The basic steps to close your account

You can close a Huntington 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. The fastest way is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Huntington statement — you'll reach someone who can walk you through the process in minutes.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or that you're prepared to move any remaining money out. Huntington will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and they may charge fees if the account stays open with a small balance for too long. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to this account, you'll need to update those with your new bank or payee before closing.

The bank will ask you why you're closing the account — this is routine and doesn't affect whether they'll close it. They may also ask if you want to keep any other accounts open with them. Once the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card, and any pending transactions may be rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your debit card or statement to reach Huntington customer service and request account closure.
  • Your account balance must be zero before Huntington will close it, so move or withdraw any remaining money first.
  • Update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay arrangements with your new bank before you close the account.
  • Keep your final statement or confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later.

What to do with money still in the account

If you have money in the account, you have three options: withdraw it in cash at a Huntington branch, transfer it to another bank account, or ask Huntington to send you a check. Most people transfer the money electronically to their new bank, which takes one to three business days.

To transfer electronically, you'll need the routing number and account number of your new bank. You can do this through Huntington's online banking portal if you have access, or by calling customer service and asking them to process the transfer. If you withdraw cash, bring your debit card and ID to any Huntington branch.

If you ask for a check, Huntington will mail it to the address on file. This is the slowest option and leaves room for the check to be lost in the mail, so it's usually better to transfer or withdraw in person if you can.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close the account, contact anyone who sends money to it regularly — your employer for direct deposit, your benefits provider if you receive government payments, or any other source of recurring income. Give them your new account information at least a week before you plan to close the Huntington account.

For automatic payments you make from the account — like utility bills, insurance, or loan payments — log into each biller's website or call them to update your payment method. Do not rely on the bank to forward these payments or notify the biller. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will be rejected and you may face late fees.

If you're not sure which payments are set up on the account, log into Huntington online banking and look at your recent transactions. Any recurring charges will show up in your history.

Closing the account by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on a recent statement. Have your account number and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account, and they'll confirm your balance and ask you to verify some personal information.

The representative will walk you through any remaining steps, such as confirming that automatic payments have been moved, and will give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date and time of the call. Ask the representative to note in your file that you requested closure, in case there are any questions later.

After you hang up, it may take a few business days for the account to fully close in Huntington's system. You should receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Bring your debit card and a government-issued ID to any Huntington branch. Tell a teller you want to close the account. If your balance is not zero, you can withdraw the money right then or transfer it while you're there.

The teller will process the closure and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. If you have questions about the closure later, you can reference this number when you call customer service.

Closing in person is useful if you want to withdraw cash when ready or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. However, you still need to make sure automatic payments and direct deposits are moved before you visit the branch.

What happens after you close the account

Once the account is closed, you will not be able to use the debit card. Any attempt to use it will be declined. If you have checks linked to this account, they will also be rejected if anyone tries to cash them after closure.

Huntington will keep records of the closed account for a set period, usually several years. If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, you can request it from customer service even after the account is closed. There is usually no charge for this.

If a payment or deposit tries to go through after closure and you didn't update the source, it will be rejected. The sender will receive a notice that the account is closed. This is why updating direct deposits and automatic payments before closure is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

Some Huntington account types allow closure through online banking, but most require a phone call or in-person visit. Log into your online banking to see if the option is available. If not, call customer service or visit a branch.

What if I have a negative balance or owe the bank money?

Huntington will not close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the amount owed first. Call customer service to find out exactly what you owe, then make a payment before requesting closure.

Will closing my account hurt my credit?

Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Banks do not report account closures to credit bureaus the way credit card companies do. Your credit history will not change.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account usually closes within a few business days of your request, though it may take up to two weeks for the closure to show in all of Huntington's systems. You'll receive written confirmation in the mail.

What if I closed the account but money is still being deducted?

This usually means an automatic payment was not updated before closure. Contact the company or organization making the deduction and give them your new account information. They may also be able to retrieve the rejected payment.