The fastest way 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 in your account settings. The phone number for Citizens Bank customer service is on the back of your debit card or on their website. When you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it have been moved to another account. Citizens Bank will not process transactions on a closed account, so bills set to pay from this account will fail, and paychecks sent here will bounce back to your employer.
The account closes when ready if you do it in person at a branch, or within a few business days if you do it by phone. You do not need to have a zero balance to close — Citizens Bank can close an account with money in it, and they will mail you a check for the remaining balance.
Key Takeaways
- Call Citizens Bank customer service, visit a branch, or check your online banking settings to find the close account option.
- Move any automatic payments or direct deposits to another account before closing, or they will fail.
- You can close the account even if money remains in it; Citizens Bank will mail you a check for the balance.
- The account closes the same day at a branch or within a few business days by phone.
- Have your account number and be ready to answer security questions when you call.
What to do before you close the account
The most important step is stopping any automatic payments or recurring charges. Log into your online banking and look for a section called "Transfers," "Payments," or "Scheduled Transactions." Write down every automatic payment you see — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, anything that comes out of this account on a regular schedule. Then contact each company and update your payment method to your new account or a different payment method.
Do the same for direct deposit. If your paycheck goes into this Citizens Bank account, contact your employer's payroll department or HR and ask them to change your direct deposit to your new account. This usually takes one or two pay cycles to take effect, so do it as soon as you decide to close the account.
Check your account for any pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but have not cleared yet. These can take several days to post, and if the account is closed before they clear, they may be rejected. Look at your recent transactions and your pending transactions separately.
Closing the account by phone
Call Citizens Bank customer service at the number on your debit card or on their website. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
The representative will confirm that you have no automatic payments or direct deposits pending, and they will ask what you want to do with any remaining balance. If there is money in the account, Citizens Bank will mail you a check. Ask the representative how long the check will take to arrive — this varies but is usually five to ten business days.
Ask for a confirmation number for the closure. Write it down along with the date and time you called. Keep this information in case you need to follow up or if a charge appears on the account after you thought it was closed.
Closing the account in person at a branch
Bring your debit card and a photo ID to any Citizens Bank branch. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They will verify your identity and ask the same questions a phone representative would — whether you have automatic payments, what you want to do with the remaining balance, and whether you want a check mailed or cash.
If you choose cash, the teller can give it to you on the spot. If you choose a check, ask when it will be mailed. The account closes that day, and you will receive a written confirmation.
Closing in person is faster than closing by phone because the account closes when ready rather than in a few business days. If you have a branch nearby and can get there during business hours, this is the quickest option.
What happens after you close the account
Once the account is closed, Citizens Bank will not accept any more transactions on it. If a company tries to charge this account after closure, the charge will be rejected. This is why moving automatic payments before you close is so important — a rejected payment can trigger late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive a check for the remaining balance, deposit it into your new account as soon as it arrives. Do not leave it uncashed for long periods.
Keep an eye on your credit report for a few months after closing. Closing an account does not hurt your credit score, but it is worth checking to make sure no fraudulent activity happened on the account before closure. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
If you cannot close the account by phone or in person
Some Citizens Bank accounts can be closed through online banking. Log in to your account and look for a settings or account management section. There may be an option to close the account directly. Not all account types offer this option, so if you do not see it, you will need to call or visit a branch.
If you have a joint account — an account you share with another person — both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Call Citizens Bank to ask whether both signatures are required or whether one person can close it alone.
If you have a frozen account or a dispute with Citizens Bank, closing may take longer or require additional steps. Call customer service to ask what documentation or steps are needed in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not on checking or savings accounts. Closing a bank account is a normal part of managing your finances.
What if I have a negative balance or owe Citizens Bank money?
You cannot close the account until the negative balance is paid. Deposit money to bring the account to zero or positive, then close it. If you do not pay the negative balance, Citizens Bank may send it to a collection agency, which can affect your credit and your ability to open accounts at other banks.
How long does it take to get my remaining balance after I close?
If you close in person and ask for cash, you get it when ready. If you ask for a check by mail, it usually arrives within five to ten business days, though this varies. Ask the representative for a specific timeframe when you close the account.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
You can open a new account with Citizens Bank at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider leaving it open instead of closing it.
What if a charge appears on the account after I close it?
Contact Citizens Bank when ready with the confirmation number from your closure. Explain that the account was closed and ask them to investigate the charge. Keep records of your closure confirmation in case you need to dispute the charge.