Yes, you can close a checking account and keep your credit card from the same bank
A checking account and a credit card are separate products, even when they come from the same bank. Closing one does not force you to close the other. You can shut down your checking account online through your bank's website or app while your credit card remains open and active.
The key is that your credit card is not tied to your checking account's balance or status. Your credit card has its own account number, its own billing cycle, and its own payment method. Once you close the checking account, you simply need to make sure you can still pay your credit card bill—which you can do from a different bank account, or by setting up automatic payments before you close the checking account.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and credit card accounts are separate, so closing one does not automatically close the other.
- Before you close your checking account, set up a new payment method for your credit card bill, such as automatic payments from another bank account.
- Most banks let you close a checking account online through their website or mobile app in a few minutes.
- If your credit card is linked to your checking account for overdraft protection or rewards deposits, you will need to remove that link before closing the checking account.
- After closing your checking account, keep your credit card open if you want to maintain your credit history and available credit.
Steps to close your checking account online
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account settings or account management. Most banks have a section labeled "Close Account," "Manage Accounts," or "Account Services." Click into that section and select your checking account from the list of accounts you hold.
The bank will usually ask you to confirm that you have no outstanding checks, no pending transactions, and that your account balance is zero or that you want to transfer any remaining funds. You may need to move money out to another account first. Once you confirm, the bank will close the account—usually within one business day, though some banks process it the same day.
If your bank does not offer online closure, call customer service or visit a branch. Some banks still require a phone call or in-person visit, though this is becoming less common.
What to do with your credit card before closing the checking account
Before you close your checking account, check whether your credit card is set to pull payments from that checking account. Log into your credit card account and look at your payment settings. If automatic payments are scheduled to come from the checking account you are about to close, you need to change the payment method first.
Set up a new payment method—either a different bank account, a debit card, or manual payments by mail. If you choose automatic payments, update them to pull from your new account at least one week before you close the checking account. This prevents a missed payment, which would damage your credit score.
If your credit card offers rewards that deposit directly into your checking account (such as cash back), change the deposit destination to your new checking account or request a check instead. Some banks let you change this in the card settings; others require a call to customer service.
Removing links between your checking account and credit card
Some banks link checking and credit card accounts for overdraft protection, meaning your credit card can cover overdrafts on your checking account. Before you close the checking account, remove this link so your credit card is not affected.
Go to your checking account settings and look for "Overdraft Protection" or "Linked Accounts." Disable any links to your credit card. This takes a few minutes and prevents the bank from treating the closure as a change to your credit card's terms.
If you have a rewards program that deposits bonuses into your checking account, update the deposit method before closing. You can usually choose to have rewards sent to a different account, mailed as a check, or held in a separate rewards account.
What happens to your credit card after the checking account closes
Your credit card remains open and usable. The closure of your checking account has no effect on your credit card's status, credit limit, or ability to make purchases. You can continue to use the card for transactions and payments as normal.
Your credit history also stays intact. The credit card account will continue to be reported to the credit bureaus, and your payment history on that card will continue to build your credit score. Keeping the card open—even if you do not use it—maintains your available credit and the age of your oldest account, both of which help your credit score.
Timing: when to close the checking account
Close your checking account after you have set up a new payment method for your credit card and confirmed that automatic payments are working. Wait at least one full billing cycle (usually 30 days) after you change your payment method to make sure the new method is working correctly before you close the checking account.
If you have any pending transactions on the checking account—such as checks you wrote that have not cleared yet—wait for those to post before closing. A bank will not close an account with outstanding checks, and closing before they clear can cause them to bounce.
If your bank will not let you close the checking account online
Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, do not offer online account closure. If your bank's website or app does not have a close account option, call customer service and ask how to close a checking account. Most banks can process the closure over the phone in 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also visit a branch in person. Bring a photo ID and ask to close your checking account. The teller will walk you through the process, confirm your balance, and process the closure on the spot. This is often the fastest method if you have questions or complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit cards, loans, and other credit products show up on your credit report. Your credit card will remain open and continue to build your credit history.
What if I have automatic bill payments set up from my checking account?
You need to update those before you close the account. Log into each service (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) and change the payment method to your new checking account or a different payment method. Do this at least one week before you close the checking account to avoid missed payments.
Can I reopen my checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can usually open a new checking account with the same bank at any time. However, if you closed the account due to overdrafts or other issues, the bank may flag your account and require a deposit or may deny you. Check your bank's policy before closing if you think you might want to reopen later.
Do I need to notify the credit card company that I am closing my checking account?
No. As long as you update your payment method before closing the checking account, the credit card company does not need to know. The closure of your checking account is between you and your bank and does not affect your credit card account.
What if my credit card was issued with a checking account bonus?
Closing the checking account does not affect the credit card itself or any bonus you already received. If you received a bonus for opening the checking account, that bonus is yours to keep. The credit card remains open and active regardless of the checking account's status.