The basic steps to close your US Bank checking account
You can close a US Bank checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available. US Bank's main customer service number is 1-800-872-2657. Have your account number ready when you call. The bank will ask you how you want to handle any remaining balance — they can send you a check, transfer the money to another account, or you can withdraw it in person at a branch.
Before you close the account, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits linked to that account have been stopped or redirected. Any pending checks or ACH transfers could bounce after closure, which may trigger overdraft fees or cause bills to go unpaid. Give yourself at least a week to redirect these payments before you formally close the account.
US Bank does not charge a fee to close a checking account. Once the account is closed, you will receive written confirmation in the mail, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-872-2657, visit a branch, or use online banking to close your account; have your account number ready.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least one week before closing to prevent bounced transactions.
- US Bank will send your remaining balance by check, electronic transfer, or allow you to withdraw it in person at no charge.
- You will receive written confirmation of closure in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but unpaid fees or bounced payments may be reported to ChexSystems.
Redirect automatic payments before you close
Any recurring charges tied to your checking account — insurance premiums, utility bills, loan payments, subscription services — will fail after the account closes. The merchant will attempt to collect from a closed account, which typically results in a returned payment and may trigger a fee from both US Bank and the merchant.
Log into your US Bank online banking portal or call 1-800-872-2657 to review your recent transactions and identify all recurring charges. Contact each merchant or service provider directly to update your payment method. For bills you pay through US Bank's bill pay feature, cancel those payments in the online portal before closing.
If you have set up direct deposit for paychecks or government benefits, contact your employer or the benefit administrator (Social Security, unemployment office, etc.) to provide your new account number at least two weeks before closure. Direct deposit rejections can delay your income.
Handle your remaining balance
When you close your account, US Bank will not keep any money left in it. You have three options for receiving the balance: a mailed check, an electronic transfer to another bank account, or a withdrawal at a branch.
A mailed check typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days after closure. If you need the money faster, ask the bank representative to mail it as a priority check or withdraw the full balance in cash at a branch before closing. Electronic transfer to another account (at US Bank or another bank) usually posts within one to two business days.
If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe US Bank money due to overdraft fees or other charges — the bank will deduct that amount from any remaining funds or may send you a bill for the difference. Settle any negative balance before closing to avoid collection action.
What happens to checks you have already written
Checks written against your account remain valid for six months from the date written, even after the account is closed. If someone deposits or cashes a check after you close the account, it will be returned unpaid. The person who received the check may be charged a returned check fee by their bank, and they may pursue you for payment.
Before closing, contact anyone you have recently written checks to and let them know your account is closing. If possible, provide an alternative payment method or a new account number. For recurring payments like rent or loan payments, stop using checks and switch to automatic ACH transfer or online bill pay.
Closing in person versus by phone
Closing at a branch in person is the fastest method if you want to withdraw your balance immediately and receive a receipt on the spot. Bring a photo ID and your account number. The branch representative will process the closure, give you the remaining balance in cash or a cashier's check, and provide written confirmation.
Closing by phone takes longer because you cannot receive your balance immediately, but it is convenient if you do not have time to visit a branch. The representative will confirm your identity, process the closure, and mail your balance and confirmation letter. Online closure through US Bank's website may be available for some account types; log in and look for account settings or contact options.
What to do after closure
Keep the written confirmation of closure for at least one year. If a merchant or creditor claims you still owe money on that account, or if a check bounces after closure, you will need proof that the account was closed on a specific date.
Monitor your credit report and ChexSystems record for the next few months. ChexSystems is a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and unpaid fees. If US Bank reports unpaid fees or bounced transactions to ChexSystems, it may affect your ability to open accounts at other banks. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com.
If you are closing because of poor service or high fees, consider opening an account at another bank before closing US Bank. Having an active account elsewhere ensures you do not have a gap in banking services, and it gives you time to test the new bank's features and customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the account has unpaid fees or bounced payments that US Bank reports to a collection agency, that could appear on your credit report and lower your score.
What if I have pending transactions when I close?
Pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but not yet posted — may still post to your closed account. Contact US Bank before closing to ask about any pending charges. If a transaction posts after closure, the bank will return it unpaid, which may result in a fee to you and the merchant.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
US Bank may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, but this depends on the reason for closure and your banking history. Call 1-800-872-2657 to ask whether your account can be reopened. If it cannot, you will need to open a new account.
Do I need to close the account in person?
No. You can close by phone or online. Closing in person is fastest if you want to withdraw your balance immediately, but phone and online closure are equally valid and do not require a branch visit.
What if I have a negative balance?
Settle the negative balance before closing. You can transfer money into the account from another bank, deposit cash at a branch, or ask the bank to deduct the balance from your final payout. If you do not pay it, US Bank may refer the debt to a collection agency.