Both account holders must agree, and the bank needs written notice from at least one of you
Closing a joint account requires the bank to hear from you in writing—usually a signed letter or a form they provide. Most banks will not close a joint account over the phone or through an app, because both owners have legal rights to the money inside. You do not need both signatures on the closure request itself, but the bank will typically contact the other account holder to confirm they know the account is closing. If the other person objects, the process stalls until you both agree or until a court order settles the dispute.
The timeline depends on what happens to the money. If the account is empty, closure takes a few business days. If there is a balance, the bank will either mail a check, transfer funds to another account, or require you to withdraw the money in person. Some banks hold the account open for 30 days after you request closure, giving the other owner time to claim their share or dispute the closure.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your bank in writing—by mail, email, or in person—and request a joint account closure form; do not assume a phone call is enough.
- The bank will notify the other account holder, so expect them to find out about the closure whether you tell them first or not.
- Empty the account or arrange for the balance to be split or transferred before you submit the closure request, because disputes over remaining funds can delay or block the closure.
- If the other owner refuses to close the account, you may need a court order; contact a lawyer or your local legal aid office for guidance on your state's rules.
- After closure, request written confirmation from the bank and keep it with your records in case questions arise later about the account status.
Steps to close the account yourself
Start by contacting your bank directly. Call the number on your debit card or visit a branch in person. Ask for the joint account closure form or procedure—every bank has one, though the name varies. Some banks call it a "closure request" or "account termination form." The bank will either mail you the form or let you fill it out on the spot.
Fill out the form with the account number and your name and signature. You do not need the other owner's signature on the closure request itself. Include your current contact information and specify what should happen to any remaining balance—whether you want a check mailed, funds transferred to another account, or whether you plan to withdraw the money in person. Be clear and specific; vague instructions can delay the process.
Submit the form by mail, email, or in person, depending on what your bank accepts. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you submitted it. Ask the bank for a confirmation number or receipt. The bank will then contact the other account holder at the address or phone number on file to notify them of the closure request.
What happens when the bank notifies the other owner
The bank is required to inform the other account holder that a closure request has been filed. This is not optional—it is part of their legal duty to protect both owners' rights. The notification usually arrives by mail within a few business days, though some banks send email or make a phone call instead.
The other owner then has a window to respond, typically 10 to 30 days depending on the bank. If they do nothing, the account closes on schedule. If they object or claim they did not authorize the closure, the bank will pause the process and contact you to resolve the dispute. This is where the process can stall for weeks or months.
If you and the other owner are on bad terms and you expect them to object, consider meeting with them beforehand to agree on how to split the balance and close the account together. A joint agreement signed by both of you and submitted to the bank can speed up the closure and prevent disputes later.
Handling money still in the account
Before you request closure, decide what happens to the balance. If the account has money in it, the bank will not close it until that money goes somewhere. Your options are: withdraw it in person, request a check mailed to you, or authorize a transfer to another account.
If you and the other owner both want the money, split it before closing. If one of you is supposed to keep it all, get that agreement in writing—an email or text message counts—and keep it with your closure request. If you cannot agree on how to split the balance, the bank may freeze the account or require a court order before releasing any funds.
Some banks will mail a check to the account holder whose name appears first on the account, or they will split the check between both owners. Ask your bank what their policy is before you submit the closure request. If the bank's default does not match what you and the other owner agreed to, put that in writing on the closure form.
When the other owner refuses to close the account
If the other account holder objects to the closure or refuses to cooperate, the bank will not close the account without a court order. At this point, you have limited options. You can stop using the account and let it sit dormant, but it will remain open and both owners retain access to the funds.
If you need the account closed and the other owner will not agree, you may need to pursue a legal remedy. This typically means filing a motion in small claims court or family court (if the account is tied to a divorce or separation) asking the judge to order the closure and divide the funds. Contact a lawyer or your local legal aid office to understand your state's rules and whether small claims court is the right venue.
In the meantime, remove your money from the account if you can. Transfer your share to an account in your name only, or withdraw it in cash. This protects your funds and reduces the amount in dispute. Keep records of what you withdrew and when.
After the account closes
Once the bank confirms the closure, request written confirmation in writing. This should include the account number, the closure date, and confirmation that the account is no longer active. Save this letter with your financial records. You may need it later if a check bounces, if a payment is rejected, or if questions arise about the account status.
Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account is marked as closed by the credit bureaus. If it is still showing as open, contact the bank and ask them to update the credit bureaus. A joint account that remains open on your credit report can affect your credit score and may cause problems if you apply for a loan or credit card.
If the other owner had automatic payments or direct deposits set up on the joint account, they will be rejected after closure. Make sure they know this so they can update their banking information with their employer, creditors, or other institutions. If you do not warn them and their payments bounce, they may blame you or take legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a joint account without the other person knowing?
The bank will notify the other account holder as part of their legal obligation, so they will find out. You can request closure without their permission, but if they object, the bank will not proceed without a court order. Attempting to close an account and hide it from the other owner can create legal problems, especially if the account holds shared funds or is tied to a marriage or business partnership.
What if there is a negative balance or overdraft on the joint account?
The bank will not close the account until the overdraft is paid off. Both account holders are responsible for the debt, so either of you can pay it. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure. If neither of you pays the overdraft, the bank may close the account and send the debt to collections, which will affect both of your credit reports.
Do I need a lawyer to close a joint account?
Not usually. If both owners agree and there are no disputes over the balance, you can close the account yourself by contacting the bank. A lawyer is only necessary if the other owner refuses to close the account and you need a court order, or if the account is tied to a divorce, estate, or business dispute.
How long does it take to close a joint account?
If both owners agree and the account is empty, closure takes 3 to 10 business days. If there is a balance and the bank needs to mail a check, add 5 to 10 business days for mail delivery. If the other owner objects, the timeline extends to 30 days or longer while the bank waits for a response or a court order.
Will closing a joint account hurt my credit score?
Closing the account itself does not hurt your credit, but it may have a small impact if the account was in good standing and had a long history. The effect is usually temporary. If the account had late payments or went to collections, closing it will not erase that history from your credit report, but it will stop new damage from occurring.