You can close most Citizens Bank accounts online through your digital banking portal, but the process depends on your account type and balance

Citizens Bank lets you close checking and savings accounts through online banking without calling or visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log into your account, navigate to account settings, and select the close account option. The bank will walk you through any remaining balance and confirm your request.

Not every account type can be closed online. Money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and some specialty accounts may require a phone call or branch visit. If you have an outstanding balance or pending transactions, Citizens will ask you to resolve those first. The actual closure typically takes a few business days after you submit the request.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through Citizens Bank's digital banking portal by logging in and selecting account settings.
  • You must have a zero balance or arrange for the remaining funds to be transferred before the bank will process the closure.
  • Money market accounts and CDs usually require a phone call to 1-800-922-9999 or a visit to a branch location.
  • After you submit your closure request online, the account typically closes within two to five business days.
  • If you have automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account, you need to update those before closing.

What happens to your remaining balance when you close

Citizens Bank will not close an account with money still in it. Before you start the closure process, you need to either spend the balance down to zero or transfer the funds to another account. You can transfer money to another Citizens account or to an external bank account you own.

If you have pending deposits or withdrawals, the bank will hold the closure until those clear. This usually takes one to three business days. Once everything settles, you can proceed with closing the account online. If you forget to empty the account, Citizens will typically send you a notice asking you to do so before they process the closure.

Steps to close your account through online banking

Log into Citizens Bank's online banking portal using your username and password. Navigate to the account you want to close—it will appear in your list of accounts on the dashboard. Look for a settings or account management option, usually represented by a gear icon or a menu labeled "Account Services."

Select "Close Account" from the menu. Citizens will display your current balance and ask you to confirm that it is zero or that you have arranged a transfer. Review any final statements or pending transactions. Once you confirm, the bank will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to contact Citizens about the closure.

Account types that require a phone call or branch visit

Money market accounts, CDs, and some business accounts cannot be closed online. If you hold a CD, you may face an early withdrawal penalty depending on how much time remains before maturity. Citizens will explain the penalty amount before processing the closure.

To close these accounts, call Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 during business hours or visit a branch in person. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, explain any penalties or fees, and process the closure over the phone. You can request that remaining funds be transferred to another account or mailed to you as a check.

What to do before closing: automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close your account, review any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to it. These include utility bills, subscription services, insurance premiums, and loan payments. Update each one with your new account information or cancel them if you no longer need them.

Check whether you have direct deposits set up—paychecks, government benefits, or transfers from other accounts. Contact your employer, benefits administrator, or the sending institution and provide them with your new account details. If you do not update these before closing, payments may fail or be returned, which can delay your money and trigger fees.

How long closure takes and what to expect after

After you submit your closure request online, Citizens typically processes it within two to five business days. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, but the account will remain open during this window in case any final transactions need to clear. Once the closure is complete, you will receive a final statement by mail or email.

Do not attempt to use the account after you have submitted the closure request. Any transactions you try to make may be declined or reversed. If you change your mind before the closure is final, contact Citizens when ready—you may be able to cancel the request if the account has not yet been closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close my account?

Citizens will not allow you to close an account with a negative balance. You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero before proceeding. Contact Citizens at 1-800-922-9999 if you need help calculating the exact amount owed.

Can I close a joint account online if the other person does not agree?

Joint account holders typically have equal authority to close the account. However, Citizens may require both account holders to authorize the closure depending on how the account was set up. Call the bank to confirm the requirements for your specific account.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards and loans. Closing a bank account is a routine transaction with no credit impact.

What if I forgot to update my direct deposit before closing the account?

Contact your employer or benefits administrator when ready and provide your new account information. They can usually redirect your next deposit. Citizens may hold returned deposits for a limited time, so act quickly to prevent your money from being sent back to the source.

Can I reopen a Citizens Bank account after closing it?

Yes, you can open a new Citizens Bank account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute or problem, the bank may review your history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period to reopen.