The basic steps to close your account
To close a checking account, you need to empty it first, then tell the bank you want it closed. Empty means moving or withdrawing all the money and making sure no automatic payments or deposits are still hitting that account. Once the balance is zero and nothing is pending, contact your bank and request closure. They will confirm the account is empty, process the closure, and send you written confirmation.
The whole process usually takes a few days to two weeks, depending on whether you have pending transactions. Some banks let you close online or by phone; others require you to visit a branch in person. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your card to find out which method they use.
Key Takeaways
- Move all money out of the account before requesting closure, or the bank may refuse to close it.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least a week before you plan to close, so nothing bounces or gets lost.
- Contact your bank by phone, online, or in person to request closure once the account is empty.
- Ask for written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case the account reappears on your credit report later.
- If you owe the bank money (overdraft fees, unpaid charges), they may hold the account open until the debt is paid.
Move your money before you close
Do not close the account while money is still in it. Transfer the balance to another account you control — a savings account at the same bank, an account at a different bank, or withdraw it as cash. If you have direct deposit set up, change it to your new account first. If you have automatic bill payments coming out of this account, move them to a different account or cancel them.
Wait at least one week after you stop the automatic payments before you close. This gives time for any pending transactions to clear. If a payment is still processing when you close the account, it may bounce, and you could face overdraft fees or late payments on the bill itself. Check your account online for a few days to make sure nothing new has posted.
Contact the bank to request closure
Once the account balance is zero and you have confirmed no transactions are pending, reach out to your bank. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking and look for a "close account" option, or visit a branch in person. Have your account number ready when you call.
Tell them you want to close the account. They will verify that the balance is zero and ask if you have any outstanding fees or charges. If you do, you will need to pay those before they can close it. Once everything is settled, they will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Ask them to send written confirmation by mail or email so you have proof the account is closed.
What happens if you have money left over
If you close the account and later discover money was still in it, the bank will hold that money. The amount depends on your state's unclaimed property laws. Most states require banks to turn over unclaimed funds to the state after a period of inactivity — usually three to five years. You can then file a claim with your state's unclaimed property program to get the money back.
To avoid this, do a final check of your account balance the day before you request closure. If there is a small amount left (sometimes a few cents from rounding), ask the bank to refund it to you or transfer it to another account. Do not assume it will disappear on its own.
Fees and holds that can delay closure
Some banks charge a fee to close an account early, though this is less common now. Check your account agreement or ask the bank before you close. If you have an outstanding overdraft or unpaid fees, the bank will not close the account until you pay. They may also place a hold on the account if there is a dispute or pending investigation.
If the bank refuses to close because of a debt, ask what amount you owe and when you can pay it. Once you pay, the account can usually be closed within a few business days. If you believe the debt is wrong, ask the bank to explain the charges in writing before you pay.
After closure: what to watch for
After the account closes, keep the confirmation letter for at least a year. Occasionally a closed account will reappear on a credit report or a company will try to charge the old account. If this happens, you have proof the account was closed and can dispute it with the credit bureau or the company.
If you set up a new checking account, make sure all your direct deposits and automatic payments are switched over. Check your new account for the first few weeks to confirm everything is posting correctly. If a payment tries to hit the old account after closure, it will be rejected, which could result in a late fee on the bill itself.
Closing an account at a bank where you still have other accounts
If you are keeping a savings account or another checking account at the same bank, closing one account does not affect the others. Tell the bank specifically which account you want to close. They will close only that one and leave the rest open. Make sure you have moved all your automatic payments and direct deposits to the account you are keeping before you close the other one.
Some banks offer incentives to keep multiple accounts open, so ask whether closing one account will affect any perks or fee waivers you currently have. If you are closing because of poor service or high fees, this is also a good time to ask if they can lower your fees or waive charges on the remaining account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my checking account online?
Many banks allow online closure through their website or mobile app, but some still require a phone call or in-person visit. Log into your account and search for "close account" or "account settings." If you do not see the option, call the bank or visit a branch. Online closure is usually the fastest method if your bank offers it.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?
Wait until the check clears before you close the account. If you close while a check is still pending, it may bounce when it finally arrives. You can check your account online to see which checks have cleared. Once all pending items are gone and the balance is zero, you can safely close.
Do I need to close the account in person?
Not always. Many banks let you close by phone or online. Call the number on your card and ask what methods they offer. If they require an in-person visit, you will need to go to a branch with your ID. Some banks only require in-person closure if there is a dispute or the account has been inactive for a long time.
Will closing my 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 you close the account while you owe the bank money, that debt could be reported and harm your score. Pay any outstanding fees or overdrafts before you close.
What if the bank says I owe money I do not think I owe?
Ask the bank to provide a written explanation of the charges. Review your account statements to see when the charges were posted and what they were for. If you believe the charges are wrong, dispute them in writing and ask the bank to investigate before you pay. Do not close the account until the dispute is resolved.