How to close a Truist account

You can close a Truist checking or savings account by visiting a branch in person, calling Truist customer service, or using online banking if the option is available in your account settings. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Truist statement. Have your account number ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it have been moved to another account. Truist will not process transactions after the account closes, so a missed bill payment or delayed paycheck deposit could create problems. If you have checks outstanding, wait until they clear or cancel them through your bank first.

You do not need to have a zero balance to close the account. If there is money in the account, Truist will issue a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. If there is a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay that before closing.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your Truist card or statement to close an account by phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
  • Move any automatic payments and direct deposits to a different account before you close, so you do not miss bills or paychecks.
  • Wait for outstanding checks to clear or cancel them through your bank to avoid overdraft fees after the account closes.
  • If you have a positive balance, Truist will send a check or transfer the money; if you owe money, you must pay it first.
  • Keep your account number and final statement for your records in case you need proof the account is closed.

Steps to take before calling Truist

Review your account for any recurring charges or subscriptions tied to the card or account number. Streaming services, insurance payments, gym memberships, and other monthly bills often pull from a specific account. Log into each service and update the payment method, or the charge will fail and you may face late fees or service interruption.

Check your recent transactions for any pending deposits or withdrawals. Direct deposits sometimes take a few business days to post, and if you close the account before they arrive, the deposit may be returned to your employer. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your next check will arrive.

Write down any outstanding checks you have written. If you are not sure, ask Truist how long they typically hold checks before they expire—usually 180 days. If a check has not cleared and you close the account, the check will bounce and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee.

Decide where your remaining balance should go. You can have Truist send a check to your address, transfer the money to another bank account (you will need the routing and account number), or pick up a cashier's check at a branch.

Closing the account by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Truist debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID nearby. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, such as recent transactions or the address on file.

Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm that there are no pending transactions. They will ask how you want to receive your remaining balance. If you choose a check, confirm your mailing address. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the date the account will close. Request that they note in your file that you initiated the closure, in case there are questions later. Some Truist accounts may have a waiting period before the closure is final, so ask about that too.

After the call, send yourself an email or write down the confirmation number, the date you called, and the representative's name. This creates a record if there is a dispute about whether the account was actually closed.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Bring a government-issued ID and your Truist debit card or account number. Go to any Truist branch during business hours. Tell the teller you want to close your account and ask to speak with a banker or account manager if the teller cannot help.

The banker will review your account for pending transactions and confirm your identity. They will ask the same questions as a phone representative: how you want your balance paid out, whether there are outstanding checks, and whether you have moved your automatic payments. This conversation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you choose to receive your balance as a check, the banker can print it on the spot or mail it to you. If you choose a transfer to another bank, provide the routing and account number. Ask for a receipt or written confirmation that the account is closed.

What happens after you close the account

Truist will stop processing transactions immediately. Any automatic payments scheduled after the closure date will fail, and the merchant or creditor will not receive payment. If you forgot to move a bill payment, contact that creditor right away to explain the situation and arrange an alternative payment method.

Your debit card will no longer work. If you have multiple cards linked to the account, destroy them or contact Truist to have them deactivated. Do not throw them away without cutting them up, because the card number is still visible.

Truist will send you a final statement showing all transactions up to the closure date and the amount of your final balance payment. Keep this statement for at least one year. If a merchant tries to charge the closed account later, you will have proof that the account no longer exists.

The account will remain on your credit report for a period of time after closure. This is normal and does not hurt your credit score. Closed accounts in good standing actually stay on your report longer than accounts with missed payments.

Reasons Truist might refuse to close your account

If you have a negative balance—meaning you owe Truist money—they will not close the account until you pay what you owe. This includes overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or any other charges. Pay the full amount first, then request closure.

If there is an active dispute or fraud claim on the account, Truist may freeze it until the investigation is complete. You can still request closure, but the bank may delay it until the dispute is resolved. Ask the representative how long the investigation typically takes.

Some Truist accounts have terms that require a minimum balance or a waiting period before closure. This is rare, but if you opened a promotional account or a special savings product, check the account agreement. If there is a penalty for early closure, the bank will deduct it from your balance.

If you want to reopen the account later

Truist may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days. Call customer service and ask whether your specific account can be reopened. If it can, the process is usually faster than opening a new account, because your identity is already verified.

If the timeframe has passed, you will need to open a new account. Bring your ID and Social Security number to a branch, or start the process online. Truist will run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report. If your previous account was closed in good standing, this should not be a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close by phone, in person, or sometimes through online banking. Phone is usually fastest. In person takes longer but gives you a paper receipt. Check your online banking portal to see if a closure option appears there.

What if I have a joint account—can I close it without the other person?

No. Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. Truist will not close it if only one person requests it. Both of you can call together, or one person can call with the other person on the line to confirm.

How long does it take for my balance check to arrive?

If Truist mails a check, it usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer to another bank account, the money typically posts within 1 to 3 business days. Ask the representative for a specific timeframe when you close the account.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing an account in good standing does not hurt your credit score immediately. The account will stay on your credit report for several years, which can actually help your score by showing a history of responsible account management.

What if Truist charged me a fee after I closed the account?

Contact Truist customer service and explain that the account was closed. If the fee was charged after the closure date, ask them to reverse it. Keep your closure confirmation number and final statement as proof that the account was no longer active.