The basic steps to close a First Horizon account

To close a First Horizon Bank account, you have three options: visit a branch in person, call their customer service line, or use online banking if the option is available for your account type. The fastest route is usually a branch visit, where a banker can process the closure immediately and answer questions about your balance and any pending transactions. If you go by phone, have your account number and ID ready — the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged to withdraw or transfer any remaining funds. First Horizon will not close an account with money still in it. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you must cancel or redirect those before closing, or they will fail after the account shuts down.

After closure, First Horizon will send you a final statement showing the account is closed. Keep this for your records. If you had a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a First Horizon account by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using online banking, depending on your account type.
  • Your account balance must be zero before First Horizon will close the account — withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before you close, or they will fail.
  • First Horizon will send a final statement after closure; keep it as proof the account is closed.
  • Any debit card tied to the account will stop working once the account closes.

Preparing your account before closure

Start by reviewing your account for any pending transactions or scheduled payments. Log into online banking or call First Horizon at 1-800-480-2265 to check for automatic bill payments, recurring charges, or ACH transfers that are still active. These will fail once the account closes, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions with the companies you pay.

If you have direct deposit set up — for payroll, Social Security, or other regular income — contact your employer or the agency sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number if you are moving to another bank. Do not rely on First Horizon to forward deposits; they will bounce back to the sender, and you may miss a payment cycle.

Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance to another account. If you are moving to a different bank, you can set up an external transfer through First Horizon's online banking or ask a banker to do it in person. If you are keeping cash, you can withdraw it at any First Horizon branch or ATM.

Closing in person at a branch

Bring your ID and debit card to any First Horizon branch during business hours. Tell the banker you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Ask the banker for written confirmation of the closure — some branches print it immediately, others mail it. If you do not receive it in the branch, request the confirmation number so you can follow up if needed. Keep any paperwork they give you.

If you have a safety deposit box or other services tied to the account, mention that now. The banker can help you close those at the same time or explain what happens to them.

Closing by phone or online

Call First Horizon customer service at 1-800-480-2265. Have your account number, routing number, and ID ready. Tell them you want to close the account. They will confirm your balance is zero, ask why you are closing (optional to answer), and process the closure. The call takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Ask for a confirmation number and request that they email or mail you written confirmation of the closure. Write down the confirmation number and the date and time of the call. If you do not receive written confirmation within a few days, call back and reference the confirmation number.

Some First Horizon account types allow you to close online through their banking portal. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and follow the prompts. Not all account types support online closure, so if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch.

What happens after you close the account

First Horizon will send you a final statement within one to two billing cycles showing the account is closed. This statement is your proof of closure — keep it for at least one year. If you need to prove the account is closed for any reason (disputing a charge, applying for credit, or resolving a payment issue), this statement is what you show.

Any checks you wrote from the account before closure may still clear if they have not been deposited yet. First Horizon will honor them as long as the account had funds when you closed it. After closure, any new checks or payments attempted against the account will be rejected.

If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, those connections end when the checking account closes. Make sure you do not need those services before you proceed.

If you need to reopen the account

If you close your account and then realize you need it back, you can usually reopen it within 30 days by visiting a branch or calling customer service. After 30 days, First Horizon treats it as a new account, which means a new account number and a new application process. There is no fee to reopen within 30 days, but after that you may face a new account setup or may need to meet minimum balance requirements again.

If you closed because of a problem with the bank — fees, service, or a dispute — contact First Horizon's customer service or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov before reopening. This creates a record if the issue happens again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a pending check or automatic payment after I close?

Checks written before closure may still clear if they are deposited within 30 days. Automatic payments and recurring charges will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can trigger late fees. Cancel all recurring payments before you close to avoid this.

Can I close the account if I still owe First Horizon money?

If you have overdraft fees or other charges owed to First Horizon, the bank will deduct them from your balance before closure. If the fees exceed your balance, you will owe First Horizon the difference. Settle any debt before closing to avoid collection action.

Do I need to close my debit card separately?

No. When you close the account, the debit card stops working automatically. You do not need to call to cancel the card separately, but you can destroy it once the account is closed.

How long does it take for the account to actually close?

The closure is processed immediately in-branch or by phone. However, it may take one to two business days for the account to fully close in First Horizon's system, and another one to two weeks for the final statement to arrive.

What if First Horizon keeps charging me after I close?

Contact First Horizon immediately at 1-800-480-2265 and provide your confirmation number. If charges continue, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov. Keep your final statement and all correspondence as proof the account was closed.