The steps to close a bank account, in order
Close your account by calling your bank, visiting a branch, or using online banking—whichever method your bank offers. Before you call or go in, move any remaining money out, set up where your direct deposits will go instead, and check whether you have any pending transactions or automatic payments still tied to that account.
The bank will confirm the account is empty, cancel any debit cards or checks linked to it, and send you written confirmation. This usually takes a few days to a week. Some banks charge a fee if you close the account within a certain window (often 90 to 180 days of opening), so check your account agreement first.
Do not assume the account closes just because you stop using it. Banks keep inactive accounts open and may charge monthly maintenance fees. You have to actively request closure.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before you request closure, because the bank will not close an account with a balance.
- Redirect any direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, refunds) to your new account at least a week before you close the old one.
- Cancel or update any automatic payments or recurring charges that pull from this account, or they will bounce and trigger overdraft fees.
- Get written confirmation of closure from the bank and keep it for your records, in case the account appears on your credit report later.
What to do with money still in the account
Withdraw all remaining funds before you request closure. You can do this at an ATM, at a branch, by transferring to another account you own, or by requesting a cashier's check. If you have a very small balance (under $25 or $50, depending on the bank), some banks will close the account and mail you a check for the remainder, but do not count on this—it is faster and safer to move the money yourself.
If you have a joint account, both account holders must agree to close it. The bank will not close a joint account on one person's request alone. Any remaining balance will typically go to both owners equally unless you specify otherwise in writing.
Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close the account, change the destination for any direct deposits. This includes paychecks, Social Security, tax refunds, unemployment benefits, or pension payments. Contact your employer's payroll department, your benefits provider, or the IRS directly and give them your new account number and routing number. Allow at least one week for the change to take effect, and verify that your first deposit lands in the new account before you close the old one.
Search your account for any automatic payments or recurring charges—subscriptions, insurance premiums, loan payments, utility bills, gym memberships. Call each company or log into their website and update the payment method to your new account or a different payment method. If you miss one and it tries to pull from the closed account, it will bounce and may trigger a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee on your new account.
How to request closure
Contact your bank using the method that works for you. Most banks let you close an account by phone, in person at a branch, or through their online banking portal. Phone is often fastest—you can do it in five minutes. In-person closure at a branch is useful if you want to withdraw cash at the same time or if you have questions about fees.
Have your account number ready. The bank will ask you to confirm the account is empty and may ask why you are closing it (this is optional to answer). They will cancel any debit cards or checks associated with the account and give you a confirmation number. Ask for written confirmation to be mailed or emailed to you.
If your bank charges an early closure fee (common if you opened the account fewer than 90 or 180 days ago), they will tell you the amount. Some banks will waive the fee if you ask, especially if you have been a customer for years. It does not hurt to request a waiver.
What happens after you request closure
The account will close within a few business days to a week. During this time, any checks you have written may still clear, and any pending transactions may still post. Once the account is closed, no new transactions can go through.
The bank will send you written confirmation of closure, usually by mail. Keep this document for your records. If you later see the account on your credit report or if a company tries to charge you for something tied to that account, you can show the bank's closure confirmation as proof that the account no longer exists.
If you had overdraft protection linked to another account, that protection ends when the account closes. Make sure your new primary account has enough buffer to cover any final transactions that post after closure.
Closing a joint account or account with a co-signer
Both account holders must request closure together, either in person or by phone with both people on the call. If one person wants to close the account and the other does not, the bank will not proceed. Your only option is to remove yourself as an account holder and leave the other person with sole ownership, which is different from closing.
If you are a co-signer on someone else's account (you are responsible for the debt but do not own the account), you cannot close it. Only the primary account holder can request closure. You can ask the bank to remove you as a co-signer, but the account itself stays open under the primary holder's name.
What to do if the bank will not close your account
A bank can refuse to close an account if there is still a balance in it, if there are pending transactions, or if there is a dispute or hold on the account. Move any remaining money out, wait for pending transactions to clear, and resolve any holds or disputes before you try again.
If the bank is refusing closure for another reason, ask to speak with a supervisor and request the reason in writing. Banks rarely refuse closure without cause, but if yours does, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator. You can also switch banks and simply stop using the old account, though you will continue to pay any monthly maintenance fees until you formally close it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my bank account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because banks do not report checking or savings accounts to credit bureaus. However, if the account goes into overdraft and the bank sends it to a collection agency, that collection account will appear on your credit report and lower your score. Close the account cleanly by moving your money out first.
What if I close my account and then receive a check made out to that account?
The check will bounce or be returned to the sender because the account no longer exists. If this happens, contact the person or company that sent the check and ask them to issue a new one to your current account. This is why it is important to update direct deposits and recurring payments before closure.
Can I reopen an account I just closed?
Most banks will let you reopen a closed account within 30 to 90 days, though some require you to wait longer or open a new account instead. Call your bank and ask. If you need the account back quickly, opening a new one is usually faster than trying to reopen the old one.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Most banks allow phone or online closure. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash at the same time or if you have questions, but it is not required. Phone closure is usually fastest and takes about five minutes.
What if my bank charges a fee to close the account?
Early closure fees typically apply if you opened the account within 90 to 180 days. The fee is usually $25 to $50. Ask the bank to waive it—many will, especially for long-time customers. If they refuse and you disagree with the fee, you can dispute it or file a complaint with the CFPB.