Close your Citizens Bank account by phone, in person, or online depending on your account type
Citizens Bank lets you close most checking and savings accounts by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if your account type supports it. The fastest route is usually a phone call to 1-800-922-9999, where you can request closure and ask about any remaining balance or pending transactions. If you have a mortgage, investment account, or credit card with Citizens, those close through different departments or may require separate steps.
Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account are moved to another bank. Citizens will not automatically redirect these, and missed payments or lost deposits can create problems weeks after closure. You should also verify your account balance and request a final statement for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 to close a checking or savings account; have your account number ready.
- Stop all automatic bill payments and direct deposits before closure, or they will fail after the account closes.
- Ask the representative whether you have any outstanding checks or pending transactions that need to clear first.
- Request a final statement and confirmation of closure in writing, and keep it for your records.
- If you have a Citizens credit card or mortgage, those accounts close separately and may require different contact methods.
What to do before you call Citizens Bank
Log into your Citizens Bank account online or through the mobile app and review your recent transactions. Look for any automatic payments, subscriptions, or recurring charges that are still active. Common ones include insurance premiums, utility bills, loan payments, and streaming services. Write down which ones are tied to this account so you can move them to your new bank before closure.
Check whether you have any direct deposits set up—paychecks, government benefits, or transfers from other accounts. Contact your employer, benefits administrator, or the sending bank and provide them with your new account details. This usually takes a few business days to update, so do this at least a week before you plan to close.
Verify your current balance and make sure there are no holds or pending transactions. If your balance is very low or zero, you may be able to close immediately. If you have money in the account, Citizens will either send you a check, transfer it to another account you provide, or let you withdraw it in person at a branch.
How to close your account by phone
Call 1-800-922-9999 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, with limited weekend hours). Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask why you are closing—this is routine and does not affect your ability to close.
Tell the representative you want to close the account and ask them to confirm that there are no pending transactions, automatic payments, or holds. Ask what will happen to your remaining balance—whether they will mail a check, transfer it to another account, or hold it for pickup. Request written confirmation of the closure, including the date it takes effect. Some accounts close immediately; others may take one to three business days.
After you hang up, note the date and time of your call and the name of the representative if they provided it. This information is useful if you need to follow up or if a payment fails after closure.
Closing your account in person at a Citizens Bank branch
Find your nearest Citizens Bank branch using the branch locator on their website or by calling customer service. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your account number. If you have a large balance, call ahead to confirm the branch can process a withdrawal or transfer that day.
Tell the teller you want to close your account. They will review your account for pending transactions and automatic payments, just as a phone representative would. If you have money in the account, you can withdraw it as cash, request a cashier's check, or have it transferred to another bank account. The teller will provide you with a receipt and closure confirmation.
In-person closure is often the fastest option because everything happens in real time and you leave with written proof. However, not all Citizens Bank locations may be convenient to you, and branch hours are limited.
Closing accounts online or through the mobile app
Some Citizens Bank account types allow you to request closure through online banking or the mobile app. Log in, navigate to account settings or account management, and look for a "close account" or "account closure" option. Not all account types support this—if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review any pending transactions. You will typically be asked where to send your remaining balance. After you submit the request, you should receive an email confirmation. However, you may still need to call to confirm closure or to handle automatic payments that the system does not catch.
What happens to your money and how long closure takes
Citizens Bank will not charge you a fee to close your account. If you have money in the account, you have three options: receive a check mailed to your address on file (usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days), transfer it to another bank account (typically 1 to 3 business days), or withdraw it in cash at a branch (immediate).
Account closure itself usually takes 1 to 3 business days after you request it. During this time, the account is still open and can receive deposits or process outstanding checks. After the closure date, no new transactions can post to the account. If an automatic payment or direct deposit attempts to hit the account after closure, it will fail, and the sender will receive a rejection notice.
Keep your final statement and closure confirmation for at least one year. If a payment fails or a dispute arises later, you will need proof that the account was closed on a specific date.
Closing credit cards and other Citizens Bank products separately
If you have a Citizens Bank credit card, that closes separately from your checking or savings account. Call the number on the back of your card or 1-800-922-9999 and ask to speak with the credit card department. Pay off any balance first, then request closure. The card will be deactivated immediately, but the account may remain open for billing purposes for 30 to 60 days.
Citizens Bank mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and investment accounts also close through different departments. If you have any of these products, ask the representative during your account closure call whether they need separate closure requests. Some may require you to contact a specific department or complete additional paperwork.
What to do if automatic payments fail after closure
If a bill payment or automatic transfer fails because your Citizens Bank account is closed, the sender will typically receive a rejection code. Contact the company or organization that tried to charge you and provide them with your new bank account information. Most will resubmit the payment within a few business days once you update your account.
If a payment fails and causes a late fee or penalty, contact the creditor and explain that your account was closed. Many will waive a single late fee if you can show that the failure was due to account closure on your end, not a missed payment. Keep your closure confirmation handy when you make this call.
For government benefits or payroll direct deposits that fail, contact your benefits administrator or employer immediately. They can resubmit the deposit to your new account, and most will backdate the payment if the delay was caused by account closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Citizens Bank account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Citizens Bank account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Citizens may flag your history and require additional documentation. If you simply closed it to move banks, reopening is straightforward—just visit a branch or call customer service.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
You cannot close the account until the negative balance is paid. Transfer money from another account or deposit cash at a branch to bring the balance to zero, then request closure. If you do not pay the negative balance, Citizens may send it to collections.
How long does Citizens Bank keep my account records after closure?
Citizens Bank keeps closed account records for at least seven years for regulatory reasons. You can request copies of statements or transaction history by calling customer service, even after the account is closed. There may be a fee for records older than one year.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it all by phone?
You can close most Citizens Bank accounts entirely by phone. In-person closure is faster if you need to withdraw cash or handle a large balance, but it is not required. Phone closure works for the vast majority of customers.
What if I have pending checks that have not cleared yet?
Ask the Citizens Bank representative whether any checks are still outstanding before you close. If checks are pending, they may ask you to wait until they clear, or they may allow closure and honor the checks after the account closes. Confirm this in writing so you know whether your checks will go through.