You can close a Fifth Third account online through their website, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances or linked services
Fifth Third Bank does not offer a complete account closure through their online banking portal. Instead, you will need to use their online messaging system to request closure, then follow up with a phone call or visit to a branch to finalize it. The reason for this two-step process is that the bank needs to verify your identity, handle any remaining funds, and may support you have transferred automatic payments or direct deposits elsewhere.
Before you start, check your account for outstanding balances, pending transactions, and any linked services like credit cards or investment accounts. If you have a negative balance (money owed to the bank), you must pay it before closure. If you have a positive balance, the bank will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third does not allow full account closure through online banking alone; you must initiate the request online and complete it by phone or in person.
- You must have a zero or positive balance in your account before closure can be processed, and any outstanding checks or pending transactions must clear first.
- If you receive direct deposit or have automatic payments set up, move those to another account before closing to avoid missed payments or lost income.
- The bank will mail any remaining balance to your address on file unless you request a transfer to another bank account during the closure process.
Starting the closure request through online banking
Log into your Fifth Third online banking account using your username and password. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Message Center" option, usually found in the account settings or help section of the website. Some versions of their site place this under "Customer Service" or a chat icon.
Send a message stating that you want to close your account and include your full account number. Be clear about whether you want any remaining funds mailed to you or transferred to another bank account. If you choose a transfer, have the receiving bank's routing number and your account number ready to provide when the bank calls you back.
Fifth Third will respond to your message within one to two business days. They will ask you to confirm your identity and may request additional information about why you are closing the account. This is routine and does not affect your ability to close.
What to do before your account closes
Check your account for any automatic payments or subscriptions that withdraw money each month. Common examples are insurance premiums, utility bills, streaming services, and loan payments. Update each of these services with a new payment method or account number before your Fifth Third account closes. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive direct deposit from an employer or government program, log into that organization's website and update your banking information to point to your new account. This typically takes three to five business days to take effect, so make the change as soon as possible.
Review your recent transactions for any pending checks you have written. Checks can take up to two weeks to clear, so if you close your account before a check clears, the payment may fail. Ask the recipient to cash the check quickly, or contact Fifth Third to ask about their policy on closed accounts and outstanding checks.
Completing the closure by phone or branch visit
After Fifth Third responds to your online message, they will provide a phone number to call to finalize the closure. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the closure request.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit a Fifth Third branch near you with a government-issued ID and your account number. A banker can close the account on the spot and answer questions about your remaining balance. Branch closure is often faster than phone closure because the banker can verify your identity when ready.
The bank will confirm the closure date and how your remaining balance will be handled. If you requested a check, it will be mailed within five to seven business days. If you requested a transfer to another bank, provide the routing number and account number at this time if you have not already done so online.
What happens after your account closes
Fifth Third will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance. Keep this statement for your records. Your debit card will stop working when ready, so destroy it or cut it up to prevent accidental use.
If you have a Fifth Third credit card linked to your checking account, closing the checking account does not close the credit card. You will need to close the credit card separately if you want to do so. Contact Fifth Third's credit card customer service to request that closure.
Your account number will remain inactive in Fifth Third's system for a period of time. If you accidentally try to deposit a check to the closed account or if someone sends you a payment to that account number, the bank will return the funds. Make sure anyone who owes you money has your new account information.
If you have a savings account or other linked accounts
If you have both a checking and savings account with Fifth Third, closing one does not close the other. You must request closure for each account separately. If you want to close multiple accounts, mention this in your initial online message so the bank can process all closures together.
If you have a Fifth Third credit card, money market account, or investment account, those are separate products and require separate closure requests. Contact Fifth Third's customer service for each product type to learn how to close them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance in full before the bank will process the closure. You can make a payment online, by phone, or at a branch. Once the balance reaches zero, you can proceed with the closure request.
How long does it take to close a Fifth Third account?
The process typically takes five to ten business days from the time you submit your online request. This includes time for the bank to respond, for you to complete the phone or branch verification, and for any pending transactions to clear. If you have outstanding checks, closure may take longer.
Will I receive a refund if I have a positive balance?
Yes. Any money remaining in your account will be returned to you either by check mailed to your address on file or by transfer to another bank account if you provide those details. You will not lose the money.
What if I close my account but then need to access it again?
Once an account is closed, it cannot be reopened. You would need to open a new account. If you are unsure about closing, consider leaving the account open but inactive instead of closing it permanently.
Do I need to visit a branch in person, or can I close everything online?
You cannot complete the entire closure online, but you can start the request online and finish by phone. If you prefer to handle everything in one visit, you can go directly to a Fifth Third branch with your ID and account number and close the account there without using online banking first.