The basic process: what you need to do
To close a bank account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person at a branch, or through their website—and tell them you want to close the account. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity, tell you the balance, and ask what to do with any remaining money. You then need to move that money out (by transfer or withdrawal), make sure no automatic payments are still pulling from the account, and wait for written confirmation that the account is closed. The whole process usually takes a few days to two weeks.
You do not need a reason to close an account, and the bank cannot force you to keep it open. However, if you have an outstanding balance—money you owe the bank—they will not close it until that debt is settled. If you have a joint account, both account holders usually need to agree, though rules vary by bank.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online and request account closure; you will need to provide your account number and confirm your identity.
- Move any remaining balance out of the account before closure, either by transfer to another account or by withdrawal.
- Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account to avoid failed transactions.
- Ask the bank for written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records, in case disputes arise later.
- If you have a joint account, both owners typically must consent to closure, though some banks allow one owner to close their share.
Step 1: Gather your account information and contact the bank
Before you call or visit, have your account number ready. You can find it on a check, your debit card, or a recent statement. When you contact the bank, be prepared to verify your identity—they will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
You can close an account through multiple channels: call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website, visit a branch in person, or use online banking if your bank offers account closure through their portal. In-person closure at a branch is often fastest if you have a local branch, because the banker can handle everything in one conversation and give you a receipt on the spot.
Step 2: Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance
The bank will tell you your current balance when you request closure. You must move this money out of the account before it closes. You have two options: withdraw the money in cash at a branch or ATM, or transfer it to another bank account you own.
If the balance is large, a transfer is safer than carrying cash. You can set up a one-time transfer to another account at the same bank or a different bank using your routing number and account number. If you are closing the account because you are switching banks entirely, transfer the balance to your new bank's account. If you have a small balance and want it in cash, you can withdraw it at any ATM or teller window.
Step 3: Stop automatic payments and redirect direct deposits
Before the account closes, you must cancel or move any automatic payments, subscriptions, or recurring charges tied to that account. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, loan payments, gym memberships, streaming services, or any other regular charge. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will fail, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Similarly, if your paycheck or other regular deposits (like Social Security or pension payments) go to this account, you need to update the deposit information with your employer or the paying agency. Contact your employer's payroll department or log into your account on the government website to change the routing and account number to your new bank. This change usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
Step 4: Confirm closure and get written proof
After you have moved your money out and stopped all automatic activity, the bank will process the closure. Ask the bank for a written confirmation—either a letter, an email, or a printout from their system—that shows the account is closed and the date it closed. Keep this document for your records.
The bank should also tell you whether they will send a final statement. Some banks mail a closing statement; others make it available online only. If you do not receive one within a few weeks, log into your online banking or call customer service to request it. A final statement is useful proof that the account is settled and closed, especially if a charge or deposit shows up later.
What happens if you have outstanding debt on the account
If you owe the bank money—such as overdraft fees, a negative balance, or an unpaid loan—the bank will not close the account until the debt is paid. The bank may also freeze the account to prevent further withdrawals. You will need to pay the full amount owed before closure can proceed.
If you cannot pay the full amount immediately, contact the bank to discuss a payment plan. Some banks will work with you on a schedule; others may refer the debt to a collection agency if you do not pay. Closing an account does not erase the debt—the bank can still pursue collection even after the account is closed.
Closing a joint account: both owners must usually agree
If the account is held jointly with another person, most banks require both account holders to request closure together or in writing. This protects both owners from one person closing the account without the other's knowledge. If you and the other owner disagree about closure, the bank will not close it.
Some banks allow one owner to remove their name from a joint account without closing it entirely, which converts it to a single-owner account. If you want to separate your finances but the other owner wants to keep the account open, ask the bank whether this option is available. The process and requirements vary by bank and by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close a bank account?
Most banks close an account within a few days to two weeks after you request it. If you close in person at a branch and move your money out immediately, it can happen the same day. If you close by phone or online, it usually takes three to five business days. If there are pending transactions or disputes, closure may take longer.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score because banks do not report checking or savings account closures to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts. However, if you have an outstanding debt on the account, that debt can still be reported and affect your score.
What if I close my account and then a check I wrote bounces?
If you close the account and a check is presented after closure, it will bounce. The person who received the check may charge you a returned check fee, and you may face legal liability if the check was for a debt. To avoid this, wait until you are certain all checks you have written have cleared before closing the account, or redirect the account to a new one instead of closing it entirely.
Can I reopen a closed account?
It depends on the bank and how long ago it was closed. Some banks allow you to reopen an account within a certain period (often 30 to 90 days) without a new application. Others treat a closed account as permanent and require you to open a new account if you want to bank with them again. Contact your bank to ask whether reopening is possible.
What should I do if the bank says they cannot close my account?
If the bank refuses to close your account, ask why. Common reasons are an outstanding balance, pending transactions, or a joint account holder who has not consented. If the reason is a debt, pay it and request closure again. If it is a joint account issue, both owners need to contact the bank together. If the bank is still refusing without a valid reason, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's banking regulator.