the company responsible for the charge.
If you set up a new account at a different bank, make sure all your direct deposits, automatic payments, and recurring charges have switched over successfully. Check your new account after the first pay period to confirm the deposit arrived, and verify that bills were paid from the correct account.
Closing a joint account when you disagree
If you share an account with someone else and want to close it but they do not agree, you have limited options. Most banks require both account holders to consent to closure. You cannot unilaterally close a joint account.
Your alternatives are to remove yourself as an account holder (if the bank offers this option) or to withdraw your portion of the balance and move it to your own account. To remove yourself, contact the bank and ask whether you can be taken off the account while the other person keeps it open. This requires the other account holder's consent as well.
If the account is in dispute—for example, during a divorce or separation—you may need a court order to close it or divide the funds. Consult a lawyer or your state's court system for guidance on this situation.
What to do if the bank will not close the account
Banks rarely refuse to close an account, but it can happen if there are outstanding fees, pending transactions, or legal holds on the account. Ask the representative why the account cannot be closed and what you need to do to resolve it.
If there are unpaid fees, pay them before requesting closure again. If there is a legal hold (usually related to a court case or debt collection), you will need to resolve that matter first—the bank cannot close the account until the hold is lifted. If there are pending transactions, wait for them to clear.
If the bank continues to refuse closure without a clear reason, ask to speak with a manager or file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). These agencies can investigate whether the bank is acting unlawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my checking account online, or do I have to go to the bank in person?
Many banks let you close an account through their website or mobile app, but some require a phone call or in-person visit. Check your bank's website first to see if the option is available. If not, call customer service or visit a branch. In-person closure is fastest if you need it done immediately.
What happens to checks I have already written if I close the account?
Checks written before closure may still clear after the account is closed, depending on when they are deposited. Some banks honor these checks for 30 to 90 days after closure; others do not. Ask your bank about their policy before you close. If you are worried about a specific check, wait for it to clear first.
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if the bank reports unpaid fees or sends the account to collections, that can hurt your score. Pay any outstanding fees before closing to avoid this.
How long does it take for a checking account to fully close?
Most banks close an account within one to two weeks of your request. You will receive written confirmation by mail. During this time, the account may still appear in your online banking, but no new transactions can be made. After two weeks, contact the bank if you have not received confirmation.
Can I reopen a checking account I just closed?
Yes, you can usually reopen a closed account or open a new one at the same bank, but there may be a waiting period of 30 to 90 days. If you closed the account due to fees or poor service, opening a new account at a different bank is often a better choice. Ask the bank about their policy if you think you might want to return.