The basic steps to close your Citizens Bank account

You can close a Citizens Bank account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available for your account type. Citizens Bank's main customer service number is 1-800-922-9999. When you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.

The process itself is straightforward: you tell the bank you want to close the account, confirm there are no pending transactions, and arrange what happens to any remaining balance. Citizens Bank will typically issue a check or transfer funds to another account you specify. The account closes within a few business days once all outstanding checks or automatic payments have cleared.

If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other loan with Citizens Bank, closing a deposit account does not affect those products. You can close just the checking or savings account and keep any credit products active.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-922-9999 or visit a Citizens Bank branch to request closure; have your account number and be ready to verify your identity.
  • Make sure all automatic payments and pending checks have cleared before closing, or the bank may hold the account open longer.
  • Any remaining balance will be sent to you by check or transferred to another account you provide.
  • Closing a deposit account does not close credit products like mortgages or home equity lines held with Citizens Bank.
  • The account typically closes within a few business days after you request it, once all transactions settle.

What to do before you call or visit

Before you contact Citizens Bank, review your account for any automatic payments or recurring transfers that are still active. These include subscription services, insurance premiums, utility bills, or paycheck direct deposits. If you have automatic payments set up, you need to either cancel them or redirect them to a new account before closing.

Check your recent statements for any outstanding checks you wrote that may not have cleared yet. If you close the account while checks are still pending, the bank may keep the account open until those checks process, or they may reject the checks and charge you a fee. Give yourself at least one to two weeks after writing a check before closing if you are not certain it has cleared.

Gather your account number, which appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. You will need this when you call or visit. If you plan to transfer your remaining balance to another bank account, have that account number and routing number ready as well.

Closing by phone versus in person

Calling 1-800-922-9999 is the fastest option for most people. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions the bank has on file. The representative will confirm your account balance, discuss how you want the remaining funds handled, and process the closure request.

Visiting a Citizens Bank branch in person is useful if you want to close the account the same day and receive a check when ready, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring a government-issued ID and your account number. The branch can issue a check on the spot if your account has a balance, though some branches may mail it instead depending on the amount.

Online closure is not available for most Citizens Bank accounts, though you can use online banking to review your balance and set up bill pay redirects before you call. Check your specific account type in the Citizens Bank app or website to see if a closure option appears under account settings.

What happens to your remaining balance

If your account has money in it when you close, Citizens Bank will send those funds to you. You can choose to receive a check mailed to your address on file, or you can ask the bank to transfer the balance to another account. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank and account type (checking or savings).

Transfers to accounts at other banks typically take three to five business days. Checks are mailed within one to two business days but may take longer to arrive depending on your location. If you are closing because you are moving or changing banks, a direct transfer is usually faster and safer than waiting for a check.

If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you owe Citizens Bank that amount. The bank will not close the account until the negative balance is paid. You can pay it by phone, online, or in person at a branch.

Handling automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic payments coming out of your Citizens Bank account will be rejected once the account closes. This can result in late fees from the companies you owe, or service interruptions if the payment is for utilities or insurance. Before closing, log into online banking and review your recent transactions to identify all recurring payments.

For each automatic payment, contact the company directly and provide your new bank account information, or cancel the payment if you no longer need the service. This includes subscriptions, insurance premiums, loan payments, and utility bills. Most companies allow you to update payment information online or by phone in a few minutes.

If you receive a paycheck by direct deposit, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new bank account details. Direct deposit changes usually take effect within one to two pay periods. Do not close your Citizens Bank account until you have confirmed the new direct deposit has gone through at least once.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Once you request closure, Citizens Bank will process it within one to three business days if there are no pending transactions. If you have outstanding checks or automatic payments that have not yet cleared, the bank may keep the account open until those transactions settle. This can extend the closure timeline to one to two weeks.

After the account closes, you will no longer be able to use your debit card or access the account online. Any future transactions attempted on the account will be rejected. If you set up a forwarding address, Citizens Bank will mail any checks or statements to that address.

Keep your final statement for your records. It shows the closing date, final balance, and any fees charged. If you need to dispute a transaction or have questions about the closure later, you will need this statement as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Citizens Bank account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account with Citizens Bank at any time after closing. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or dispute, the bank may require you to resolve that issue first. Contact Citizens Bank to ask about any restrictions before opening a new account.

What if I have a joint account with someone else?

Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. Contact Citizens Bank and both owners will need to verify their identity. If one owner wants to close and the other does not, you can remove yourself from the account instead, which transfers full ownership to the remaining holder.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a deposit account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit products like credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Closing a checking or savings account has no impact on your credit report or score.

What if I have a pending wire transfer or ACH payment?

Wait until all pending transfers have cleared before closing the account. If you close while a transfer is in progress, it may be rejected or delayed. Check your pending transactions in online banking and wait at least one business day after the last pending transaction clears before requesting closure.

Do I need to destroy my debit card?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea to cut it up or shred it once the account is closed. The card will no longer work, but destroying it prevents accidental use or confusion. Citizens Bank will not send you a replacement card after closure.