Close the account by contacting Associated Bank directly, in writing or by phone
Associated Bank does not have a single national phone line for account closures. Instead, you call the branch where you opened the account, or the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to close the account and ask whether they need the request in writing. Some branches accept closure requests over the phone; others require a signed letter or a visit in person.
Before you call, gather your account number (on your checks or statement) and have a forwarding address ready. Associated Bank will mail you any remaining balance as a check, usually within 5 to 7 business days after closure. If you have pending transactions—automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or checks you wrote—the bank may ask you to wait until those clear, or they may close the account and handle the transactions from a temporary holding account.
If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other loan with Associated Bank, closing a checking or savings account does not affect the loan. The loan account remains open and active on its own schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Associated Bank branch where you opened the account or use the number on your debit card to request closure.
- The bank will mail your remaining balance as a check within 5 to 7 business days after the account closes.
- Stop or redirect automatic payments and direct deposits before closure to avoid failed transactions.
- Closing a checking or savings account does not close loans, credit cards, or other products held with the bank.
- Keep your account number and closure confirmation for your records in case disputes arise later.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before closure
Associated Bank will not automatically redirect or cancel standing instructions tied to your account. If you have automatic bill payments set up—insurance, utilities, loan payments, subscriptions—those will fail once the account closes. The payee will see the transaction rejected, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Log into your Associated Bank online account or mobile app and review the "Transfers" or "Bill Pay" section. Cancel each automatic payment at least one week before you plan to close the account. Then contact each payee directly (your electric company, insurance agent, loan servicer) and provide your new payment method—a new bank account, credit card, or check.
Do the same for direct deposits. If your employer or a government agency (Social Security, unemployment, tax refund) deposits money into the Associated account, update your banking information with them before closure. This usually takes 1 to 2 pay cycles to take effect, so start early.
Withdraw or transfer money before the account closes
Associated Bank will not charge you to close an account, but they will not keep the money. Any balance remaining in the account at closure is mailed to you as a check. If you prefer to move the money immediately—to another bank, to cash, or to a different Associated account—do that before you request closure.
You can withdraw cash at any Associated Bank branch or ATM. You can also transfer money electronically to another bank using the "Transfer" or "Send Money" feature in your online account. External transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days. If you want the money faster, withdraw it in cash or visit a branch in person.
If the account has a very small balance (under $25), some branches may ask whether you want to leave it or take it. Confirm with your branch what happens to balances under their minimum threshold.
What happens to checks and debit cards after closure
Any checks you wrote against the account will be rejected if they arrive after the account closes. Before you request closure, make sure all checks you have written have cleared. You can check this in your online account or by calling the branch.
Your debit card will stop working immediately or within 24 hours of closure. If you have set up online bill pay through the card itself (rather than through the bank's bill pay system), those payments will fail. Destroy the card by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact.
If you have a checkbook with unused checks, you can destroy those yourself or ask the branch to do it. Associated Bank does not charge for this.
Request closure in writing if the branch asks for it
Some Associated Bank branches require a written closure request. If yours does, send a letter to the branch address (ask for it when you call). The letter should include your full name, account number, the date you want the account closed, and your signature. Keep a copy for your records.
Mail the letter certified with return receipt requested, so you have proof the bank received it. The branch will confirm closure by phone or mail within 3 to 5 business days. If you do not hear back, call the branch again and ask for a closure confirmation number.
Confirm closure and keep your records
After the account closes, ask the bank for a closure confirmation. This is usually a letter or email stating the account number, closure date, and final balance. Keep this document for at least one year. If a payment fails or a company claims you still owe money on the account, you will need proof that the account is closed.
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to make sure the account is marked as closed by the account holder (you), not closed due to inactivity or default. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account is marked incorrectly, contact Associated Bank and ask them to correct it with the credit bureaus.
If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, closing one account may affect the other. Ask the branch whether closing your checking account will also close the savings account or remove overdraft protection.
What to do if the bank refuses to close the account
Associated Bank cannot refuse to close an account you own, but they may delay closure if there are pending transactions, fraud holds, or legal claims against the account. If the bank says they cannot close it, ask them to explain the reason in writing and ask how long the hold will last.
If you believe the bank is wrongfully refusing closure, file a complaint with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) at occ.gov or by calling 1-800-613-6743. The OCC oversees national banks, including Associated Bank. You can also file a complaint with your state's banking regulator if Associated Bank has a state charter.
Do not close the account by simply stopping use of it. Inactive accounts may incur monthly fees, and the bank may eventually close it themselves—which could be reported to credit bureaus differently than a closure you requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Associated Bank to close my account?
Closure is usually immediate once you request it, but the bank may hold the account open for 5 to 10 business days if there are pending transactions. Your remaining balance is mailed as a check within 5 to 7 business days after closure.
Will closing my Associated Bank account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Only credit accounts (credit cards, loans, lines of credit) appear on your credit report. Closing a deposit account is not reported to credit bureaus.
What if I close the account but a check arrives after closure?
The check will be returned to the payee marked "account closed." The payee may contact you for a new account number or payment method. To avoid this, wait until all checks you have written have cleared before requesting closure.
Can I reopen an Associated Bank account after closing it?
Yes. You can open a new account at any time. However, if the account was closed due to fraud, overdraft abuse, or a banking violation, Associated Bank may refuse to open a new account for you. Ask the branch whether there are any restrictions before you close.
What if Associated Bank owes me money after closure?
If the bank owes you interest, a refund, or a credit, ask them to include it in the final check. If they refuse or you discover the debt after closure, contact the branch in writing and ask for a check. Keep your closure confirmation to prove the account is closed.