The three ways to close an RBC savings account

You can close an RBC savings account by visiting a branch in person, calling RBC customer service, or using online banking if your account is set up for it. The fastest method is usually a phone call to RBC's main line at 1-800-769-2511, where a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about what happens to your balance. In-person closure at any RBC branch takes about 15 minutes and gives you a chance to ask about moving money to another bank on the same day.

Before you close, decide what to do with any remaining balance. RBC will not close the account if money is still in it, so you will need to transfer funds out or withdraw cash first. If you have automatic deposits or bill payments tied to this account, those will stop working once the account closes, so plan ahead if you use it for regular transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must withdraw or transfer all money from the account before RBC will close it — the bank will not close an account with a balance.
  • Phone closure at 1-800-769-2511 is usually fastest and requires no branch visit, though you can also close in person at any RBC location.
  • Stop any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers linked to the account at least a few days before you close it to avoid failed transactions.
  • RBC will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks, and the account will be fully closed within that timeframe.
  • If the account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must pay the amount owed before the bank will process the closure.

Prepare your account before calling or visiting

Check your account balance and make sure it is zero or positive. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account or withdraw it as cash. RBC will not close an account that still holds funds, so this step is not optional — you must move the money first.

If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), you owe RBC that amount. Pay the overdraft before you try to close the account. You can do this by transferring money in from another account, making a deposit at a branch, or arranging a payment over the phone with a representative.

Review any automatic transactions tied to this account. Check for recurring bill payments, automatic transfers to other accounts, or direct deposits from your employer or government programs. Cancel or redirect these at least three to five business days before you close the account. If a payment tries to go through after closure, it will fail and may trigger fees for both you and the payee.

Close by phone

Call RBC customer service at 1-800-769-2511 during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time). Have your account number and a piece of government-issued ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, verify that your balance is zero, and process the closure request.

The representative may ask why you are closing the account or offer to discuss other RBC products. You are not required to explain your reason or consider their offers. Once you confirm you want to close, the process takes about five to ten minutes. The representative will give you a reference number for the closure request — write this down in case you need to follow up later.

After the call, the account will be marked for closure in RBC's system. It typically takes one to two weeks for the closure to complete fully. During this time, the account will not accept new transactions, but you may still see it in your online banking until the process finishes.

Close in person at an RBC branch

Visit any RBC branch with your government-issued ID and your account number (or a recent statement). Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.

In-person closure has one advantage: you can withdraw cash or transfer money to another account at the same time if you have not done so already. This means you can complete the entire process in one visit. The teller will give you a receipt or confirmation number, and the account will be closed immediately in the system.

Branches are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check RBC's branch locator on their website to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling to a less common location.

Close through online banking

Some RBC accounts can be closed through online banking, though this option is not available for all account types. Log into your RBC online account and look for account settings or account management options. If a "close account" or "close savings account" link appears, you can use it to start the closure process.

Online closure still requires that your balance be zero and that you have no outstanding holds or overdrafts. The system will walk you through confirming your identity and reviewing any automatic transactions. Once you submit the request, it enters the same queue as phone and in-person closures — the account will close within one to two weeks.

If you do not see a closure option in your online banking, it means your account type requires phone or in-person closure. This is common for certain savings products or accounts with special features. In that case, use the phone or branch method instead.

What happens after you close the account

RBC will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks. This letter will include the date the account was closed and a final statement showing any remaining activity. Keep this letter for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account.

The account will no longer appear in your online banking once the closure is complete. If you see it still listed after two weeks, call customer service to confirm the closure went through. In rare cases, a technical delay can prevent the account from disappearing from your view even though it is closed.

If you closed the account because of a problem — such as fees, poor service, or a data breach — you may want to report the issue to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) or your provincial financial regulator. This is separate from closing the account and does not affect the closure process, but it creates a record if the issue is part of a larger pattern.

What to do if the closure does not go through

If you submitted a closure request and the account is still open after two weeks, call RBC at 1-800-769-2511 with your reference number. The representative can check the status of your request and tell you if there is a hold-up. Common reasons for delays include a pending transaction, an unresolved overdraft, or a technical error in the system.

If RBC tells you there is still a balance in the account, ask for the exact amount and what it is from. Sometimes a small fee or interest charge posts after you think the account is empty. Transfer or withdraw that amount and request closure again.

If the closure is delayed for a reason you do not understand or believe is an error, ask to speak with a supervisor or escalate the issue. You can also file a complaint with the FCAC if RBC is not cooperating or if the delay is causing you harm — for example, if automatic payments are still trying to process and creating overdraft fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my RBC savings account if I have a credit card or loan with RBC?

Yes. Your savings account is separate from any credit products you hold. Closing the savings account will not affect your credit card, line of credit, or loan. However, if you have automatic payments set up to pay your credit card or loan from this savings account, you must redirect those payments before you close the account.

What if I have a joint account — can I close it without the other person?

No. Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. You can call RBC together, visit a branch together, or one person can call with written authorization from the other. RBC will not close a joint account based on one person's request alone.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account has no effect on your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit — not on deposit accounts. You can close a savings account without any impact on your credit.

How long does it take to get my money back if I withdraw it before closing?

If you withdraw cash at a branch, you have the money immediately. If you transfer funds to another bank account, the transfer typically takes one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank. Plan for this timing if you are closing the account and moving money on the same day.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Once an RBC savings account is closed, it cannot be reopened. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account. This is a new account with a new account number, so any automatic transactions or direct deposits will not automatically switch over — you will need to set those up again manually.