The basic process: what you need to do
Closing a bank account takes a phone call, a visit, or a few minutes online — depending on your bank. Most banks let you close an account the same day you request it, though some require you to visit a branch in person or wait for a check to clear first. The key is to move your money out before you close, because once the account is gone, deposits sent to that account number may bounce or get lost.
Start by calling your bank's customer service line or logging into your online banking portal. Tell them you want to close the account. They will ask whether you want to close just that account (if you have multiple) or your entire relationship with the bank. They will also confirm you have no pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits still tied to it.
If your bank requires a branch visit, you can ask whether they will waive that requirement — some will close accounts by phone if you have been a customer for a certain length of time or if you maintain a minimum balance elsewhere. If you must go in person, bring your ID and the account number.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before closing it, because deposits sent to a closed account may bounce or disappear.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least a week before you close, or redirect them to your new account.
- Call your bank, visit a branch, or use online banking to request closure — most banks close accounts the same day.
- Ask for written confirmation of closure and keep it in case a payment bounces or a dispute arises later.
- If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may hold the account open until those are settled.
Move your money and stop automatic payments first
Before you call the bank, transfer everything out of the account you are closing. This includes your regular balance and any money in a linked savings account if you are closing that too. Use a transfer to another account you own, a wire transfer, or a withdrawal. Do not leave even a small balance — some banks charge monthly fees even on closed accounts if there is money sitting in them.
Next, stop or redirect every automatic payment and direct deposit tied to that account. Log into any service that pulls money from this account — your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance provider, your loan servicer — and change the account number to your new one. Do this at least a week before you close the account. If you miss one and a payment bounces, the merchant may charge you a fee and report it to your bank.
Check your bank statements for the past three months to catch subscriptions or recurring charges you may have forgotten about. Search your email for receipts from services you signed up for but no longer use. These small charges are easy to overlook and can cause problems if they try to post after closure.
What happens if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees
If your account is overdrawn or you owe the bank fees, the bank will not close the account until that debt is paid. You will need to deposit money to cover the negative balance, or the bank will deduct it from another account you have with them. If you do not pay, the bank may send the debt to a collection agency or report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks check when you try to open a new account.
Some banks will waive small fees if you ask, especially if you have been a long-time customer with a good history. It is worth calling and asking before you close — the worst they can say is no. But do not count on it. If the fee is legitimate and you owe it, pay it to avoid the closure delay and the damage to your banking record.
Get written confirmation and watch for bounced payments
After the bank closes your account, ask for written confirmation. This can be an email, a letter, or a screenshot of your online banking portal showing the account is closed. Keep this for your records. If a payment bounces weeks later because someone tried to deposit money into your closed account, you will have proof that you closed it on a specific date.
For the first month or two after closure, monitor your credit report and watch for any unexpected charges or collection notices. If a company tries to charge your closed account and the payment bounces, they may try to charge you a returned-payment fee. If this happens, contact the company and show them proof that you closed the account on a certain date. Many will waive the fee if you can demonstrate you acted in good faith.
If you receive mail from the bank after closure, open it. Banks sometimes send final statements, tax documents (like 1099 forms for interest earned), or notices about unclaimed funds. Do not ignore these — they may contain information you need for your taxes or records.
Closing a joint account or account with a minor
If the account is joint, both account holders usually have to request closure together, either in person or by phone. Some banks will let one person close it if the other gives written permission, but this varies. Call your bank and ask what they require. If you and the other person disagree about closing, the bank may refuse to close it without a court order.
If you are closing an account that a minor is on, you will need to be present in person at the branch with the minor's ID. Some banks require the minor to be present as well. Once the minor turns 18, they can close the account on their own, but until then, the account holder (usually a parent or guardian) controls it.
What to do if your bank makes it difficult to close
Most banks close accounts without hassle, but some make the process slow or inconvenient. If your bank requires an in-person visit and you cannot get to a branch, ask whether they will accept a notarized letter or a power of attorney. If they refuse, file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can file online at consumerfinance.gov.
If the bank is holding your money or refusing to close the account without a reason, that is a serious problem. Document everything — the date you requested closure, the name of the person you spoke to, what they said, and any written communication. Then file a complaint with the CFPB. They investigate complaints against banks and can force a bank to act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close a bank account?
Most banks close accounts the same day you request it. However, if you have pending transactions, automatic payments, or a negative balance, the bank may delay closure until those are resolved. Some banks require a branch visit, which can add a few days if you have to schedule an appointment.
Can I close a bank account online?
Many banks let you close accounts through their online portal or mobile app. Log in, find the account settings, and look for a "close account" option. If you do not see one, call customer service. Some banks only close accounts by phone or in person, so it depends on your bank's policy.
What happens to checks I have already written?
Checks written on a closed account will bounce when the recipient tries to deposit them. If you have written checks that have not cleared yet, wait until they do before you close the account. If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, ask the bank to hold the account open for 30 days after closure, or transfer a small amount of money back into it to cover any stragglers.
Will closing a bank account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because banks do not report account closures to credit bureaus. However, if you leave an unpaid balance or fee on the account and the bank sends it to collections, that will hurt your score. Pay any outstanding balance before you close to avoid this.
Can I reopen an account I just closed?
Most banks will let you reopen a closed account within a certain window — usually 30 to 90 days — without a new application. After that, you will have to open a new account. If the account was closed because of fraud or a violation of the bank's terms, the bank may refuse to let you reopen it or open a new one.