Call DCU directly or visit a branch to close your savings account
DCU (Defense Credit Union) lets you close a savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or by mail. The fastest route is a phone call to their member services line at 1-888-DCU-MEMBER (1-888-328-6362). Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing (they don't require a reason), and walk you through what happens to any remaining balance.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any DCU branch with a photo ID and your account number. The staff member will process the closure on the spot and can issue a check for your balance immediately or transfer it to another account. This takes about 10 minutes.
Closing by mail is slower but possible: write a letter to DCU requesting closure, include your account number and signature, and mail it to DCU's address (available on their website). Include instructions for where to send your final balance—a check to your address or a transfer to another account. Allow two to three weeks for processing.
Key Takeaways
- Phone closure at 1-888-328-6362 is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes during business hours.
- You must have your account number and a form of identification ready before you call or visit.
- Any remaining balance will be returned to you by check or transferred to another account you specify.
- Pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account should be stopped before closure to avoid problems.
- There is no penalty or fee for closing a DCU savings account.
What happens to your money when you close
DCU will not delete your balance when you close the account. Whatever money remains in the savings account must go somewhere. During the closure call or visit, you'll tell the representative how you want it handled: as a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another DCU account you own, or a transfer to an external bank account (which requires your routing and account number).
A check typically arrives within five to seven business days. A transfer to another DCU account happens the same day or next business day. A transfer to an external bank can take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.
If you have pending deposits or automatic payments scheduled, those may still process after you request closure. Stop any automatic transfers or bill payments linked to the account at least a few days before you close it. If a payment posts after closure, DCU will return it or credit it to another account you have with them.
Stopping automatic payments and transfers before closure
Any recurring payment or transfer tied to your savings account needs to be canceled before you close it. Log into your DCU online account or mobile app and review the "Transfers" or "Payments" section. Look for any automatic bill payments, transfers to other accounts, or deposits scheduled to hit the savings account.
Cancel each one individually through the app or online portal. If you can't find them or prefer to do it by phone, tell the representative during your closure call. They can cancel recurring payments on your behalf. Give yourself at least three to five business days before closure to make sure everything has stopped.
If a payment or transfer posts after the account is closed, contact DCU immediately. They can reverse it or redirect the funds to another account you own. The sooner you call, the easier the fix.
Closing the account online versus by phone versus in person
DCU does not currently offer account closure through their website or mobile app—you must initiate it by phone or in person. This is a security measure to confirm your identity before closing an account.
| Method | Time to Complete | When Available | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone (1-888-328-6362) | 10 minutes | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET; Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET | Account number, photo ID (verbal confirmation) |
| In-person at branch | 10 minutes | Branch hours (vary by location) | Photo ID, account number |
| By mail | 2–3 weeks | Anytime | Signed letter with account number and closure instructions |
Phone is the most convenient for most people because you can do it from home during business hours. In-person closure is best if you want your balance as a check immediately or if you prefer to speak face-to-face. Mail is the slowest option but works if you have no other way to contact DCU.
What to do if you have a negative balance or owe DCU money
If your savings account is overdrawn or you owe DCU fees, you cannot close the account until the balance is paid. When you call or visit to close, the representative will tell you the exact amount owed. You can pay it immediately by debit card, check, or transfer from another account, and then proceed with closure.
If you have an outstanding loan with DCU, closing the savings account does not affect the loan. The loan remains active and you continue making payments as scheduled. The savings account closure is separate from any other accounts or credit products you have with DCU.
If you dispute a fee or charge on the account, tell the representative before requesting closure. They can review the charge and may reverse it. This is easier to resolve before the account is closed.
After your account is closed
Once DCU processes the closure, the account number becomes inactive. You will no longer see it in your online account or mobile app. Any checks or debit cards linked to the savings account will stop working. If you have a debit card tied only to this savings account, destroy it or contact DCU to have it canceled.
Your closure is final. DCU does not reopen closed accounts. If you want to save with DCU again in the future, you would need to open a new savings account, which takes a few minutes online or at a branch.
Keep your closure confirmation for your records. DCU will send a final statement showing the account closure date and the balance paid out. This appears in your online account or arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my DCU savings account if I have a pending direct deposit?
Yes, but stop the direct deposit first if possible. If a deposit posts after closure, DCU will credit it to another account you own or return it to your employer. Contact DCU immediately if this happens so they can redirect the funds correctly.
What if I close my account and then need to reopen it?
DCU does not reopen closed accounts. You would need to open a new savings account, which takes a few minutes online or at a branch. Your old account number cannot be reused.
Do I lose my membership with DCU if I close my savings account?
No. Closing one account does not end your DCU membership. If you have other accounts or loans with DCU, they remain active. You can close the savings account and keep a checking account or credit card, for example.
How long does it take to receive my balance after I close the account?
If you request a check, allow five to seven business days for delivery. A transfer to another DCU account posts the same day or next business day. A transfer to an external bank takes one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit products like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts.