Both account holders must agree to close the account

You cannot close a joint checking account on your own. Both people named on the account have to consent, and most banks require both signatures on the closure request—either in person, by mail, or through a notarized form. If one account holder refuses to close the account, you are stuck unless a court orders otherwise (which happens in divorce cases or when one party has power of attorney).

The bank's job is to protect both owners equally. From their perspective, closing the account means stopping access for someone who has legal rights to it. That is why they will not let one person unilaterally shut it down, even if that person opened it or contributed most of the money.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must sign off on closure; the bank will not close a joint account for one person alone.
  • You must settle the account balance first—withdraw remaining funds or arrange a final transfer—before the bank will process closure.
  • Contact your bank directly to ask whether they require both signatures in person, by mail, or through a notarized form.
  • After closure, ask the bank for written confirmation and check your credit report to ensure no lingering holds or disputes appear.
  • If the other account holder refuses closure, you may need a court order, which typically requires a lawyer.

Settle the account balance before requesting closure

The bank will not close an account with money still in it. Before you contact them, you and the other account holder need to decide what happens to any remaining balance. This means withdrawing all funds, transferring the money to separate accounts, or splitting it according to whatever agreement you have.

If there is a dispute over who owns what portion of the balance, the bank will freeze the account rather than close it. Resolving that disagreement—whether through conversation, a written agreement, or a court order—has to happen before closure can proceed. Some banks will hold disputed funds for a set period (often 30 to 90 days) while you sort it out.

Contact the bank and request the closure form

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. Tell them you want to close the joint account and ask what documentation they need. Most banks have a specific closure form that both account holders must complete.

Ask whether the bank requires both signatures in person at a branch, by mail with notarized signatures, or through their online banking system. Some banks allow one person to initiate closure online, but will not finalize it without the second person's confirmation—usually a phone call or email verification from the other account holder. Get the exact process in writing so there is no confusion later.

Gather required documents and signatures

Bring or mail the completed closure form along with government-issued photo ID for both account holders. If you are closing the account by mail, both signatures typically need to be notarized—meaning a notary public has to witness the signatures and stamp the form. This costs between $5 and $15 per signature at most banks, UPS stores, or credit unions.

Some banks will accept unnotarized signatures by mail if both people sign and date the form, but they will call to verify before processing. If you are closing in person, bring both IDs and be prepared to sign in front of a bank employee. Do not sign the form before you arrive; the bank may require you to sign in their presence.

Handle any automatic payments or direct deposits

Before the account closes, you need to redirect any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or paycheck deposits that are tied to this account. Log into your online banking or call the companies involved—your employer, insurance provider, utility company, streaming services—and update their payment information with a new account number.

If you miss this step, payments will bounce and you may face overdraft fees or late charges. Some companies take several business days to process the change, so make these updates at least two weeks before you plan to close the account. Check your bank statements from the past three months to catch any recurring charges you might have forgotten about.

Confirm closure in writing and monitor for issues

Once the bank processes the closure, ask for written confirmation. This should include the account number, the date of closure, and a statement that the account is now closed. Keep this document for your records.

After closure, monitor your credit report for the next 30 to 60 days. Occasionally a bank will report a closed account incorrectly, or a creditor will try to charge the account after it no longer exists. If you see any suspicious activity or incorrect reporting, contact the bank immediately with your closure confirmation letter. You can also file a dispute with the credit bureau if an error appears on your credit report.

What to do if the other account holder refuses

If the other person will not sign the closure form and will not cooperate, you have limited options. You can remove yourself from the account instead—ask the bank whether they allow one account holder to withdraw and close their own access while leaving the other person as sole owner. Not all banks offer this, and some require both signatures even for this step.

If you are going through a divorce, a family court can order the account closed as part of the settlement. If there is fraud or abuse involved, contact law enforcement and ask whether they can compel closure. Otherwise, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options, which could include a civil suit to force the closure or recover your portion of the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my half of a joint account without closing the whole thing?

Most banks do not allow this. You can usually remove yourself as an account holder, which leaves the other person as sole owner, but the account itself stays open. Ask your bank whether they offer this option—some do, some do not.

What happens to pending transactions after I close the account?

Transactions that have already been authorized (like a debit card charge that has posted) will go through. Pending transactions may bounce or be rejected. Contact merchants directly if you are unsure whether a charge has posted, and update your payment information with them before closure.

Do I need a lawyer to close a joint account?

Not usually. If both people agree and the balance is settled, the bank handles it. You only need a lawyer if the other account holder refuses, there is a dispute over the funds, or you are involved in a divorce or custody case.

How long does it take to close a joint account?

If both people sign and submit the form in person, closure can happen the same day or within one to three business days. By mail, it typically takes five to ten business days after the bank receives the notarized form.

Will closing the account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on credit reports. However, if the account has an overdraft or unpaid fees that go to collections, that will show up on your credit report.