The basic process: what you need to do before closing
Closing a checking account takes a phone call or a visit to your bank, but you cannot just walk away. You have to empty the account first, handle any pending transactions, and make sure the bank knows you are leaving. Most banks will close an account the same day you ask, but some take a few business days to process it fully.
The order matters: stop using the account, move your money out, settle any outstanding checks or automatic payments, then formally request closure. If you close before handling these things, you can end up with overdraft fees, bounced checks, or payments that fail.
Key Takeaways
- Empty your account completely and cancel or redirect any automatic payments before you ask the bank to close it.
- Outstanding checks can still clear after closure, so contact anyone you wrote checks to and ask them to deposit quickly, or stop payment on checks you have not yet given out.
- You can close an account by phone, online, or in person, depending on your bank — call to confirm your bank's method before you try.
- Request written confirmation of closure and keep it; some banks send a letter, others require you to ask for one.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not close those — you have to handle each one separately.
Step 1: Stop using the account and redirect your income
The moment you decide to close, stop swiping the card and stop writing checks. Change your direct deposit at work or with whoever pays you — your employer, Social Security, a pension fund — so future payments go to your new account instead. This usually takes one pay cycle to take effect.
If you receive regular payments from other sources — insurance refunds, government benefits, child support — update those too. Contact each payer directly and give them your new account number. Do not rely on the old account to forward money; it will not.
Step 2: Move your money out
Transfer your remaining balance to your new account or withdraw it in cash. You can do this online, by phone, or at a branch. If you are moving to a different bank, use an external transfer or a wire transfer. If you are moving to a savings account at the same bank, you can usually transfer instantly online.
Leave nothing in the account — not even a dollar. Some banks charge monthly maintenance fees even on closed accounts if there is a balance, and you do not want to deal with that later.
Step 3: Handle checks you have already written
Call or email anyone you have written a check to and ask them to deposit it as soon as possible. If you have written checks that have not been cashed yet and you want to stop them, contact your bank and request a stop payment on each check. This usually costs $25 to $35 per check and takes one to two business days to process.
If you are not sure which checks are still outstanding, ask your bank for a list of recent transactions. Some banks can tell you which checks have cleared and which have not.
Step 4: Cancel or redirect automatic payments
Review your last three months of statements and identify every automatic payment — utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments, anything that comes out automatically. Contact each company and either cancel the payment or change the account number to your new checking account.
Do this at least a week before you close the account. If a payment tries to go through after closure, it will bounce, and you may face late fees or service interruptions. Some companies take several days to process account changes, so start early.
Step 5: Request closure from your bank
Call your bank's customer service line, visit a branch in person, or use online banking if your bank offers account closure that way. Have your account number ready. Tell them you want to close the account and confirm that the balance is zero.
Ask the bank representative three things: whether the account will close immediately or if it takes a few business days, whether they will send you written confirmation, and whether there are any final fees. Some banks charge a closure fee if you close within a certain time frame — usually six months to a year — so ask about that too.
Step 6: Get written confirmation
Request a written confirmation of closure. Some banks send this automatically by mail or email within a few days. Others require you to ask for it. Keep this confirmation for your records — it proves the account is closed if a payment bounces or if the bank tries to charge you a fee later.
If the bank does not send confirmation within a week, call back and ask them to email or mail it to you. Do not close the conversation without knowing how you will receive proof.
Step 7: Monitor for unexpected activity
Check your new account for the next month to make sure all your regular payments have switched over. Watch for any unexpected charges from the old bank — sometimes a forgotten automatic payment will try to go through and overdraft the account even after closure.
If you see activity on the closed account after closure, contact the bank immediately. If a payment bounced because it tried to hit the closed account, contact the company that sent the payment and give them your new account number.
What happens to linked accounts when you close checking
Closing a checking account does not close a savings account, money market account, or credit card at the same bank. Each account is separate and stays open unless you close it separately. If you want to close those too, you have to request closure for each one individually.
If your savings account is linked to your checking account for overdraft protection, that link will break when you close checking. Make sure you do not rely on that overdraft protection after closure, because it will not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?
No. You have to wait for pending transactions to clear or fail before closure. If you try to close with pending activity, the bank will either refuse or keep the account open until those transactions settle. This can take three to five business days.
What if the bank will not close my account?
Banks can refuse closure if you owe them money — overdraft fees, unpaid loans, or other debts. Settle what you owe first. If the bank is refusing for another reason, ask why in writing and request a supervisor. If the issue is not resolved, file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Do I need to close my account in person or can I do it by phone?
Most banks allow phone or online closure. Some require in-person closure only if you have a large balance or if there is a dispute. Call your bank first and ask which methods they accept. If they require in-person closure and you cannot visit a branch, ask if they will make an exception.
Will closing my 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 is only affected by credit cards, loans, and payment history.
How long does it take for a closed account to disappear from my bank statements?
The account will stop appearing in your online banking immediately or within one business day. Paper statements may still show the closed account for one or two more cycles, but the balance will show as zero. Keep your closure confirmation in case you need to prove the account is closed.