How to remove a bank account
To remove a bank account, you close it with your bank. The process takes a few minutes to a few business days depending on whether you do it online, by phone, or in person. Before you close, move any money out, set up direct deposits and bill payments elsewhere if you need them, and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. Your bank will confirm the closure in writing, usually by email or mail.
The exact steps depend on your bank and account type. Most banks let you close online through their website or app. Some require a phone call or a visit to a branch. If you have a joint account, both owners usually need to agree to close it. If the account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must pay that before closing.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before closing it, and confirm the balance is zero or positive.
- Stop any automatic bill payments or direct deposits that use this account, or redirect them to a different account first.
- Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out whether you can close online or must visit a branch.
- Joint account holders usually both need to consent to closing, so contact your co-owner before you start.
- Your bank will send written confirmation of the closure; keep it in case you need proof later.
Steps to close your account
Start by withdrawing all money from the account. You can do this at an ATM, at a branch, by transfer to another account, or by writing yourself a check. Make sure the balance reaches zero. If you have pending transactions—checks you wrote that haven't cleared yet, or charges that are still processing—wait for those to post before you close, or they may bounce.
Next, redirect any automatic payments. Log into the account and look for recurring bill payments, subscription charges, or payroll direct deposits. Update each one to point to a different account, or cancel it if you don't need it anymore. This step prevents missed payments and overdraft fees after you close.
Then contact your bank to close. Most banks offer online closure through their website or mobile app—look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Accounts" option in settings. If that's not available, call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit a branch in person. Have your account number ready. If it's a joint account, the bank may require both owners to call or visit together, or to provide written consent.
Confirm the closure in writing. Your bank will send a letter or email confirming the account is closed. Save this confirmation. If the bank sends you a final statement, keep that too. You may need proof of closure if a company claims you still owe money on the account or if there's a dispute later.
What happens to pending checks and transfers
Checks you wrote before closing may still be presented to the bank after the account is closed. If the check arrives after closure, the bank will reject it and mark it as "account closed." The person who received the check will see it bounce, and you may face a returned-check fee from the bank or the recipient.
To avoid this, wait until all checks you've written have cleared before you close. If you're not sure whether a check is still out, wait at least two weeks after writing it. For recurring payments like rent or utilities, update the payment method in advance rather than relying on a check from a closed account.
Automatic transfers and ACH payments scheduled for after the closure date will also fail. Make sure to cancel or redirect these before you close the account.
Closing a joint account
If two or more people own the account, both (or all) owners usually must consent to close it. Some banks require both to call together or visit a branch in person. Others allow one owner to close online but will notify the other owner by mail, giving them a window to object.
If you and a co-owner disagree about closing, contact the bank to understand your options. In some cases, one owner can remove themselves from the account without closing it entirely, leaving the other owner as the sole account holder. This is different from closing and may be what you need.
Accounts with negative balances or overdrafts
If your account is overdrawn—meaning you owe the bank money—you cannot close it until you pay the negative balance. Deposit enough money to bring the balance to zero, then proceed with closure. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding debt.
If you have overdraft fees or other charges on the account, those must be paid as well. Ask the bank whether any fees can be waived, especially if the overdraft was due to an error on the bank's part.
After your account is closed
Once closed, you cannot use the account. Any attempt to deposit money or make a withdrawal will be rejected. If someone tries to deposit a check into the closed account, it will bounce back to them.
The bank will keep records of the closed account for a set period, usually five to seven years, in case of disputes or legal matters. You can request a copy of your account history from the bank if you need it for tax or legal reasons.
If you later discover that a company is still trying to charge the closed account, contact that company immediately to update your payment method. If the charge was unauthorized, you may be able to dispute it with your bank, though the window to do so is shorter once the account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a closed bank account?
Most banks will not reopen a closed account. If you need the account back, you will have to open a new one. Some banks may waive the waiting period if you closed very recently, so call and ask. Otherwise, treat closure as permanent.
What if I close my account and then a check bounces?
The check will be returned to the person who deposited it, and they may charge you a returned-check fee. You may also face a fee from the recipient's bank. Contact the person or company immediately to arrange payment another way, and ask whether they will waive the fee.
Do I need to close my account in person?
Most banks allow online or phone closure. You only need to visit a branch if your bank requires it or if you prefer to do it face-to-face. Call ahead to confirm your bank's policy.
Will closing an account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. You can close a bank account without any impact on your credit.
What if my account has a hold on it?
If the bank has placed a hold on your account—for example, due to suspected fraud or a legal claim—you may not be able to close it until the hold is lifted. Contact the bank to find out why the hold is there and how long it will last.