Most banks let you close an account online, but the process varies by bank and account type
You can close many checking and savings accounts through your bank's website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The steps differ depending on whether you use a large national bank, a credit union, or an online-only bank. Some banks require you to close accounts by phone or in person, particularly if you have an outstanding balance, a linked loan, or a dispute on the account.
Before you start the closure process, you need to handle three things: move any remaining money out, set up direct deposit redirection if paychecks go to this account, and make sure no automatic payments are still pulling from it. If you skip these steps, your bank may freeze the closure or charge overdraft fees after you think the account is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks and online banks allow you to initiate closure through their website or app, but some require a phone call or branch visit to complete it.
- You must withdraw or transfer all remaining funds and cancel automatic payments before closing, or your bank may block the closure or charge fees.
- After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation number for at least one year in case a payment or deposit posts to the account later.
- If your account has a negative balance or outstanding hold, the bank will not let you close it online and may require you to call or visit in person.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but closing all your accounts at once can make it harder to get approved for credit later.
What you need to do before closing
Empty the account completely. Transfer or withdraw all money, including any pending deposits or interest that has not yet posted. Some banks will not process a closure request if a balance remains, and others will charge a fee to close an account with money still in it.
Stop all automatic payments and recurring charges. Log into the account and check for subscriptions, bill payments, insurance premiums, or gym memberships that pull from this account. Contact each company directly to change the payment method or cancel the service. If you miss one and a payment tries to go through after closure, it may bounce and trigger an overdraft fee or a returned-payment fee from the merchant.
Redirect direct deposit if your paycheck goes to this account. Contact your employer's payroll department or HR and provide them with your new account number and routing number. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do it at least a week before you plan to close the account.
Check for linked accounts or services. If you have a credit card, loan, or investment account tied to this checking account, contact the bank to move the payment method to a different account or update it before you close.
How to close through your bank's website or app
Log into your account and look for a settings or account management section. Most banks place the closure option under "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Close Account." Some banks hide it deeper—you may need to go to Help or Contact Us and search for "close account" or "account closure."
If you cannot find the option online, your bank may require you to call or visit a branch. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to require a phone call or in-person visit. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically offer full online closure.
When you find the closure option, the bank will usually ask you to confirm your identity, review any remaining balance, and choose what to do with it. Some banks will mail you a check for the remaining balance; others will transfer it to a linked account. Read the confirmation screen carefully—some banks ask whether you want to close just this account or all accounts with them.
After you submit the closure request, the bank will send you a confirmation email or letter with a reference number. Save this confirmation. The account typically closes within one to five business days, though some banks take up to two weeks.
When your bank will not let you close online
If your account has a negative balance (you owe the bank money), the bank will not close it until you pay the amount owed. This includes overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or other charges. You must pay this balance before closure can proceed.
If there is a hold on the account—usually because of a dispute, fraud investigation, or a linked loan in default—you cannot close it online. The bank will require you to call or visit a branch to resolve the hold first. Ask the bank specifically what triggered the hold and what you need to do to remove it.
If you have a joint account, both account holders may need to authorize the closure. Some banks allow one person to close it online; others require both to sign off or require an in-person visit.
If you have a business account, a trust account, or an account with a power of attorney, online closure is usually not available. You will need to call or visit a branch with the appropriate documentation.
What happens after you close the account
The account number becomes inactive, but the bank keeps a record of it. If a payment or deposit posts to the account after closure, it will bounce or be returned to the sender. This is why you must redirect direct deposit and cancel automatic payments before closing.
The bank will send you a final statement showing all transactions up to the closure date. Keep this statement and your confirmation number for at least one year. If a charge appears on the account after closure, you will need these documents to dispute it.
Closing an account does not hurt your credit score. However, if you close all your accounts at once, it can make you look riskier to lenders because you have no active credit history. If you are planning to apply for a loan or credit card soon, consider keeping at least one account open.
If you had overdraft protection linked to this account, that protection ends when the account closes. Make sure your other accounts do not rely on it.
Closing multiple accounts or switching banks entirely
If you are closing multiple accounts at the same bank, you may be able to close them all in one session through the website. However, some banks require you to close them one at a time. Check your bank's policy before you start.
If you are switching to a new bank, open the new account first and let it settle for a few days. Transfer money to it, test a deposit or two, and make sure direct deposit is working. Only then close the old account. This prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of money during the transition.
Some banks offer a service to help you move accounts—they will contact your old bank, transfer your balance, and close the old account for you. Ask your new bank whether they offer this service. It is free and can save you time, but you still need to cancel automatic payments yourself.
What to do if you cannot close online
Call the bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. Explain that you want to close the account and ask what documents or steps are required.
If the bank says you must visit a branch, ask whether you can do it at any branch or only at the one where you opened the account. Most banks allow you to close at any branch, but some regional banks or credit unions may require the original branch.
If you are closing because of a problem with the bank—fees, poor service, or a dispute—ask to speak with a supervisor or the customer retention team. They may be able to resolve the issue or waive fees before you close. If you still want to close, get the supervisor's name and reference number for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit?
No, closing a single account does not affect your credit score. However, closing all your accounts at once can lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and your credit history. If you are planning to apply for a loan or credit card within the next few months, keep at least one account open.
What if money is still in the account after I close it?
The bank will not close the account until you move or withdraw all funds. If you submitted a closure request and the account is still open, log back in and check the balance. You may have missed a pending charge or a deposit that has not cleared yet. Once the balance is truly zero, the closure will process.
Can I reopen an account after I close it?
Most banks will let you reopen a closed account within 30 to 90 days by calling customer service or visiting a branch. After that window, you will need to open a new account. Some banks may deny you if you closed the account with a negative balance or due to fraud.
What if a payment bounces after I close the account?
The merchant will receive a returned-payment notice and may charge you a fee. Contact the merchant and provide proof that the account was closed on a specific date. Ask them to resubmit the payment to your new account or to cancel the charge. Keep your closure confirmation number to show the merchant.
Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close an account online or by phone from anywhere. If you must visit a branch, you can go to any branch of that bank, regardless of where you opened the account. Some credit unions may require you to visit a branch in their network, so check your bank's policy first.