How to close a Discover Bank account
You can close a Discover Bank account by calling their customer service line at 1-800-347-2000, logging into your online account and requesting closure through the message center, or visiting a Discover branch in person if one is near you. The phone route is fastest — most closures take five to ten minutes once you reach a representative. You do not need a reason to close, and Discover will not charge you a fee for closing.
Before you call, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, Discover will mail you a check within five to seven business days after closure. If you owe money — through overdrafts or other charges — you must settle that balance first. Once the account is closed, you lose access to any linked debit card, online banking, and bill pay features tied to that account.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-347-2000 to close your account by phone, which is the fastest method and takes about five to ten minutes.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure; Discover will mail any remaining funds as a check within five to seven business days.
- Any outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or other charges must be paid before the account can be closed.
- Your debit card will stop working immediately after closure, so plan ahead if you use it for recurring payments or subscriptions.
- Request written confirmation of closure once the process is complete, so you have proof the account is closed.
What to do before you call
Transfer any remaining money out of your Discover account to another bank account you control. You can do this through an external transfer using your routing and account number, or by requesting a check from Discover. If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up with this account, change those to your new account now — do not wait until after closure.
Check your account for any pending transactions or holds. If you have a debit card linked to the account, you can destroy it after closure, but Discover will deactivate it automatically. If you have a Discover savings account or money market account in addition to a checking account, you will need to close each one separately.
Closing by phone
Call 1-800-347-2000 during business hours. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm your identity, verify the account balance is zero, and process the closure. The entire call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and request that they email or mail you written confirmation of the closure. Write down the date, time, and representative's name. This documentation protects you if there are any disputes later about whether the account was actually closed.
Closing through online banking
Log into your Discover Bank account on their website or mobile app. Look for account settings or account management options, usually found in a menu labeled "Settings" or "Profile." Some accounts allow you to request closure directly through a message to customer service. Send a message stating you want to close the account and include your account number.
Discover will respond within one to two business days with instructions or confirmation. This method leaves a written record of your request, but it is slower than calling. If you do not receive a response within two business days, call customer service to confirm your request was received.
What happens after closure
Your debit card stops working immediately. Any recurring charges or subscriptions tied to this account will fail, so make sure you have updated those with a new payment method beforehand. If you have pending checks you wrote from this account, they may still clear for up to 30 days after closure — Discover will honor them if funds are available, though this is rare once an account is closed.
If you had a positive balance, Discover will mail a check to the address on file within five to seven business days. If the check is lost or you do not receive it, contact Discover and they can issue a replacement. Keep your account closed confirmation for your records for at least one year.
If you have an outstanding balance
You cannot close an account with a negative balance. If you owe money due to overdrafts, returned checks, or other fees, you must pay that amount first. Contact Discover to find out the exact amount owed, then make a payment by phone, through online banking, or by mailing a check to their payment address.
Once the balance is paid in full, call back to close the account. If you are having trouble paying, contact Discover to discuss payment options before attempting closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because bank accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close an account with an outstanding balance that goes unpaid, Discover may report it to a collection agency, which would hurt your credit. Pay any balance before closing.
Can I reopen a closed Discover Bank account?
You can open a new Discover Bank account at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. The old account number will not be reactivated. You will need to go through the new account opening process again, which takes a few minutes online or by phone.
What if I have checks still pending when I close?
Checks you wrote before closure may still clear for up to 30 days afterward if Discover honors them. Discover will attempt to pay them from any remaining balance, but once the account is closed and empty, checks will bounce. Contact anyone you wrote checks to and provide an alternative payment method.
Do I need to close my account in person?
No. Discover Bank does not require in-person closure. Phone and online methods are faster and just as valid. In-person closure is only an option if you live near a Discover branch, which is rare since most Discover locations are limited to certain areas.
How long does it take to close a Discover Bank account?
By phone, closure is immediate — the account closes during the call. By mail or online message, it takes one to three business days for Discover to process your request. Any remaining funds are mailed as a check within five to seven business days after closure is complete.