The basic process: what you need to do
To close a bank account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through their website—and tell them you want to close the account. Before you do, move any money out, set up a new account if you need one, and redirect any automatic deposits or payments. The bank will confirm the account is empty, process the closure, and send you written confirmation. Most closures take a few days to a week, though some banks finish the same day.
You do not need a reason to close an account, and the bank cannot force you to keep it open. However, if you have an outstanding balance or owe fees, the bank may hold the account open until that is settled.
Key Takeaways
- Move your money out of the account before you request closure, or the bank will return it to you after they close it.
- Stop or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account at least a week before closure.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online—the method does not matter, but phone or in-person is fastest for confirmation.
- Ask for written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case the account appears on your credit report later.
- If you have a joint account, both owners usually must consent to closure, though rules vary by bank.
Step 1: Move your money and settle any balance
Withdraw or transfer all money from the account before you ask the bank to close it. If you leave money in the account when it closes, the bank will mail you a check or transfer it to a linked account—a process that can take weeks. If the account has a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay that before closure. The bank will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive.
If you are not sure whether you have pending charges or automatic payments still hitting the account, log in online or call the bank and ask for a statement. Look for recurring charges like subscriptions, insurance premiums, or loan payments that might post after you think the account is empty.
Step 2: Redirect automatic deposits and payments
Change the account number for any direct deposits (paycheck, benefits, tax refunds) and automatic bill payments (utilities, loan payments, insurance) at least one week before you close the account. If a payment bounces because the account is closed, you may face late fees or damage to your credit report.
Contact your employer, the Social Security Administration, your state tax authority, or whoever sends you regular deposits and give them your new account number. For automatic payments, log into each biller's website or call them and update your payment method. Do not rely on the bank to forward these for you—it will not.
Step 3: Contact your bank to request closure
Call the customer service number on the back of your card, visit a branch in person, or use your bank's website or mobile app. Tell them you want to close the account and provide your account number. The bank may ask why you are closing it, but you do not have to give a reason. If you are closing the account because of poor service or fees, you can say so, though it will not change the outcome.
If you are closing a joint account, both account holders usually must request closure together or provide written consent. Some banks allow one owner to close the account if the other owner is deceased or unreachable, but you may need to provide proof. Ask the bank about their specific policy before you proceed.
Step 4: Confirm the account is empty and get written confirmation
Before the bank officially closes the account, they will verify that the balance is zero. Ask the bank representative for written confirmation of the closure—either an email, a letter, or a screenshot from your online account. Keep this confirmation for at least one year. If the account later appears on your credit report or you receive mail about it, you will have proof that you closed it.
The bank will also tell you when the closure will be complete. Most banks finish within a few business days, but some take up to two weeks. Ask whether you can still access the account online during this time and when it will disappear from your account list.
Step 5: Monitor for unexpected activity
After closure, check your credit report a few weeks later to make sure the account shows as closed by the customer (not by the bank for cause). You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com. If the account shows as closed for any other reason, contact the bureau and the bank to correct it.
If you receive mail about the account after closure, do not ignore it. Call the bank and ask them to stop sending statements. If a debt collector contacts you about the account, respond in writing and include your closure confirmation.
What happens if you close an account with a negative balance
If you owe the bank money—because of overdraft fees, returned checks, or other charges—you must pay that balance before the bank will close the account. The bank will not forgive the debt or let you walk away from it. If you do not pay, the bank may send the debt to a collection agency, which will report it to the credit bureaus and may sue you.
If you cannot pay the full amount, call the bank and ask whether they will settle for less or set up a payment plan. Some banks will negotiate, especially if the debt is small. Get any agreement in writing before you make a payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing a bank account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account itself does not affect your credit score—banks do not report checking or savings accounts to credit bureaus. However, if you owe the bank money and they send the debt to a collection agency, that will hurt your score. Closing the account does not erase the debt.
Can I close an account if I have pending checks or transfers?
You should wait until all pending transactions clear before you close the account. If a check or transfer posts after closure, the bank will return it unpaid, which may trigger overdraft fees or cause a payment to bounce. Ask the bank how long to wait based on your recent activity.
What if the bank refuses to close my account?
Banks cannot legally refuse to close an account you own, but they may delay if you owe money or if there are pending transactions. If a bank is refusing without a valid reason, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator. Provide documentation of your closure request and the bank's response.
Do I need to close a joint account if only one owner wants to leave?
Most banks require both owners to consent to closure. If one owner wants out, you can usually remove that person from the account instead, leaving the account open for the other owner. The remaining owner becomes the sole account holder. Ask your bank about their process for removing an owner.
How long does it take for a closed account to stop appearing online?
Most banks remove closed accounts from your online account list within a few days to two weeks. Some banks keep closed accounts visible for 30 to 90 days so you can review old statements. If the account is still showing after 30 days, contact the bank and ask when it will be removed.