Call Fifth Third or visit a branch to close your account

Fifth Third Bank lets you close a checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest route is usually a phone call to customer service at 1-800-555-2108, where a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about your balance or pending transactions. If you prefer to do it in person, any Fifth Third branch can close the account on the spot — you'll need to bring a photo ID.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you'll need to pay it before the account can be closed. Fifth Third will not close an account with an outstanding debt to the bank. Once the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card or write checks from it, so plan ahead if you have automatic payments or direct deposits still tied to that account number.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Fifth Third checking account by calling 1-800-555-2108, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if that option is available on your account.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive — any overdraft or negative balance must be paid before closure.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account before you close it.
  • Fifth Third will send you written confirmation of the closure, usually within a few business days.
  • If you have a Fifth Third debit card, it will stop working once the account closes.

Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits first

Before you call or visit, go through your account and identify anything that's set to hit that checking account automatically. This includes paycheck direct deposits, bill payments you've scheduled, subscription charges, insurance premiums, and any other recurring transactions. You'll need to update each one with a new account number or payment method.

For direct deposits (like your paycheck), contact your employer's payroll department and give them your new account number if you're switching to another bank. If you're not moving the money anywhere, ask them to hold the deposit until you've set up a new account. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website or call them directly to change the payment account. Don't assume Fifth Third will forward these for you — they won't. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will be rejected, and you could face late fees from the biller.

What happens to your Fifth Third debit card

Your Fifth Third debit card is tied to the checking account. Once the account closes, the card stops working immediately — you won't be able to use it at ATMs, stores, or online. If you have pending transactions that haven't cleared yet, they may still process for a few days after closure, but Fifth Third will pull the money from your account before it closes to cover them.

If you want to keep using a debit card, open a new checking account at Fifth Third or another bank before you close this one. That way you'll have a working card and account number ready to give to your employer and billers. If you're keeping a Fifth Third savings account or other products, those won't be affected by closing the checking account.

How to close your account online or by phone

Online closure: Log into your Fifth Third online banking account, look for account settings or account management, and find the option to close the account. Not all accounts offer online closure, so if you don't see the option, you'll need to call or visit a branch. Fifth Third's website will walk you through any steps required.

Phone closure: Call 1-800-555-2108 during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week). Have your account number and a photo ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, check your balance, and process the closure. They'll ask if you want any remaining balance sent to you by check or transferred to another account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

In-person closure: Visit any Fifth Third branch with your photo ID and debit card. A teller can close the account immediately. Bring any checks you haven't used — the bank may ask you to destroy them or they'll note that the account is closed so they won't be cashed. If you have a remaining balance, ask how you want it paid (check, transfer, or cash).

What to do with any remaining balance

If your account has money in it when you close, Fifth Third will ask how you want it paid out. Your options are usually a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another bank account (if you provide routing and account numbers), or cash if you're closing in person at a branch. A check typically arrives within five to seven business days. If you choose a transfer, it may take one to three business days to show up in the other account.

Keep track of how much was in the account when you closed it. Fifth Third will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance. If you don't receive the money within the timeframe they quoted, contact Fifth Third customer service to track it down.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is joint — meaning two or more people have access to it — Fifth Third may require all account holders to agree to close it. Call the bank to ask about their policy. Some banks let one person close a joint account, while others require written consent from all owners. If you're the only one who wants to close it and the other person doesn't, you may need to remove yourself from the account instead, which is a different process.

If both of you want to close it, you can do it together at a branch or one person can call on behalf of both (though the bank may ask to verify the other person's identity). Make sure you both understand what happens to any remaining balance — Fifth Third may split it between you or require agreement on how to divide it.

What happens after you close the account

Fifth Third will send you a written confirmation of the closure, usually by mail within a few business days. Keep this letter for your records. Your account number will no longer work, and any checks you wrote from this account will bounce if they haven't cleared yet. If someone tries to deposit a check from this account after closure, the bank will reject it.

Your account history and statements remain available through Fifth Third's online banking for a limited time after closure — usually 90 days to one year, depending on the bank's policy. If you need older statements, download them before you close the account or contact Fifth Third to request archived statements. After the retention period, you may not be able to access them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Fifth Third checking account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any overdraft or negative balance before Fifth Third will close the account. Contact the bank to find out the exact amount owed, then pay it by transferring funds from another account, making a deposit, or arranging a payment plan if the bank offers one.

What if I have checks that haven't cleared yet?

Fifth Third will hold the account open long enough for pending checks to clear. Once they do, the account closes. If you're worried about a specific check, ask the bank how long they'll keep the account active. Any checks that don't clear within that window will bounce after closure.

Do I need to destroy my debit card before closing?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Cut it up or shred it so it can't be used. The card will stop working once the account closes anyway, but destroying it removes the risk of someone finding it and attempting to use it.

How long does it take to close a Fifth Third checking account?

Closure is immediate if you do it in person or by phone — the account closes that day. Online closure may take one to two business days to process. You'll receive written confirmation by mail within a few days after that.

Can I reopen a Fifth Third checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at Fifth Third at any time. However, if you closed the account because of overdrafts or other issues, the bank may review your history before approving a new account. There's no waiting period to reopen.