SunTrust does not charge a fee to close a checking account

You can close your SunTrust checking account at any time without paying a closure fee. SunTrust (now Truist Financial Corporation following a 2019 merger) does not impose penalties for closing accounts, whether you close in person at a branch, by phone, or by mail.

What you may owe instead depends on your account balance and any outstanding transactions. If your account is overdrawn when you close it, you remain responsible for that negative balance. If you have pending checks or automatic payments scheduled after closure, those can still post and create overdraft fees if funds are not available.

The closure itself is free. The timing and method you choose determine how smoothly the process goes and whether surprise charges appear afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • SunTrust charges no fee to close a checking account, regardless of how long you have held it or your account balance.
  • You remain responsible for any overdraft balance at the time of closure and for any checks or automatic payments that post after you close.
  • Closing in person at a branch is the fastest way to confirm your account is truly closed and to handle any remaining balance on the spot.
  • You should stop all automatic payments and cancel any pending checks before you initiate closure to avoid fees triggered after the account closes.

How to close your SunTrust account without triggering fees

Before you contact SunTrust to close your account, take these steps to avoid unexpected charges. First, review your account for any automatic payments or recurring transfers scheduled in the coming weeks. Log into your online banking or call customer service at 1-800-786-8787 to see what is set up. Cancel or redirect any automatic bills, subscriptions, or transfers to another account.

Second, check for outstanding checks you have written. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, wait for them to post or contact the payees to cancel them. A check that clears after your account closes can trigger an overdraft fee if no funds are available.

Third, bring your account balance to zero or a positive number. If your account is overdrawn, deposit funds to cover the negative balance before you close. You will still owe any overdraft fees that have already been charged, but you can avoid new ones.

Once you have handled these items, you are ready to close without surprise fees appearing later.

Closing in person versus by phone or mail

Closing at a SunTrust branch in person is the most straightforward method. You bring your debit card and ID, speak with a teller, and they process the closure on the spot. They can confirm your balance, handle any remaining funds, and give you written confirmation that the account is closed. This method leaves no room for miscommunication about whether the account actually closed.

Closing by phone is faster if you do not have a branch nearby. Call 1-800-786-8787 and ask to close your checking account. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and process the closure. Ask them to mail you written confirmation of the closure date. Keep this confirmation in case you need proof later that the account was closed on a specific date.

Closing by mail is possible but slower and riskier. You would need to write to SunTrust with your account number, request closure, and include a signed letter. Mail can be lost, and you have no immediate confirmation that your request was received. This method is not recommended unless you have no other option.

What happens to your remaining balance after closure

If your account has a positive balance when you close it, SunTrust will send you a check for that amount within 7 to 10 business days. The check is mailed to the address on file for your account. Make sure your mailing address is current before you close, or the check may go to an old address and take longer to reach you.

If you prefer not to wait for a check, ask the teller or phone representative if you can transfer your remaining balance to another bank account during the closure process. Many banks allow this, though it depends on SunTrust's current procedures. If you close in person, this is the easiest time to arrange it.

If your account is overdrawn at closure, you owe that amount. SunTrust will attempt to collect it, and the debt can be reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database) if it remains unpaid. Paying the overdraft before closure avoids this complication.

Overdraft fees and other charges that can appear after closure

The most common surprise charge after closing is an overdraft fee triggered by a check or automatic payment that posts after the account is no longer active. Even though the account is closed, transactions can still clear for several days or even weeks if they were already in the system when you closed.

For example, if you close your account on a Monday and a utility company's automatic payment posts on Wednesday, that payment will fail due to insufficient funds. SunTrust will charge an overdraft fee (typically $35 per occurrence) even though the account is closed. You are responsible for paying this fee.

To prevent this, cancel all automatic payments at least one week before you close your account. Contact each company directly—your utility, insurance, subscription services, employer (if direct deposit is set up), and any other regular payments. Confirm with each one that the payment has been cancelled or redirected to a new account.

Insufficient funds fees and returned check fees can also appear after closure if checks clear against a closed account. These are separate from overdraft fees and add up quickly. This is why stopping all automatic activity before closure is critical.

What to do if you see unexpected charges after closing

If a fee appears on your closed account, contact SunTrust customer service immediately. Call 1-800-786-8787 and explain that your account is closed and you were charged a fee. Ask to speak with a representative who handles disputes or fee reversals.

Explain the circumstances: if it was an overdraft fee caused by a check or payment you did not authorize or did not know was pending, say so. If you cancelled the payment but it posted anyway, mention that. SunTrust may reverse the fee as a courtesy, especially if it is your first time asking and the fee was caused by a transaction you could not control.

If the fee is not reversed, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints about bank fees and practices. Having documentation of your closure date and the date the fee was charged will help your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SunTrust charge me a fee for closing my account early?

No. SunTrust does not charge a closure fee regardless of how long you have held the account. There is no minimum holding period, and early closure does not trigger any penalty.

What if I have a negative balance when I close my account?

You remain responsible for the negative balance. SunTrust will pursue collection, and if unpaid, it can be reported to ChexSystems, which may affect your ability to open accounts at other banks. Pay the overdraft before closing if possible.

How long does it take for a SunTrust checking account to fully close?

The closure is processed immediately when you close in person or by phone. However, the account may remain in the system for 30 to 60 days to catch any stray transactions. You will not be charged during this period as long as your balance is zero or positive.

Will I get my remaining balance back if I close my account?

Yes. If your account has a positive balance, SunTrust sends a check within 7 to 10 business days to your address on file. Ask about transferring the balance directly to another account if you want the money faster.

What if I close my account but forget to cancel an automatic payment?

The payment will fail when it tries to post, and SunTrust will charge an overdraft fee. You are responsible for that fee. Contact the company making the payment directly to cancel it, and then call SunTrust to dispute the overdraft fee if you believe it was their error.