The basic steps to close a Citizens savings account

To close a Citizens savings account, you have three options: visit a branch in person, call Citizens customer service, or use online banking if your account type supports it. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or statement, where a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about your balance and any pending transactions.

Before you close the account, make sure your balance is what you expect it to be. Check for any pending deposits or withdrawals, and confirm there are no automatic payments or direct deposits still tied to the account. If money is still coming in or going out, those transactions may fail or bounce once the account closes.

Citizens will not charge you a fee to close a savings account. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it — you would have to open a new account instead. The closure is permanent in the system, though Citizens keeps records of closed accounts for their own purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Citizens savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online, depending on your account type and Citizens' current policies.
  • Before closing, verify your balance, stop any automatic payments or direct deposits, and move money to another account if you want to keep it.
  • Citizens does not charge a fee to close a savings account, but the closure is permanent and cannot be reversed.
  • If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees, Citizens may require you to pay those before the account closes.
  • After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later.

Closing by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Citizens debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and ask why you are closing the account — this is routine and does not affect whether they will close it.

Ask the representative to confirm the current balance and whether any transactions are pending. If there is money in the account, ask where it will go — Citizens can transfer it to another account you own at Citizens, mail you a check, or in some cases send it to another bank. Get the confirmation number for the closure and ask them to email or mail you written confirmation. Write down the date and time of the call and the representative's name.

Closing in person at a Citizens branch

Bring a government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They will pull up your account, show you the current balance, and ask how you want any remaining money handled. You can take it as cash, have it transferred to another Citizens account, or request a check mailed to you.

The teller will print a receipt showing the account closure and the final balance. Keep this receipt. If you have questions about pending transactions or automatic payments, ask the teller before you leave — once you walk out, the account is closed and changes cannot be made to it.

Closing through online banking

Not all Citizens account types allow closure through the online banking portal. Log into your account and look for a settings or account management section. If a "close account" option appears, you can usually start the process there, but Citizens may still require you to call or visit a branch to complete it.

If you do not see a close account option online, you will need to use the phone or branch method. Citizens' online system does not always show this feature even if your account is may be able to access, so do not assume it is unavailable — call to confirm.

What happens to your money

Any balance in your account must go somewhere before the account closes. You can choose to have Citizens transfer it to another account you own at Citizens — this is usually the fastest option and can happen the same day. You can also request a check mailed to your address on file, which typically takes five to ten business days to arrive. Some Citizens branches can give you cash on the spot if the balance is not too large.

If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Citizens money — you must pay that amount before the account closes. Citizens will not close an account with an outstanding balance. Ask the representative or teller what the exact amount owed is and whether you can pay it immediately or if they need to process it separately.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before closure

Before you close the account, log into any services that send money to or take money from this account. This includes your employer's payroll system, bill payment services, subscription services, and government benefits programs. Update those services to use a different account or turn off the automatic payment entirely.

Do not rely on the account closure to stop these transactions — some may still attempt to process and fail, which can create confusion or fees. If you miss updating a service and a payment tries to go through after closure, contact that service to explain the account is closed and ask them to reprocess the payment to your new account if needed.

After the account is closed

Keep your closure confirmation number and final statement for at least one year. If a payment or deposit bounces because it was sent to the closed account, you will need proof that you closed it on a specific date. Save any emails or letters Citizens sends you about the closure.

If you notice a charge or transaction on your credit report or see a payment attempt after the account closes, contact Citizens immediately with your confirmation number. Closed accounts can sometimes appear in error on credit reports, and having documentation makes it easier to correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Citizens savings account I just closed?

No. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. You would have to open a new savings account, which means a new account number and a new application. There is no waiting period — you can open a new account the same day if you want to.

What if I close my account but money is still coming in?

Deposits sent to a closed account will bounce back to the sender. Your employer or the service sending the money will receive a notice that the account no longer exists. Contact that service immediately and provide your new account number so they can reprocess the deposit. This can take several business days to resolve.

Do I have to close the account in person, or can I do it all by phone?

You can close by phone for most Citizens savings accounts. Some account types or situations may require a branch visit, but the representative on the phone can tell you whether that applies to you. Ask before you hang up so you know what to expect.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history. Savings accounts do not appear on your credit report, so closing one has no impact on your credit.

What if Citizens says I have to pay a fee to close the account?

Citizens does not charge a fee to close a savings account. If a representative tells you there is a fee, ask them to explain it in writing or request to speak with a supervisor. It is possible they are referring to an outstanding balance or a separate service fee, not a closure fee.