How to close your Ally Bank account
You can close your Ally Bank account by calling their customer service line at 1-855-925-2559, visiting an Ally branch in person if you have access to one, or using their online banking platform. The fastest method is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared, transfer or withdraw your remaining balance, and set up direct deposit elsewhere if you receive regular deposits.
Ally will not charge you a fee to close the account. However, if you close within 90 days of opening a new checking or savings account, you may forfeit any promotional bonus you received when you opened it—check your account terms to confirm. Once closed, you will lose access to that account and cannot reopen it under the same account number.
Key Takeaways
- Call Ally customer service at 1-855-925-2559 to close your account over the phone, which is the fastest method for most people.
- Withdraw or transfer your full balance before closing, and confirm all pending transactions have posted to avoid lost funds.
- If you opened the account within the last 90 days and received a promotional bonus, closing may disqualify you from keeping it.
- Update your direct deposit and automatic bill payments at other banks or billers before you close, so you do not miss payments or deposits.
- Ally will send you written confirmation of the closure and a final statement; keep these for your records.
Steps to close your account by phone
Call Ally's customer service line at 1-855-925-2559. You will need your account number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask you why you are closing (this is optional to answer) and confirm your identity by asking security questions or requesting your Social Security number.
The representative will then verify that your account balance is zero or ask you how you want to handle any remaining funds. If you have money in the account, they can transfer it to another bank account you provide, or you can request a check be mailed to you. This process takes one to two business days for transfers and five to seven business days for mailed checks.
Once the representative confirms the closure, ask them to provide a confirmation number and note the date. They will also tell you when you can expect your final statement in the mail. Keep this confirmation number in case you need to reference the closure later.
What to do before you close
Review your account for any pending transactions that have not yet posted. Checks you wrote, transfers you initiated, or automatic bill payments scheduled may still be in process. Wait until these clear before closing, or contact the recipient to cancel them. If you close while transactions are still pending, Ally may have to reopen your account temporarily to process them, which delays the closure.
Update your direct deposit with your employer or benefit provider. Provide them with your new bank account number and routing number so future deposits go to the correct account. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change as soon as you decide to close.
Transfer any automatic bill payments to your new bank account. Log into each biller's website (your credit card company, utility provider, insurance company, loan servicer) and update your payment method. Do not rely on Ally to forward these payments after closure—they will not.
If you have a linked savings account or money market account with Ally, decide whether to close those as well. You can close them in the same call or keep them open if you want to maintain a relationship with the bank.
Handling your remaining balance
If your account has a balance when you close, you have three options: transfer the funds to another bank account, request a check, or ask Ally to hold the funds temporarily while you arrange a transfer method.
A transfer to another bank account is the fastest option. Provide the representative with the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Ally will initiate an ACH transfer, which typically posts within one to two business days. Make sure you have the correct routing number—an error will delay the transfer and may require you to contact both banks to recover the funds.
If you request a check, Ally will mail it to the address on file. This takes five to seven business days for the check to arrive, and you will then need to deposit it at your new bank. Write the check amount down and keep the confirmation number so you can track it if it does not arrive.
Promotional bonuses and early closure
If you opened your account within the last 90 days and received a promotional bonus (such as $100 or $200 for meeting deposit requirements), closing your account may cause you to forfeit that bonus. Ally's terms vary by promotion, so check your account welcome email or the promotion details before you close.
If you are within the 90-day window and want to keep the bonus, wait until the 90 days have passed before closing. The bonus is usually deposited into your account automatically once you meet the requirements, but it may take 30 to 60 days to appear. Confirm that the bonus has posted to your account before you close.
After your account is closed
Ally will send you a final statement showing all transactions up to the closure date and confirming that your balance is zero. This statement arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. Keep this statement for your records, especially if you closed because of a dispute or error.
You will no longer be able to log into your online banking account or use your Ally debit card. Destroy your debit card by cutting it in half or shredding it. If you have checks linked to the account, stop using them immediately—any checks that clear after closure may be rejected or cause problems.
If you receive mail from Ally after closure, it is usually a final statement or tax document (such as a 1099-INT if you earned interest). Keep these for your tax records. If you receive bills or notices related to the account after closure, contact Ally to clarify, as this may indicate a pending transaction or error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Ally account online without calling?
Ally does not offer account closure through their online banking platform. You must call customer service at 1-855-925-2559 or visit a branch in person. Phone closure is faster and available during extended hours, including weekends.
What happens to my debit card after I close my account?
Your debit card will stop working immediately after closure. Cut it in half or shred it to prevent unauthorized use. If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted, they may be rejected after the account closes.
How long does it take to close an Ally account?
The phone call itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a balance, transferring funds to another bank takes one to two business days. Receiving a mailed check takes five to seven business days. Your final statement arrives within 10 to 14 business days.
Will I lose my promotional bonus if I close early?
If you close within 90 days of opening the account, you may forfeit any promotional bonus. Check your account terms or the promotion email to confirm the 90-day window. If the bonus has already posted to your account, you usually keep it even if you close early.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Ally will close the account. You can transfer funds from another bank to cover it, or ask the representative how to pay. Overdraft fees may apply depending on how long the account has been negative.