The basic steps to close a bank account
To close a bank account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through their website—and tell them you want to close it. Before you do, move any money out, set up direct deposits and automatic payments to go somewhere else, and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. The bank will confirm the account is empty, process the closure, and send you written confirmation. The whole thing usually takes a few days to two weeks, depending on whether you do it in a branch or remotely.
Do not just stop using the account and assume it closes on its own. Inactive accounts can rack up monthly fees, and the bank may eventually close it for you—but that happens on their timeline, not yours, and you might not know when it happens. Closing it yourself gives you control and a paper trail.
If you have a joint account, both owners usually have to agree to close it, or one owner can close it unilaterally depending on the bank's rules and your state. Check with your bank first if the account is shared.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before you call the bank, and set up direct deposit and automatic bill payments at your new bank first.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to request closure, and ask for written confirmation once it is complete.
- Check for pending transactions, uncashed checks, and recurring charges that might still be tied to the old account.
- Closing an account yourself takes days to weeks; letting the bank close it for inactivity can take months and may cost you in fees.
- If you have overdraft protection or a linked savings account, ask the bank what happens to those when you close the main account.
Move your money and redirect your payments first
Before you contact the bank, open a new account somewhere else and move your money into it. This includes any balance in the old account, any funds in a linked savings account, and any money in a money market account tied to the checking account. Do not leave a dollar behind—the bank will not forward it, and you will have to call later to retrieve it.
Next, change your direct deposit. Log into your employer's payroll system or contact your HR department and update your bank routing number and account number to point to your new bank. This usually takes one pay cycle to take effect, so do it at least a week before you close the old account if you can.
Go through your recurring bills—utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments, anything that comes out automatically—and update the payment method at each company's website or by calling them. Do not assume the old account will bounce the payment harmlessly; some billers will keep trying, rack up failed-payment fees, and report it to the creditor. Update everything before closure.
Check for any outstanding checks you wrote. If you wrote a check and the recipient has not cashed it yet, that money is still tied to the old account. Ask the recipient to cash it soon, or stop payment on it through the bank and reissue it from the new account.
Contact the bank and confirm the account is empty
Call the bank's customer service line, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking and look for a "close account" option. Some banks let you start the process online; others require a phone call or in-person visit. Have your account number ready.
Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why (you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm that the account balance is zero, and check for any pending transactions or holds. If there are pending transactions, ask when they will clear. Do not close the account until they do, or the bank may charge you an overdraft fee.
Ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the closure by email or mail. This confirmation should include the date the account closed, the final balance, and a statement that no further transactions will be processed. Keep this document for your records.
Watch for fees and holds on linked accounts
Some banks charge a closure fee if you close the account within a certain time frame—often 90 days to a year after opening it. Ask before you close whether there is a fee, and if there is, decide whether to wait or pay it. The fee is usually between $25 and $100.
If you have overdraft protection linked to a savings account, ask what happens when you close the checking account. Some banks automatically close the savings account too; others leave it open. If you want to keep the savings account, make sure the bank knows that before you close the checking account.
If the account is overdrawn—meaning you owe the bank money—you cannot close it until you pay the negative balance. The bank will not let you close an account with a debt attached. Pay the overdraft first, then close.
Timing: how long closure actually takes
If you close the account in person at a branch and the account is empty with no pending transactions, the bank may close it the same day. You will get a receipt, and the account will be gone from your online banking within 24 hours.
If you close by phone or online, closure usually takes three to five business days. The bank has to process the request, confirm the account is empty, and update their systems. During this time, the account still exists but is marked for closure.
If there are pending transactions—a check that has not cleared, a recurring charge that is about to post, a hold from a merchant—the bank will wait for those to clear before finalizing the closure. This can add a week or more.
Do not assume the account is closed just because you asked. Wait for written confirmation before you stop monitoring it. Some banks send confirmation by mail, which can take another week.
What to do if the bank closes your account without asking
Banks can close an account unilaterally if it has been inactive for a long time (usually 12 months or more with no deposits or withdrawals), if you repeatedly overdraft, or if the bank suspects fraud or illegal activity. If this happens, the bank must tell you, usually by mail to your address on file.
If you find out your account was closed and you did not request it, call the bank immediately. Ask why it was closed and whether any money is still in the account. If there is a balance, the bank will either send you a check or let you transfer it to a new account. If the account was closed due to inactivity, the money is yours—the bank cannot keep it.
If the bank closed the account because of suspected fraud or illegal activity, they may freeze the account temporarily while they investigate. You have the right to know what triggered the closure. Ask for an explanation in writing.
Closing a joint account
If the account is in both your names, the rules depend on your bank and your state. Some banks require both owners to sign off on closure; others allow one owner to close it unilaterally. Call the bank and ask what their policy is.
If you are closing a joint account and the other owner does not want it closed, you may not be able to close it without their consent. Your alternative is to remove yourself as an owner and let the other person keep the account, or to split the money and open separate accounts.
If you are closing a joint account because of a divorce or separation, make sure both parties agree on what happens to any remaining balance. Some banks will not close the account until both owners confirm in writing that they agree to the closure and the division of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working immediately or within a few days of closure. You do not have to return it to the bank, but you can if you want to. Shred it or cut it up to be safe. If the card is still active and someone uses it after closure, the transaction will be declined.
Can I reopen an account I just closed?
Yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks let you reopen a closed account within 30 days; others require you to open a brand new account. Call and ask. If you closed it due to a fee or a dispute, the bank may not want to reopen it for you.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Most banks let you close by phone or online. In-person closure is faster if you want same-day confirmation, but it is not required. Ask your bank which methods they offer.
What if I have a pending wire transfer or ACH payment when I close?
Do not close the account until the transfer clears. Pending outgoing transfers will fail if the account is closed, and the money may get stuck in limbo. Wait for the transfer to post, then close.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking or savings accounts.