Call Citizens Bank or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a Citizens checking account is to call Citizens Bank customer service at 1-800-922-9999 or visit a branch in person. You'll need your account number and a form of identification. If you call, a representative will walk you through the closure process and confirm that any pending transactions have cleared. If you go to a branch, bring your debit card and ID — a banker can close the account on the spot.

Citizens does not charge a fee to close a checking account, and the process typically takes a few minutes by phone or in person. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you should cancel or redirect those before closing, though the bank can also help you identify what's still active on the account.

You can also close your account online through Citizens' mobile app or website if you have online banking set up, though this option is less common and may require you to call afterward to confirm closure if there are any holds or pending items.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-922-9999 or visit a Citizens branch to close your account — there is no fee and the process takes minutes.
  • Have your account number and ID ready, and confirm that any pending transactions or automatic payments have cleared before closure.
  • If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments linked to the account, redirect them to another account or cancel them first.
  • Request written confirmation of closure, which Citizens will mail or email to you within a few business days.
  • If your account has a negative balance, you must pay it before closing; if it has a positive balance, Citizens will mail you a check or transfer the funds if you provide another account number.

What to do with money still in the account

Before you close, decide what to do with any remaining balance. If you have money in the account, Citizens will either mail you a check to your address on file or transfer the funds to another bank account if you provide the routing and account number. The check typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you want the transfer instead, tell the representative when you call or visit — this is faster and safer than waiting for a check.

If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must pay the amount owed before Citizens will close it. This can be done by phone, online, or in person. Once the balance is paid, the closure can proceed.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first

Before closing, log into your Citizens online banking or call to review what's still connected to the account. Look for automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and direct deposits from your employer or benefits. You need to redirect or cancel these yourself — the bank will not do it for you, and if a payment tries to go through after closure, it can bounce and create problems with the company you owe money to.

For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office and give them your new account number. For automatic payments, log into each company's website (utilities, insurance, loan servicers, etc.) and update the payment method. This usually takes a few minutes per company. Once everything is redirected, you're safe to close.

Timing: how long closure takes

The account closure itself is immediate when you call or visit a branch — the representative will process it right away. However, Citizens may hold the account open for 5 to 10 business days after you request closure to allow any pending transactions to clear. During this time, the account is closed to new activity, but old transactions can still post.

If you have a check that hasn't cleared yet or a pending charge, the bank will keep the account open until those items settle. Once everything has cleared, the account is fully closed and you'll receive written confirmation by mail or email.

Getting written confirmation of closure

Always ask for written confirmation when you close. If you call, ask the representative to email or mail you a closure confirmation letter. If you visit a branch, ask for a receipt or letter stating the account is closed. This document is useful if a company later tries to charge the closed account or if you need proof of closure for your records.

Citizens typically sends closure confirmation within 5 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for at least a year in case any issues arise with old transactions or if a company tries to process a payment against the closed account.

What happens if a payment tries to go through after closure

If a company tries to charge your closed Citizens account, the transaction will be declined and returned to them. The company will then contact you for a new payment method. This is why redirecting automatic payments before closure is so important — it prevents these declines and the confusion that follows.

If you miss redirecting a payment and it bounces, contact the company immediately and provide your new account number or payment method. Most companies will resubmit the charge once you give them the correct information. If the company charges you a fee for the failed payment, ask them to waive it and explain that you recently closed the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Citizens account online?

Citizens does not offer full account closure through their website or app. You must call 1-800-922-9999 or visit a branch in person. Some online banking platforms allow you to request closure, but you will likely need to confirm by phone or in person before the account is actually closed.

What if I have a negative balance on my account?

You cannot close the account until the negative balance is paid. Contact Citizens by phone or visit a branch, pay the amount owed, and then request closure. Payment can be made by debit card, transfer from another account, or check.

How long does it take to receive a check for my remaining balance?

If Citizens mails a check for your remaining balance, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you provide another bank account number, Citizens can transfer the funds electronically, which is faster — usually 1 to 3 business days. Ask for the transfer option when you close if speed matters.

Will Citizens charge me a fee to close my account?

No. Citizens does not charge a fee to close a checking account. If you have a savings account or other products, confirm with the representative that you are closing only the checking account and not other accounts you want to keep.

What if I closed my account but a company is still trying to charge it?

Contact the company and provide your new payment method or account number. The charge will be declined by Citizens, but the company needs to know where to send the bill instead. If the company charged you a fee for the failed transaction, ask them to reverse it and explain that the account was closed.