What you can and cannot do online
Most banks let you close a checking or savings account online through their website or mobile app, but the process varies by bank and account type. Some banks close accounts entirely online with no phone call or visit required. Others require you to call or visit a branch to complete the closure, even if you start the request online. A few banks do not offer online closure at all and will only close accounts by phone or in person.
The fastest way to find out what your bank allows is to log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option, usually in the account management or profile section. If you cannot find it, call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit a branch. Do not assume your bank does not offer it just because you cannot locate the option immediately—some banks bury the feature or require you to call before you can proceed online.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks allow you to close accounts online, but some require a phone call or branch visit to complete the process.
- Before closing, transfer any remaining balance to another account, set up forwarding for direct deposits and automatic payments, and wait for pending transactions to clear.
- The bank will send you written confirmation of the closure, usually within one to two weeks, and you should keep this for your records.
- If you have an outstanding balance or unresolved disputes, the bank may refuse to close the account until those issues are resolved.
Steps to close your account online
If your bank offers online closure, the process typically follows this order: First, transfer any money remaining in the account to another bank account you control. Most banks will not close an account with a positive balance online—they want to know where the money is going. Second, log into your account and navigate to the account settings or management section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account," "Manage Account," or "Account Services." Click it and follow the prompts, which usually ask you to confirm your identity and state a reason for closure (optional at most banks).
Third, review any final fees or holds the bank discloses before you confirm. Some banks charge a closure fee if you close within a certain period (often 90 to 180 days of opening), though many waive this fee if you ask. Fourth, submit the closure request. The bank will send you a confirmation email or message, usually within hours. Save this confirmation—you will need it if a problem arises later. The account will typically close within one to five business days, though some banks take longer.
What to do before you close
Before you submit a closure request, stop all automatic payments and recurring charges tied to that account. Log into any services that pull money from this account—subscription services, insurance payments, utility bills, loan payments—and update them to pull from a different account instead. This step takes time, so plan to do it several days before you close the account. If you miss one and a payment bounces after closure, the merchant may charge you a fee, and the bank cannot reverse a transaction from a closed account.
Next, check whether any direct deposits are set to hit this account. If you receive a paycheck, tax refund, or government benefit deposited here, update your employer or the paying agency with your new account number before closure. Deposits sent to a closed account are usually returned to the sender, which can delay your money by one to two weeks. Finally, wait for any pending transactions to clear. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, or if you made a purchase that is still processing, wait until those transactions post before closing. Closing an account with pending transactions can cause those transactions to bounce.
When the bank requires a phone call or visit
If your bank does not offer online closure, or if you encounter an error message when you try, you will need to call customer service or visit a branch. Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement—do not search for a number online, as scam sites sometimes rank high in search results. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will ask you to verify your identity, confirm you want to close the account, and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the "why" question, but some banks use it to offer retention deals.
If you visit a branch in person, bring a photo ID and your debit card. The teller will verify your identity and process the closure on the spot. If the account has a positive balance, ask the teller how you want the money handled—transferred to another account, issued as a cashier's check, or mailed to you. In-person closure is often faster than online or phone closure because the bank can confirm your identity immediately and process the request without delays.
What happens after you close
Once the account is closed, the bank will send you written confirmation, usually by mail or email within one to two weeks. This confirmation includes the closure date and your final balance. Keep this document for at least one year. If a merchant tries to charge the closed account after closure, the charge will be declined, and you will not be liable for it. However, if you authorized a recurring charge before closure and the merchant tries to collect, you may need to contact them directly to cancel the subscription or arrangement.
After closure, you can no longer use the debit card or checks associated with that account. Destroy the card by cutting it in half and dispose of any unused checks. If the bank issued you a new card or account number before closure (for example, if you opened a new account at the same bank), make sure all your regular payments and deposits are set up on the new account before the old one closes.
Problems that can prevent online closure
Some situations will block you from closing an account online, and the bank may refuse to close it at all until the issue is resolved. If you have an outstanding balance—money you owe the bank, such as overdraft fees or a negative balance—the bank will not close the account until you pay it. If you are involved in a dispute with the bank over a transaction, the bank may freeze the account and refuse closure until the dispute is resolved. If the account is linked to a loan or credit product, you may not be able to close it online; you will need to call or visit.
If the account is a joint account and both owners have not agreed to close it, the bank will not proceed. Some banks require both owners to be present or to provide written consent. If you have a savings account with a penalty for early withdrawal (rare, but some high-yield savings accounts have them), closing the account may trigger that penalty, and the bank will deduct it from your balance before closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?
It depends on the bank and the type of transaction. If you have written checks that have not cleared, most banks recommend waiting until they do before closing. If you have a pending debit card charge, the bank may close the account anyway, but the charge could bounce. Call your bank before closing if you have transactions you are unsure about.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score because banks do not report account closures to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking or savings accounts.
What if I close my account and then need to access it again?
Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. If you want to bank with that institution again, you will need to open a new account. Some banks waive the new account fee if you recently closed an account with them, so ask.
How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up online?
Most banks remove closed accounts from your online banking dashboard within one to two weeks. You may still see it listed in your account history for longer, but you will not be able to access it or make transactions.
Do I need to close my account in person if I opened it online?
Not necessarily. Many banks that allow online account opening also allow online closure. Check your bank's website or app first. If online closure is not available, you can close by phone without visiting a branch.