The basic process: what you need to do
To close a bank account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person at a branch, or through their website—and tell them you want to close the account. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity, review any outstanding transactions, and direct you where to send or pick up any remaining balance. Most banks close accounts within one to five business days, though some may take longer if there are pending deposits or withdrawals.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or close to it. If you have money left, the bank will either send you a check, transfer it to another account you provide, or hold it according to their policy. Some banks charge a fee if you close an account within a certain period (often 90 days to a year of opening it), so check your account agreement first.
Key Takeaways
- Stop using the account and redirect all deposits and automatic payments before you close it, or they may fail and trigger overdraft fees.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to request closure, and confirm whether they charge an early closure fee.
- Bring or provide a government-issued ID when you close the account, and ask the bank how they will return any remaining balance.
- Keep the account open for at least 30 days after closure to catch any delayed transactions or billing errors.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before you close
The most common mistake is closing an account while bills, paychecks, or other regular transfers are still set to hit it. When a deposit or payment arrives at a closed account, it bounces back to the sender, and your bank may charge you an overdraft or returned-item fee even though the account is closed. You may also miss a bill payment and damage your credit or face late fees.
Log into your online banking and review the past three months of transactions. Look for any recurring deposits (paycheck, benefits, transfers from another account) or payments (utilities, subscriptions, loan payments, insurance). For each one, update the source or destination at least two weeks before you plan to close the account. If your paycheck goes to this account, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new bank account number. If you pay bills from this account, log into each biller's website and update your payment method.
Some recurring payments may be harder to find. Check your email for subscription confirmations or billing reminders, and search your transaction history for charges you may have forgotten about. If you find a payment you do not recognize, contact that company and ask them to stop charging the account.
Gather what you need before you contact the bank
Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready when you call or visit. If you are closing the account by phone, the bank will verify your identity by asking security questions or confirming recent transactions. If you are closing in person, bring your ID and your debit card or checkbook.
If you have a remaining balance and want it transferred to another bank account, have that account's routing number and account number ready. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on a check, in your online banking portal, or by calling the bank. If you do not have another account yet, ask the bank to mail you a check instead.
Contact your bank and confirm the closure details
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal and look for a "close account" or "account services" option. Some banks allow you to close accounts online; others require a phone call or in-person visit. Ask the representative the following: whether there is an early closure fee, how long closure takes, and how they will return your remaining balance.
Write down the name of the representative, the date and time of the call, and any confirmation number the bank provides. If you close the account in person, ask for a written confirmation that the account is closed. If you close by phone, follow up with an email to the bank's customer service address restating that you requested closure on that date, so you have a record.
What happens to your remaining balance
If your account has money in it when you close, the bank will not simply keep it. Most banks will mail you a check within five to ten business days. Some will transfer the balance to another account if you provide the routing and account number. A few banks may hold the balance for a set period (often 30 to 90 days) before sending it, especially if there are pending transactions.
If you do not receive the check or transfer within the timeframe the bank promised, contact them again and ask for a status update. Keep the account open for at least 30 days after closure in case a delayed transaction or billing error needs to be corrected. After 30 days, if the bank has not returned your balance, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator.
Early closure fees and what to watch for
Many banks charge a fee—typically $25 to $100—if you close an account within 90 days to one year of opening it. This fee may be waived if you close the account in person and explain your reason, though banks are not required to waive it. Check your account agreement or ask the bank before you close whether a fee applies.
Some banks will deduct the closure fee from your remaining balance. If your balance is smaller than the fee, you may end up owing the bank money. Ask the representative whether the fee will be deducted and, if so, how much your net balance will be after the fee is taken out.
After closure: what to do next
Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to use the debit card or write checks from it. Destroy the debit card by cutting it in half, and shred any unused checks. If you have online access to the account, you may still be able to view your transaction history for a period of time (usually 90 days to one year), which is useful if you need to reference old transactions or dispute a charge.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized charges, contact the bank's fraud department and ask them to file a dispute. Keep all documentation of the fraudulent transactions and your dispute claim. If the bank does not refund the money within the timeframe required by law (usually 10 business days for unauthorized transfers), file a complaint with the CFPB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance (overdraft) before the bank will close the account. The bank will not close an account with money owed to them. Contact the bank and ask how to pay the overdraft—you can usually do this by phone transfer, check, or in-person payment.
What if the bank won't close my account?
Banks rarely refuse to close an account, but if yours does, ask why in writing and request the reason in writing as well. If the account has fraud or a legal hold on it, the bank must tell you. If they still refuse without a valid reason, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state's banking regulator.
How long does it take to close a bank account?
Most banks close accounts within one to five business days of your request. Some may take up to 10 business days if there are pending transactions. Ask the bank for a specific timeline when you request closure, and follow up if it takes longer than promised.
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 (credit cards, loans) and payment history, not checking or savings accounts.
What if I receive mail from the bank after I close the account?
Write "account closed" on the envelope and return it to the bank, or call and ask them to update their records. If you receive a bill or notice related to the account, contact the bank immediately to make sure the account is actually closed and there are no outstanding issues.