Most banks let you close an account through their website or app, but the process varies by bank and account type
You can close many checking and savings accounts online without visiting a branch or calling. The steps differ depending on whether your bank offers full online closure or requires you to finish the process by phone or in person. Some banks close accounts immediately; others take a few business days. Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero—transfer or withdraw remaining money first—and check whether you have any pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits still linked to the account.
The fastest way to learn about your bank supports online closure is to log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option. If you cannot find it, your bank may require you to call or visit a branch. A few banks do not allow online closure at all, particularly for accounts with outstanding balances or fraud holds.
Key Takeaways
- Empty your account completely before closing—transfer or withdraw all remaining funds, as most banks will not close an account with a balance.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the account at least a week before closure to avoid failed transactions.
- Check your bank's website or app for a "Close Account" option under settings; if it does not appear, your bank may require a phone call or branch visit.
- Keep a record of the closure confirmation number and date for your records, in case disputes arise later.
- Some banks take several business days to fully close an account even after you submit the request online.
Steps to close your account through your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and navigate to the account settings or account management section. This is usually found under a menu labeled "Settings," "Preferences," "Account," or "My Accounts." Look for an option that says "Close Account," "Deactivate Account," or "Close This Account." Click it and follow the prompts.
The bank will typically ask you to confirm your identity and may require you to answer security questions or verify your phone number. You will then see a summary of the account details and any remaining balance. If there is money in the account, you must transfer it out or withdraw it before you can proceed. Some banks will not let you move forward until the balance is exactly zero.
After you confirm the closure, the bank will display a confirmation number and the date the account will close. Write this down or take a screenshot. The account may close immediately or within one to three business days, depending on the bank. You should receive a confirmation email as well.
Steps to close your account through your bank's mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and sign in. Tap the account you want to close, then look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or three dots) or a "Settings" option. Select "Account Settings" or "Manage Account."
Scroll down to find "Close Account" or a similar option. Tap it and follow the same verification steps as the website: confirm your identity, answer security questions if prompted, and ensure your balance is zero. The app will show you a confirmation number once the request is submitted.
Mobile app closures work the same way as website closures—the account closes on the timeline the bank specifies, and you will receive a confirmation email. Keep the confirmation number for your records.
What to do before you submit the closure request
Stop all automatic payments at least one week before you close the account. Log into any services that pull money from this account—utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments, gym memberships—and update them to use a different payment method or account. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Redirect any direct deposits to a new account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number. Direct deposits can take one or two pay cycles to update, so make this change well before you close the old account.
Withdraw or transfer all remaining money. Use an ATM, mobile check deposit, or an online transfer to move funds to another account at the same bank or a different bank. Some banks charge a fee to transfer money out, so check your account agreement first. Once the balance is zero, you are ready to close.
Check for any outstanding checks you have written. If you wrote checks that have not cleared yet, wait until they do before closing the account. If you close before they clear, the checks may bounce and you could face overdraft fees or legal trouble.
What happens after you close your account online
The account will no longer accept deposits or withdrawals. Any attempt to use the debit card, write a check, or set up a new automatic payment will fail. The bank will send you a final statement showing all activity up to the closure date.
You will still be responsible for any fees or charges that post after closure if they relate to activity before the account closed. For example, if a check bounces after you close the account, you may still owe an overdraft fee. Review your final statement carefully when it arrives.
Keep your confirmation number and closure date for at least one year. If a payment fails or a dispute arises, you will need proof that the account was closed and when. Some banks keep records of closed accounts for seven years, but you should not rely on that—store your own copy.
When online closure is not available
Some banks do not offer online account closure. If you log in and cannot find a "Close Account" option, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can close the account over the phone. You will still need to empty the account first and stop automatic payments.
Certain account types may require in-person closure: joint accounts sometimes need both account holders present, accounts with fraud holds or disputes may need a branch visit, and some business accounts cannot be closed online. If your bank tells you that you must visit a branch, ask whether they can close it by phone instead—many will make an exception if you explain your situation.
If you are closing an account because of a problem with the bank—fraud, unauthorized charges, poor service—ask to speak with a supervisor before you close. They may be able to resolve the issue and keep your account open. If you still want to close, document the reason in writing and keep a copy for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?
Most banks will not let you close an account with pending transactions. Wait for all pending charges and deposits to clear before you submit the closure request. This usually takes one to three business days. If a transaction is stuck in pending status for more than a week, contact your bank to have it cleared or cancelled.
What if I close my account and then receive a check made out to me?
You can still cash or deposit a check after your account closes. Take it to the bank that issued it, a check-cashing service, or deposit it at another bank. The closed account will not prevent you from cashing a check in your name.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history. Bank accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close an account and a payment fails because of it, that failure could hurt your score if it is reported to credit bureaus.
How long does it take for my account to fully close after I submit the request online?
Most banks close accounts within one to three business days of your online request. Some close immediately. Check your confirmation email or the confirmation number screen to see the exact date your bank will close the account. If the account is still open after that date, contact customer service.
Can I reopen an account I closed online?
Most banks will let you reopen a closed account within a certain window—usually 30 to 90 days—without a new application. After that window closes, you will need to open a new account. Contact your bank to ask about their specific policy before you close.