Call Ally's customer service line to start the closure process
The fastest way to close an Ally Bank account is to call their customer service team at 1-855-925-9500. They handle account closures directly and can walk you through what happens next. Have your account number ready when you call.
Ally does not offer account closure through their online banking portal or mobile app. You must speak to a representative by phone. Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
When you call, tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask why you are closing it (though you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and explain what you need to do before the account closes.
Key Takeaways
- Call Ally at 1-855-925-9500 to request closure; online or app closure is not available.
- Withdraw or transfer all money from your account before closure, or Ally will send you a check for any remaining balance.
- Cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account at least a few days before closure.
- The account typically closes within 5 to 10 business days after you call, though the exact timeline depends on your account type and any pending transactions.
- If you have a loan with Ally, closing your deposit account does not close the loan; you must handle that separately.
Move your money out before the account closes
Before you close the account, withdraw all funds or transfer them to another bank. You can transfer money online to an external account through Ally's banking portal, or withdraw cash at an ATM if you have an Ally debit card.
If money remains in the account when it closes, Ally will mail you a check for the balance. This adds time to the process and means you will not have immediate access to the funds. It is simpler to move the money yourself.
If you have a savings account earning interest, any interest accrued up to the closure date will be included in your final balance. Ally calculates this and includes it in the amount you transfer or receive by check.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close the account, cancel or redirect any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or other recurring transactions tied to the account. Log into your online banking and review your recent transactions to see what is set to come out automatically.
Contact each company or service that pulls money from your Ally account and update your payment method. This includes utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions, and any other recurring charges. Do this at least 3 to 5 business days before you plan to close the account.
If you receive direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), update your employer or the paying agency with your new bank account information. A direct deposit sent to a closed account will be returned, and you may face delays getting the money reissued.
What happens to linked services and cards
If you have an Ally debit card, it will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to do anything special to deactivate it, but you can request that Ally destroy the card during your closure call if you prefer.
If you use Ally's bill pay service, those payment instructions will be cancelled when the account closes. Any bill payments you have scheduled will not go through, so make sure you have redirected those payments to another account or method.
If you have a linked Ally loan (auto loan, personal loan, or line of credit), closing your deposit account does not affect the loan. You will still owe the balance and must continue making payments. Contact Ally separately if you want to close a loan account.
Timing and what to expect after you call
After you call and request closure, Ally will process the request. Most checking and savings accounts close within 5 to 10 business days. The exact timeline depends on whether there are any pending transactions, holds, or other activity on the account.
You will receive a final statement by mail or email (depending on your preference) showing the account closure date and your final balance. Keep this for your records.
If you have a negative balance or owe Ally money, the closure process may take longer while they resolve the debt. If you have overdraft protection linked to another account, that may also affect the timeline.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must request closure or one person must have power of attorney. Call Ally and ask what documentation they need. Usually, both people can call separately to request closure, or one person can call with the other person on the line to authorize it.
When a joint account closes, any remaining balance is typically split equally between the owners unless you specify otherwise. Discuss this with the other account holder before you call Ally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Ally account online?
No. Ally does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service at 1-855-925-9500 to close an account. This is the only method available.
What if I have a negative balance when I close my account?
If you owe Ally money (overdraft or other debt), you must pay the balance before closure or Ally will not close the account. Contact customer service to discuss payment options if you cannot pay the full amount immediately.
Will closing my Ally account hurt my credit score?
Closing a deposit account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not deposit accounts. Closing an Ally checking or savings account has no impact on your credit.
How long does it take to receive a check if I have a remaining balance?
Ally typically mails a check within 5 to 10 business days after the account closes. Depending on mail delivery in your area, you may receive it within 1 to 2 weeks. It is faster to transfer the money yourself before closure.
Do I need to close my Ally loan if I close my deposit account?
No. Closing your Ally deposit account does not close any loans you have with Ally. If you want to close a loan, you must contact Ally separately. Loans and deposit accounts are separate products and are managed independently.