You cannot close an M&T Bank account entirely online—you must call or visit a branch

M&T Bank does not offer a full account closure through its online banking portal or mobile app. To close a checking or savings account, you must either call M&T's customer service line at 1-800-724-2440 or visit a branch in person. A representative will walk you through the closure process, confirm your account details, and arrange for any remaining balance to be sent to you.

The phone route is faster if you have no pending transactions or direct deposits. If you have automatic payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposit set up, you will need to redirect those before closing, which may require a branch visit or additional phone calls to your employers and billers.

M&T does not charge a fee to close an account, but you should have your account number and identification ready when you call. The closure typically takes effect within a few business days, though any checks you have written may still clear after the account is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call M&T at 1-800-724-2440 or visit a branch to close your account; online closure is not available.
  • Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and recurring transfers before closing to avoid rejected transactions.
  • M&T will mail any remaining balance to your address on file at no charge.
  • Account closure takes a few business days to process, but checks written before closure may still clear afterward.
  • Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready when you contact M&T.

Steps to close your account by phone

Call M&T's customer service at 1-800-724-2440 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, and limited weekend hours). Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID available. The representative will verify your identity, confirm there are no pending transactions, and ask why you are closing the account—this is routine and does not affect approval.

Tell the representative if you have any outstanding checks, automatic bill payments, or direct deposits linked to the account. They will advise you on timing and may recommend waiting until those clear or redirect. Once you confirm you want to proceed, M&T will flag the account for closure. Any balance remaining will be mailed to the address on file within a few business days.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date the closure was requested. Keep this for your records in case you need to follow up or dispute a charge that appears after closure.

Steps to close your account in person

Visit any M&T Bank branch with your government-issued ID and account number. A teller or branch representative will verify your identity and pull up your account. They will review any pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits and discuss timing with you. If everything is clear, they will process the closure on the spot.

The branch representative will give you a receipt showing the closure date and any remaining balance. If your balance is under a certain amount (usually $100), they may offer to give it to you in cash immediately. Otherwise, M&T will mail a check to your address on file.

A branch visit is the best option if you have complex account activity, multiple linked accounts, or if you want to open a new account at the same time. Some branches can transfer your balance to another bank account during the same visit if you provide the routing and account numbers.

What to do before closing your account

Review your account for any automatic payments or recurring transfers set up through M&T's bill pay or transfer services. Log into your online banking account and check the "Payments" or "Transfers" section. Cancel each one individually or contact the companies you pay (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) and provide them with a new payment method or account number.

Check for direct deposit from your employer or government benefits. Contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office and update your direct deposit to a new account. This typically takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing your account soon.

Review your recent statements for any pending checks you have written. If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, wait a few more days before closing. Checks can take up to two weeks to clear depending on the recipient's bank, and M&T will still honor them even after your account is closed—though this can create overdraft fees if your balance is low.

If you have a linked savings account, overdraft protection, or a credit card tied to your M&T checking account, ask the representative whether those need to be closed separately or if they will be closed automatically.

What happens to your remaining balance

Any money left in your account after closure will be mailed to you as a check sent to the address M&T has on file. This typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If your balance is very small (under $25 in some cases), M&T may hold it for a set period before mailing, so confirm the timeline with the representative.

If you have moved since opening your account, update your address with M&T before closing. You can do this online, by phone, or at a branch. If M&T mails a check to an old address and you do not receive it, contact M&T immediately with your new address and they can reissue the check or deposit it to a new account if you provide the details.

What happens to checks after your account closes

Checks you have already written will still clear against your closed account if they are deposited before the account is fully closed. M&T will honor them as long as there are sufficient funds. If a check is deposited after your account is closed and there are no funds, it will bounce and the check writer (not you) will be charged a fee by their bank.

To avoid this, contact anyone you have written a check to and let them know your account is closing. Ask them to deposit the check before your closure date, or provide a new account number or payment method. For recurring checks (like rent or loan payments), switch to automatic bill pay or a new account before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my M&T account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring your account to a zero or positive balance before M&T will close it. If you owe money, the representative will tell you the amount due. You can pay it by debit card, check, or transfer from another account during the call or at the branch.

How long does it take for M&T to close my account after I call?

The account is typically flagged for closure immediately, but it may take 3 to 5 business days for the closure to be fully processed. During this time, do not attempt to use the account. Any remaining balance will be mailed separately.

What if I change my mind after requesting closure?

If you call back before the closure is finalized (usually within a few days), M&T can cancel the closure request. After the account is fully closed, you will need to open a new account. Contact M&T as soon as possible if you want to stop the closure.

Do I need to close my M&T credit card when I close my checking account?

No. Your credit card and checking account are separate products. Closing your checking account will not affect your credit card. You can close your credit card separately if you want, but it is not required.

What if M&T mails my check to the wrong address?

Contact M&T immediately with your correct address. They can place a stop payment on the original check and reissue it to the correct address, or deposit the funds to a new account if you provide the routing and account numbers. Keep trying until the check arrives or is reissued.