Call Citizens Bank or visit a branch to close your savings account
The fastest way to close a Citizens Bank savings account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-922-9999 or visit a branch in person. You will need your account number and a form of identification. Citizens Bank will ask you how you want to handle any remaining balance — they can transfer it to another account, issue a check, or arrange a wire transfer.
If you close the account in person, bring your ID and ask the teller to process the closure immediately. The account typically closes that day. If you call, the process takes a few business days because Citizens Bank needs to verify your identity over the phone and process the paperwork.
Do not close the account until you have moved any automatic deposits or payments elsewhere. If a paycheck or bill payment tries to hit a closed account, it will be rejected and may trigger overdraft fees or late payment penalties on the bill side.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-922-9999 or walk into a Citizens Bank branch with your ID and account number to start the closure process.
- You must decide before closing whether to receive your remaining balance as a transfer to another account, a check, or a wire transfer.
- Redirect any automatic deposits, paycheck direct deposits, or bill payments to a different account before you close, or they will fail.
- In-branch closures usually complete the same day; phone closures take a few business days.
- After closure, keep your final statement and any confirmation number Citizens Bank provides in case you need proof the account was closed.
Prepare your account before you call or visit
Before you contact Citizens Bank, log into your online account or call to check your current balance and review what automatic transactions are set up. Look for direct deposits from your employer, Social Security, or other regular income. Also check for automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers you have scheduled.
Change the destination for any automatic deposits at least one week before you close the account. If your paycheck goes to this savings account, update your employer's payroll system to send it to your new bank instead. If you receive Social Security or other government benefits, update your direct deposit information through the relevant agency.
For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, etc.) and change the payment account to your new bank. Do not rely on Citizens Bank to forward these payments — they will not.
What happens to your remaining balance
Citizens Bank will not close your account if there is money in it. You must move that balance somewhere. The three options are: transfer to another Citizens Bank account you own, transfer to an external bank account, or receive a check in the mail.
A transfer to another Citizens Bank account (checking, money market, or savings) is the fastest — it usually posts within one business day. A transfer to an external bank account takes two to five business days depending on the receiving bank. A check takes five to ten business days to arrive by mail, and you have to deposit it yourself.
If your balance is very small (under $25), Citizens Bank may ask if you want to donate it or may close the account with a final check for that amount. Ask the representative what the minimum is before you proceed.
Closing in person versus by phone
In-person closure at a Citizens Bank branch is the clearest option because you walk out knowing it is done. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your account number. The teller will verify your identity, confirm how you want to receive your balance, and process the closure on the spot. You will receive a receipt or confirmation number.
Phone closure through 1-800-922-9999 works if you cannot reach a branch, but it takes longer. Citizens Bank will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you hang up, the closure request goes into their system and completes within two to three business days. You will receive a confirmation by mail or email depending on your account settings.
If you use online banking, check whether Citizens Bank offers account closure through their app or website. Some banks allow this, though most still require a phone call or branch visit for savings accounts.
What to do if you have a negative balance or hold
If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), Citizens Bank will not close it until you deposit enough money to bring it to zero. Pay the overdraft amount plus any overdraft fees before you attempt closure. Once the balance is positive, you can proceed with closing.
If Citizens Bank has placed a hold on your account — usually because of suspected fraud, a legal judgment, or a tax levy — you cannot close it until the hold is lifted. Call customer service to find out why the hold is there and what you need to do to remove it. This may require documentation, a court order, or payment to a creditor.
After your account is closed
Once Citizens Bank confirms the closure, the account is closed and cannot be reopened. Any checks or debit cards linked to that account will stop working. If you have checks still in circulation, they will bounce if someone tries to deposit them after closure.
Keep your final statement and any closure confirmation number Citizens Bank provides. If a payment or deposit tries to hit the closed account in the weeks after closure, you will need proof that the account was closed to dispute any resulting fees or penalties.
If you opened the account with a promotional offer (such as a cash bonus), closing it may affect whether you can open another Citizens Bank account and receive that bonus again. Some banks have rules about how long you must wait before opening a new account with them. Ask about this before you close if you think you might bank with Citizens Bank again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Citizens Bank savings account online?
Most Citizens Bank customers must close accounts by phone or in person. Check your online banking portal to see if a closure option appears under account settings — some regions or account types may allow it, but it is not standard. If you do not see the option, call 1-800-922-9999.
What if I have pending transactions when I close?
Pending transactions (charges that have not yet posted) may still process after you close the account. If they do, they will bounce and may trigger overdraft fees. Contact Citizens Bank to ask which pending transactions are still in the system and wait for them to post or cancel before you close, or keep a small balance to cover them.
How long does it take to close a Citizens Bank savings account?
In-branch closure is immediate — you leave with confirmation the same day. Phone closure takes two to three business days from the time you call. Mail-in checks take an additional five to ten business days to arrive after the account is closed.
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit?
Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts (credit cards, loans, lines of credit), not deposit accounts. Closing a Citizens Bank savings account has no impact on your credit report or score.
What if Citizens Bank sends me mail after I close the account?
Write "account closed" on any mail Citizens Bank sends and return it, or call 1-800-922-9999 to ask them to remove your address from their mailing list. If you receive a bill or notice related to the closed account, contact them immediately to clarify that the account no longer exists.