The basic steps to close your Self account
To close a Self account, log into the Self app or website, go to Settings, select Account or Account Settings, and look for a Close Account or Delete Account option. Self will ask you to confirm the closure and may require you to settle any outstanding balance or loan if you have one. Once you confirm, the account closes immediately, though it can take a few business days for Self to process the final transaction and send you any remaining balance.
If you cannot find the close option in Settings, contact Self's customer support through the app or at their website. They can walk you through the process or close the account for you if there are complications—for example, if you have an active loan with a remaining balance that needs to be paid off first.
Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or transfers linked to your Self account are cancelled or redirected. If Self was your primary checking account, update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider so your money goes to your new account instead.
Key Takeaways
- Self accounts close through the app or website Settings menu, and the closure is immediate once you confirm.
- You must pay off any outstanding loan balance before closing; Self will not close the account if money is owed.
- Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits linked to the account before closure to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
- Processing the final transaction and returning any remaining balance can take a few business days after you request closure.
- If you cannot locate the close option or have an active loan, contact Self's customer support for assistance.
What happens to your Self loan if you close the account
If you have an active Self loan, you cannot close your account until the loan is paid in full. Self ties the account and the loan together, so closing one without settling the other is not possible. You will need to make your remaining loan payments before requesting closure.
If you are behind on loan payments, closing the account will not stop the debt or the collection process. Self will continue to pursue the outstanding balance, and it may appear on your credit report. Contact Self's support team if you are struggling with payments; they may be able to work out a payment plan or discuss your options before you decide to close.
Redirecting direct deposit and automatic payments
Self often serves as a checking account for people building credit, so it may receive your paycheck or government benefits. Before you close, log into your employer's payroll system or your benefits provider's website and update your direct deposit information with your new bank account number and routing number. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change well before your account closes.
If you have set up bill pay or automatic transfers through Self, cancel those before closure. Log into Self, find the bill pay or transfer section, and delete each scheduled payment. If a payment is scheduled to go out after you close the account, it will fail and may trigger a late fee from the biller. Contact your billers directly if you are unsure whether a payment is scheduled through Self.
Timing: how long closure takes
The account closes immediately when you confirm the request in the app or website. However, Self may take two to five business days to process the final transaction, settle any pending charges, and return any remaining balance to you. During this window, the account is closed but not yet fully wound down.
If you have a pending direct deposit or transfer that was scheduled before you closed the account, it may still process during those final business days. Check your new bank account to confirm the money arrived. If a deposit fails because the Self account is closed, contact the sender (your employer or benefits provider) to resubmit it to your new account.
Getting your remaining balance after closure
Any money left in your Self account after closure is returned to you, but the method depends on how you funded the account originally. If you linked a bank account to Self, the remaining balance goes back to that account within a few business days. If you deposited cash or used a debit card, Self may issue a check or initiate a refund to the card you used.
Keep an eye on your email for confirmation of the refund and the method Self is using. If you do not receive your balance within a week of closure, contact Self's support team with your account number and the closure date. They can track the refund and resend it if it was lost.
Reasons people close Self accounts
Some people close Self because they have finished building credit and no longer need the account. Others switch to a different bank that offers better features or lower fees. Some close because they no longer use the credit-building loan product or because they want to consolidate accounts at a single bank.
If you are closing because of a problem with the account—unexpected fees, a dispute, or poor customer service—document the issue before you close. Take screenshots of your account activity and any communications with Self. This creates a record in case you need to dispute a charge or file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
What to do if you cannot close your account
If the close option does not appear in your Settings menu, the most common reason is an outstanding loan balance or a pending transaction. Self will not let you close until those are resolved. Log back into your account and check your loan status and recent activity to see what is holding up closure.
If you see a pending transaction that is stuck, wait 24 to 48 hours for it to clear, then try closing again. If a loan balance remains, pay it off in full before requesting closure. If you have done both and the close option still does not appear, or if you see an error message, contact Self's customer support. Provide your account number and a description of what you are seeing, and they can investigate why closure is blocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Self account hurt my credit score?
Closing the account itself does not directly damage your score, but closing an active credit-building loan early may have a small impact because it shortens your credit history. The effect is usually temporary. However, if you close the account while owing money on the loan, that unpaid debt will hurt your score and may be reported to credit bureaus.
Can I reopen a Self account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Self account after closing one. However, Self may review your account history, especially if you closed with an outstanding balance or unpaid loan. If there are no issues, opening a new account is straightforward and takes a few minutes through the app.
What if my employer is still sending my paycheck to my closed Self account?
Contact your employer's payroll department immediately and provide your new bank account details. They can redirect future paychecks. If a paycheck was deposited to the closed account, Self may return it to your employer, or it may sit in a holding account. Your employer can reissue the check or initiate a new deposit to your correct account.
Do I need to close my Self account before switching banks?
You do not have to close it, but it is a good idea to avoid confusion. If you leave it open but unused, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to it. If you decide to close, do so after you have redirected all incoming money and cancelled all outgoing payments.
How do I know if my closure was successful?
Self sends a confirmation email when your account is closed. Check your email for a message from Self stating the closure date and any remaining balance. If you do not receive confirmation within a few hours, log back into the app to see if the account still appears. If it does, try closing again or contact support.