The steps to unlink your bank account from Atlas
To unlink your bank account from Atlas, log into your Atlas account online or through the mobile app, go to your settings or account menu, find the connected bank accounts section, and select the account you want to remove. Atlas will show you a delete or unlink option — click it, and the connection ends immediately. The account itself stays open at your bank; Atlas simply stops having access to it.
The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to contact Atlas support unless the unlink button does not appear or you get an error message. If you have pending transactions tied to that account, Atlas may prevent removal until those clear — which usually happens within one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- Unlinking removes Atlas's permission to access your bank account but does not close the account itself.
- You can unlink an account through your Atlas settings menu in seconds without calling support.
- If you have pending transfers or payments, Atlas may require those to complete before you can unlink.
- After unlinking, you can reconnect the same account later if you change your mind.
What happens to your money when you unlink
Your money stays in your bank account. Unlinking only stops Atlas from seeing or moving funds — it does not transfer money anywhere or freeze your account. If you have a balance in your Atlas account itself (separate from your linked bank account), that balance remains in Atlas and you can still access it or transfer it out to a different bank account.
If you have automatic transfers set up from your bank account to Atlas, those will stop once you unlink. You will need to set up a new transfer method if you want to move money into Atlas again in the future.
When Atlas may not let you unlink immediately
Atlas holds the unlink option if you have a pending transfer, payment, or withdrawal that has not yet cleared. This is a safety measure — the company needs to know which account to pull from or send money to while the transaction is in progress. Once the transaction settles (usually one to three business days), the unlink button becomes available.
If you see a message saying you cannot unlink, check your recent activity for any pending transactions. You can also contact Atlas support with your transaction reference number if you believe a transfer should have cleared by now.
Reconnecting the same bank account later
You can link the same bank account back to Atlas at any time after unlinking. The process is the same as linking a new account: go to settings, select add bank account, enter your routing and account number (or use instant verification if your bank supports it), and confirm. Atlas will not remember your previous connection — you are starting fresh from the system's perspective, though your bank records will show the history of all past transfers.
If you are unlinking because you want to use a different bank account with Atlas, you can add the new account before or after removing the old one. Atlas allows multiple linked accounts at the same time.
Unlinking versus closing your Atlas account
Unlinking a bank account and closing your Atlas account are two different actions. Unlinking removes the connection to one bank account but keeps your Atlas account active. Closing your account shuts down the entire Atlas account and may require you to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance first.
If you only want to stop using one bank account with Atlas, unlink it. If you want to stop using Atlas entirely, you will need to close the account through your settings — look for a "close account" or "deactivate account" option, usually found at the bottom of the settings menu.
Troubleshooting if the unlink button does not appear
If you cannot find the unlink option, first check that you are in the right menu. In most versions of Atlas, linked accounts appear under Settings > Bank Accounts or Payments > Linked Accounts. Make sure you are looking at the account you want to remove, not a card or payment method.
If the button is still missing, you likely have a pending transaction. Wait one to three business days for it to clear, then try again. If more than three days have passed and you still cannot unlink, or if you see an error message, contact Atlas support with your account email and the name of the bank account you are trying to remove. They can check for stuck transactions or technical issues on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unlinking my bank account close the account at my bank?
No. Unlinking only removes Atlas's access to the account. Your bank account stays open and active. If you want to close the account, you will need to contact your bank directly.
Can I unlink my account if I have a negative balance in Atlas?
It depends on Atlas's current policy. Some services prevent unlinking if you owe money, while others allow it. If you see an error, contact Atlas support. You may need to pay off the negative balance first or transfer funds in to cover it.
What if I unlink by mistake?
You can reconnect the same account immediately by going back to settings and adding it again. The process takes a few minutes. Your transaction history with that account remains in Atlas.
Will unlinking affect my credit score?
No. Unlinking a bank account from Atlas does not affect your credit. Credit scores are tied to credit accounts and payment history, not to which apps or services have access to your checking account.
Do I need to unlink before switching banks?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Unlink the old account, then add your new bank account to Atlas. This prevents failed transfers if Atlas tries to pull from the old account after you have closed it.