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 it. Before you call, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account are moved to another account or cancelled. The bank will verify your identity, process any pending transactions, and either mail you a check for the remaining balance or transfer it to another account you specify. Most banks close accounts within one to five business days, though some may take longer if there are outstanding checks or disputes.
The exact steps vary slightly by bank and account type, but the core requirement is the same: you initiate the closure, settle what's owed, and move your money out. Some banks let you start the process online; others require a phone call or a visit to a branch. If you have a joint account, both account holders usually need to consent to the closure.
Key Takeaways
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits before closing the account, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to request closure, and have your account number and ID ready.
- The bank will send you a check or transfer any remaining balance to another account within one to five business days.
- If you have outstanding checks or pending transactions, the bank may hold the account open longer until they clear.
- For joint accounts, both owners must usually agree to close it, or one owner can close their share and convert it to a single-name account.
Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits first
Before you contact the bank, log into the account and identify every automatic payment and deposit tied to it. This includes paychecks, government benefits, insurance payments, utility bills, loan payments, subscription services, and transfers to savings accounts. Each one needs to be moved to a different account or cancelled entirely.
For direct deposits (paychecks, benefits), contact your employer or the agency sending the money and provide your new account number. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website or call them to update your payment method. For transfers you set up yourself, change them in your bank's app or website before you close the account. If you miss one and a payment bounces after closure, you may face overdraft fees from the receiving company, and the payment will fail.
Give yourself at least one to two weeks to catch and redirect everything. If you're unsure what's attached to the account, download your last three months of statements and look for recurring charges and deposits.
Contact your bank to request closure
Once automatic payments are handled, reach out to your bank. Most banks offer three ways to close an account: online through their website or app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online closure is fastest if your bank offers it; phone closure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes; in-person closure is useful if you have questions or need to close a joint account with another person present.
Have your account number, Social Security number, and a valid ID ready. The bank will ask why you're closing the account (this is optional to answer), verify your identity, and confirm that you want to proceed. If there are outstanding checks or pending transactions, they may ask you to wait until they clear. If your account is overdrawn, you'll need to pay the negative balance before closure.
Ask the bank representative how they will handle your remaining balance—whether they'll mail a check, transfer it to another account, or hold it for a set period. Get the name and date of the representative who processed your request in case you need to follow up.
Handle your remaining balance
If your account has money in it when you close, the bank will not keep it. They will either mail you a check within five to seven business days, transfer the balance to another account you provide, or hold it for a set period (usually 30 to 90 days) before sending a check. The fastest option is to have the bank transfer the balance directly to your new account during the closure call.
If the account is overdrawn—meaning you owe the bank money—you must pay the negative balance before they will close it. This can be done by transferring funds from another account, paying by check, or paying in person at a branch. Some banks will close the account and send you a bill for the negative balance, but this varies by institution.
If the bank mails a check and you don't receive it within 10 business days, contact them with the closure confirmation number and ask them to issue a replacement or transfer the funds electronically.
What happens to checks and pending transactions
If you have written checks that haven't cleared yet, the bank may delay closure until those checks post. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on when the recipient deposits them. Ask the bank how long they will hold the account open for pending checks. Some banks will close the account and honor the checks anyway; others require you to wait.
If a check is deposited after your account closes, it will bounce, and the person who deposited it will be charged a fee. To avoid this, contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and confirm they've deposited it, or ask the bank to hold the account open until you're certain all checks have cleared.
Pending electronic transactions—transfers, bill payments, or debit card charges that haven't posted yet—will usually process normally even if the account is closed, as long as there are sufficient funds. However, if a transaction posts after closure and there are no funds, it will be rejected.
Closing a joint account
If the account is in both your name and someone else's, both account holders must usually consent to closure. Contact the bank and ask whether you can close the account unilaterally or if both owners need to be present or provide written consent. Some banks require both owners to call together; others accept a signed letter from both parties.
If you and the other owner disagree about closure, you may be able to remove yourself from the account instead, converting it to a single-name account in their name. This requires the other owner's consent as well. If the account has a balance, the bank will ask how to divide it—whether to split it equally, give it all to one person, or transfer portions to separate accounts.
If you're closing a joint account because of a divorce or separation, bring a copy of your divorce decree or separation agreement if the court ordered the account closed. This can speed up the process and clarify how the balance should be handled.
After your account is closed
Once the account is closed, the bank will send you a final statement showing the closure date and the balance paid out. Keep this statement for your records. If you set up a new account at the same bank or a different one, make sure all your direct deposits and automatic payments have switched over successfully by checking your first few paychecks and bills.
If you closed the account due to fraud or unauthorized charges, ask the bank for a written summary of the dispute and the resolution. This protects you if questions arise later about transactions on that account.
Your closed account will remain on your credit report for seven years (for negative items) or indefinitely (for positive items), but it will be marked as closed and will not affect your credit score. You can close as many accounts as you want without penalty, though closing older accounts can slightly lower your credit score by reducing your average account age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if it's overdrawn?
No, not until you pay the negative balance. Contact the bank and ask how much you owe, then transfer funds from another account, pay by check, or pay in person. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.
What if I close my account and then receive a check deposited to it?
The check will bounce, and the person who deposited it will be charged a fee by their bank. Before closing, contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and confirm they've cashed it. Ask the bank to hold the account open for two to four weeks if you're unsure.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Most banks let you close by phone or online. In-person closure is useful if you have questions, need to close a joint account with the other owner present, or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Call your bank to confirm which methods they offer.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing an account will not hurt your credit score directly, but it may lower your score slightly by reducing your average account age and available credit. The impact is usually small and temporary. Negative items on the account (late payments, overdrafts) will stay on your report for seven years regardless of closure.
How long does it take to close a bank account?
Most banks close accounts within one to five business days. If you have pending checks or outstanding transactions, closure may take longer—up to two to four weeks. Ask the bank for a specific timeline when you request closure.