The basic process: what you need to do
To close a checking account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through their website—and tell them you want to close the account. The bank will ask you to move any remaining money out, settle any outstanding checks or automatic payments, and confirm the account is empty. Once the balance hits zero and all pending transactions clear, the account closes. The whole process usually takes a few days to two weeks, depending on how fast you move the money and whether you have checks still floating around.
You do not need a reason to close an account, and most banks will not push back. Some banks let you start the process online; others require a phone call or a visit to a branch. If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments set up, you will need to change those before closing, or they will bounce.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before closing it, and make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to it.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to request closure, and ask them to confirm the account is fully closed in writing.
- Wait for any checks you have written to clear before closing, or they may bounce and trigger overdraft fees.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing the checking account does not automatically close those products.
Step 1: Move your money to another account
Before you close the account, transfer all remaining funds to a different bank account—either another account at the same bank or an account at a different bank. You can do this online if both accounts are in your name, by writing a check to yourself, or by visiting a branch and asking a teller to transfer the money. Do not leave even a small balance; some banks charge a monthly fee on closed accounts with remaining funds, and it complicates the closure process.
If you are switching to a new bank entirely, open the new account first and make sure it is working before you close the old one. That way you have a place to send your money and you can test the new account's online banking and debit card before you rely on it.
Step 2: Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits
Go through your bills, subscriptions, and paychecks and change the account information for anything that is still pulling from or depositing to the account you are closing. This includes your employer's payroll system, insurance companies, utilities, streaming services, loan payments, and any other recurring charges. If you miss even one, that payment will bounce when the account closes, and you may face overdraft fees or late charges.
The safest approach is to log into each service's website or app and update the account yourself. If you cannot find the option, call the company and ask them to change it. Do this at least a week before you plan to close the account, so you have time to catch anything you missed.
Step 3: Wait for outstanding checks to clear
If you have written any checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing the account. A check can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to clear, depending on when the recipient deposits it. If you close the account while a check is still pending, it will bounce when it arrives, and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee on top of the bank's fee to you.
You can check your bank's website or app to see which checks have cleared. If you are not sure whether a check is still out there, wait an extra week or two. Once you see it has posted, you are safe to close.
Step 4: Contact your bank to request closure
Call your bank's customer service line, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal and look for a "close account" option. Have your account number ready. The bank will confirm that the account balance is zero and ask you to verify your identity. Some banks will close the account immediately over the phone; others will send you a form to sign and return.
Ask the bank representative to confirm in writing that the account is closed. Request a letter or email confirmation with the closure date and your account number. Keep this for your records in case there are any issues later—for example, if a check bounces months later and you need to prove the account was already closed.
Step 5: Confirm the account is fully closed
After a few days, log back into your online banking to make sure the account no longer appears in your account list. If it still shows up, call the bank again and ask them to confirm the closure. Some banks keep closed accounts visible for a short time for record-keeping, but they should disappear within a week or two.
If you received a debit card linked to the account, you can destroy it or leave it alone—it will stop working once the account is closed. If the bank sent you a confirmation letter, file it with your financial records. You may need it later if a dispute arises about the account.
What happens if you close an account with a negative balance
If your account is overdrawn when you try to close it, the bank will not let you close until you pay the negative balance. Transfer money in from another account or deposit cash at a branch to bring the balance to zero, then proceed with closure. The bank may also charge you an overdraft fee, which you will need to pay before closing.
If you owe the bank money from overdraft fees or other charges and you close the account without paying, the bank can send your debt to a collection agency or report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database. Future banks may refuse to open an account for you if you have an unpaid debt on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit cards, loans, and payment history—not on deposit accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.
What if I close my account and then a check comes in that was written to me?
The check will bounce because the account no longer exists. If someone sends you a check after you have closed the account, ask them to write a new one and send it to your new account. If a check arrives unexpectedly, contact the bank that issued it and ask them to reissue it to your new account information.
Can I reopen an account I just closed?
Most banks will let you reopen a closed account within a certain window—usually 30 to 90 days—without going through the full new-account process. After that, you will need to open a new account from scratch. Call your bank and ask if they can reopen it; if not, you can open a new one immediately.
Do I need to close a linked savings account or credit card when I close my checking account?
No. Closing a checking account does not close any other accounts you have at the same bank. Your savings account and credit card will stay open unless you close them separately. However, if you had overdraft protection linked from your savings account to your checking account, that link will be removed when the checking account closes.
What if my bank charges a fee to close the account?
Most banks do not charge a fee to close a checking account, but some do if you close it within a certain period after opening it—often 90 days to six months. Check your account agreement or call the bank to ask. If there is a fee, ask if they will waive it, especially if you have been a customer for a long time.