The fastest way to close M&T is by phone or in person at a branch
Call M&T's customer service at 1-800-724-2440 during business hours, or walk into any M&T branch with a valid ID and ask to close your account. You'll need to provide your account number and answer security questions. The bank will ask what you want to do with any remaining balance — they can send a check, transfer it to another bank account, or move it to a different M&T account you own.
If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, M&T will remind you to redirect those before closing. The account typically closes within one to three business days after you make the request, though the final check or transfer may take an additional five to seven business days to arrive.
In-person closure is often faster because the banker can verify your identity immediately and confirm the balance on the spot. Phone closure works just as well if you're not near a branch, but you'll need to wait for written confirmation in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-724-2440 or visit an M&T branch in person to close your account — both methods take one to three business days.
- You must provide your account number and pass security questions before M&T will process the closure.
- Decide in advance whether you want your remaining balance as a check, a transfer to another bank, or moved to a different M&T account.
- Update any automatic payments or direct deposits at least one week before closing to avoid missed transactions.
- Keep your account open until you confirm that all pending transactions have cleared.
What to do before you close the account
Check your account for any pending transactions that haven't cleared yet. Log into your M&T online banking or mobile app and review the last 30 days of activity. If you see charges that are still processing, wait until they post before closing — closing an account with pending transactions can cause those charges to bounce or be rejected.
Make a list of any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to this account: subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance premiums, loan payments, utility bills. Contact each company and update your payment method to a different account or card. This usually takes one to three business days per company, so start this step at least a week before you plan to close.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government payments like Social Security, update your banking information with your employer or the paying agency. Provide them with your new account number if you're switching to another bank, or confirm they have the right details if you're moving to a different M&T account.
How to transfer your remaining balance
When you call or visit to close your account, tell M&T how you want to handle the money left in the account. You have three options: a mailed check, an electronic transfer to another bank account, or a transfer to a different M&T account you own.
A mailed check is the slowest option — M&T will mail it within five to seven business days after the account closes, and it may take another three to five business days to arrive depending on your location. If you need the money faster, request an electronic transfer instead. An electronic transfer to another bank account (at M&T or elsewhere) usually posts within one to two business days. If you're moving money to a different M&T account you already own, the transfer is often immediate or completes the same day.
Write down the routing number and account number of the receiving bank if you're transferring to another institution. M&T will ask for this information during the closure process. If you're unsure of these numbers, contact your other bank before you call M&T to close.
Closing your account online is not an option
M&T does not allow you to close a checking account through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service or visit a branch in person. This is a security measure — the bank wants to verify your identity directly before closing an account and releasing funds.
If you're unable to call during business hours, you can start the process through M&T's online chat feature during extended hours, but the representative will likely schedule a callback or direct you to call during standard business hours to complete the closure. Some banks offer chat-based account closure, but M&T's current policy requires a phone call or in-person visit.
What happens after you close the account
M&T will send you a written confirmation in the mail within five to ten business days. Keep this letter for your records — it shows the account is officially closed and can help if there are any disputes about transactions after closure. Your debit card will stop working immediately, even if it hasn't expired yet.
If you set up automatic payments after closing and a company tries to charge the closed account, the transaction will be rejected and marked as a failed payment. This is why updating your payment methods beforehand is critical. If you miss updating a payment and it bounces, contact the company directly to explain and make the payment manually to avoid late fees.
Checks you've already written from this account may still clear for up to six months after closure, depending on when they're presented to the bank. If you wrote checks before closing, make sure you have enough funds in the account or another account to cover them, or contact the recipients and ask them to destroy the checks.
If you have a linked savings account or credit card
Closing a checking account does not automatically close a linked savings account or M&T credit card. If you want those closed too, you'll need to request that separately during the same call or visit. Tell the representative which accounts you want to close and in what order — some people prefer to close the checking account first, then handle savings and credit products separately.
If you have an M&T credit card with an outstanding balance, you cannot close that account until the balance is paid in full. You can close the checking account independently, but the credit card will remain open until you settle what you owe.
What to do if you have a negative balance or overdraft fees
If your account is overdrawn, you must bring it to a positive balance before M&T will close it. Pay the overdraft amount plus any fees that have been charged. You can do this by transferring money from another account, depositing cash or a check at a branch, or having someone send you money electronically.
Once the account is positive, you can proceed with closure. If you dispute an overdraft fee, contact M&T's customer service to discuss it before closing — it's harder to resolve fee disputes after the account is closed. Some banks will reverse one overdraft fee per year if you have a good account history, so it's worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my M&T checking account if I still have pending transactions?
You can request closure, but M&T may ask you to wait until pending transactions clear. If you close with pending charges still processing, those transactions may be rejected, which can trigger overdraft fees or cause payments to fail. Wait at least three to five business days after your last transaction before closing.
What if I close my account and then receive a check from someone?
A check written to your closed account will be rejected when the recipient tries to deposit it. If this happens, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one to your current account, or arrange an alternative payment method. This is why it's important to update direct deposits and recurring payments before closing.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can someone else do it for me?
M&T requires the account holder to close the account in person or by phone for security reasons. If you're unable to call, you can authorize someone else to handle it by providing them with your account number and security information, but M&T will still need to verify your identity. Call ahead to ask about power of attorney or authorized user options.
How long does it take to get my money after I close the account?
If you request a check, it takes five to seven business days to mail plus three to five business days for delivery — roughly one to two weeks total. An electronic transfer to another bank account takes one to two business days. A transfer to another M&T account you own is usually immediate or same-day.
Will closing my M&T account affect my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit — not checking or savings accounts. You can close your M&T checking account without any impact on your credit history.