How to close your M&T Bank account

You can close an M&T Bank account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or sending a written request by mail. M&T does not charge a fee to close an account. The process takes a few business days once M&T receives your request, though any pending transactions or automatic payments may delay the final closure. You will need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before or during the closure process.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the account closed and whether you have outstanding transactions. Phone and in-person closures are faster; mail takes longer but creates a paper record of your request.

Key Takeaways

  • M&T Bank does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account at any time.
  • You can close an account by phone, in person at a branch, or by sending a written request to M&T's mailing address.
  • You must withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before the account closes, or M&T will hold it and mail you a check.
  • Closure takes three to five business days after M&T processes your request, but pending transactions can extend this timeline.
  • If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits linked to the account, you should update those with a new account number before closing.

Closing your account by phone

Call M&T Bank's customer service at 1-800-724-2440. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask whether you want to close a checking account, savings account, or both. If you have a balance, they will ask how you want to handle it—transfer to another account, have a check mailed, or withdraw in person at a branch.

The representative will confirm the closure request and provide a reference number. Write this down. The account will close within three to five business days. If you have pending transactions (checks that have not cleared, pending transfers, or scheduled bill payments), closure may take longer because M&T must wait for those to process first.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Visit any M&T Bank branch with a government-issued photo ID and your account number or debit card. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They will pull up your account and ask the same questions as a phone representative: which account to close and how to handle your balance. If you have cash in the account, you can withdraw it when ready. If you want a check mailed, the teller will process that request.

In-person closure is often faster than phone closure because the teller can process the request when ready and you can walk out knowing it is done. The account will still take three to five business days to fully close in the system, but the request is recorded on the same day.

Closing your account by mail

Write a letter to M&T Bank requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking or savings), and how you want your remaining balance handled. Sign and date the letter. Mail it to:

M&T BankCustomer ServiceOne M&T PlazaBuffalo, NY 14203

Keep a copy of your letter for your records. Mail closure takes longer than phone or in-person—typically seven to ten business days from the date M&T receives your letter, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This method is useful if you want a written record of your closure request, but it is not the fastest option.

What to do before closing your account

Before you close, check for any automatic bill payments, recurring charges, or direct deposits tied to the account. Log into your M&T online banking or call customer service to review what is linked. Update those payments and deposits with your new bank account information if you are switching banks, or cancel them if you no longer need them. If you miss this step, payments may fail and you could face late fees or service interruptions.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. M&T will not close an account with a zero balance if there are pending transactions, so make sure all checks have cleared and all transfers have posted before you request closure. If you have a small balance you cannot easily transfer, ask the representative whether M&T will mail you a check or if you must withdraw it in person.

What happens after you close your account

Once M&T processes your closure request, the account will be marked closed in their system within three to five business days. You will no longer be able to use your debit card or access the account online. If you had a balance and requested a check, M&T will mail it to the address on file. This typically takes five to seven business days after closure is complete.

M&T will keep records of your closed account for a set period for regulatory and fraud prevention purposes. If you need a statement or transaction history after closure, you can request it by phone or mail, though M&T may charge a fee for statements older than a certain period. Keep your own records of the closure date and any final balance for your personal files.

If you have a problem closing your account

If M&T does not close your account within the stated timeframe, or if you are charged a fee you believe should not have been applied, contact customer service again with your reference number from the original closure request. Explain the issue and ask them to investigate. Most closure delays are caused by pending transactions that have not yet cleared.

If you believe M&T made an error or treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov or by calling 1-855-411-2372. The CFPB investigates complaints about banks and can require them to correct errors or provide compensation. You can also contact the New York State Department of Financial Services (M&T is headquartered in New York) if your complaint involves potential violations of state banking law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does M&T charge a fee to close an account?

No. M&T Bank does not charge a fee to close a checking account, savings account, or any other deposit account. If you are charged a fee, contact customer service when ready to dispute it.

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

M&T will not close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the negative amount first. This can usually be done by transferring funds from another account, depositing cash or a check, or arranging a payment over the phone with customer service.

Can I reopen an account after closing it?

Yes, you can open a new M&T account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, violation of M&T's terms, or repeated overdrafts, M&T may decline to open a new account for you. Contact customer service to understand why your account was closed before attempting to open a new one.

How long does it take to get my money back after closing?

If you transfer your balance to another account during closure, the transfer posts within one to three business days depending on the receiving bank. If you request a check, M&T mails it within five to seven business days after the account closes. If you withdraw cash in person, you have the money when ready.

What if I close my account but forget to update my direct deposit?

Your employer or the organization sending the deposit will receive a rejection notice when they try to deposit to your closed account. Contact them when ready with your new account information so they can resubmit the deposit. Depending on how quickly you update them, the deposit may be delayed by one to two pay periods.