The fastest way to close your account
Call Synchrony customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready. They will ask why you are closing (you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm there are no pending transactions, and walk you through the final steps on the phone. The account closes that day, though it may take a few business days for any remaining balance to reach you.
You can also close in writing by mailing a letter to Synchrony's address, but this takes longer — usually 7 to 10 business days — because mail has to be processed and verified. Phone closure is simpler and faster.
Before you call, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged where any remaining money should go. Synchrony will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and they will not automatically transfer money to another bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Calling 1-800-869-3557 closes your account the same day, while mailing a letter takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Your account must have a zero balance or you must tell Synchrony where to send any remaining money before closure.
- Synchrony will not transfer your balance to another bank automatically — you must withdraw the money yourself or request a check.
- After closure, keep your final statement and any confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later.
What to do with your money before closing
If your Synchrony savings account still holds money, you have three options: withdraw it in full, transfer it to another bank account you own, or ask Synchrony to mail you a check.
Withdrawal is fastest if you have a Synchrony debit card — you can use an ATM or visit a partner bank. Transfer to another account takes 1 to 3 business days if you set it up through Synchrony's website or app. If you ask for a check, Synchrony mails it to the address on file, which usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days.
Do not close the account until the money has left it. Synchrony's system will reject a closure request if any balance remains, and you will have to call back and repeat the process.
Reasons Synchrony might refuse to close your account
Synchrony will not close an account if there is an outstanding balance, if there are pending deposits or withdrawals still processing, or if there is an active dispute or investigation on the account. If any of these explore, you will need to resolve them first.
If you have a negative balance — meaning you owe Synchrony money — you must pay that amount before closure. This is rare with savings accounts but can happen if there was a fee you did not pay or a transaction that reversed after the money left your account.
If Synchrony suspects fraud or unusual activity, they may freeze the account temporarily while they investigate. In this case, call customer service to find out the status and when you can proceed with closure.
What happens to your account after it closes
Once Synchrony closes your account, you lose access to it when ready. You cannot make deposits or withdrawals, and you cannot log in to view it online. The account will not earn interest, and Synchrony will not charge you monthly fees.
Synchrony keeps records of closed accounts for a set period. If you need a statement or proof of closure later — for tax purposes, for a dispute, or for another bank — you can contact Synchrony and request it. Keep the confirmation number or reference code from your closure call in case you need to reference it.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must agree to close it. Synchrony will not close a joint account if only one person calls. Both of you can call together on a three-way call, or one person can call and provide written authorization from the other, though written authorization takes longer to process.
Before closure, make sure both account holders agree on what happens to any remaining balance. If there is money in the account, you will need to decide whether to split it, transfer it to a joint account elsewhere, or have Synchrony send a check to the address on file.
If you want to reopen the account later
Synchrony does not automatically reopen closed accounts. If you close your savings account and later change your mind, you will need to open a new account from scratch. This means going through Synchrony's online process process again, providing identification and Social Security number, and waiting for approval.
There is no penalty for closing and reopening — Synchrony does not charge a fee to close or to open a new account. However, any promotional interest rate you had on the old account will not carry over to a new one, so check current rates before you reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Synchrony savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit report.
What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled?
Cancel any recurring direct deposits before you close the account. If a deposit arrives after closure, Synchrony will reject it and send it back to your employer or the source. Contact your employer's payroll department to redirect future deposits to a different account.
Can I close my account online?
Synchrony does not offer account closure through their website or app. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail. Phone is the fastest option.
How long does it take to get my money after I close?
If you withdraw cash or transfer to another bank account, the money leaves within 1 to 3 business days. If you request a check, it arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. The account closure itself happens the same day you call.
Do I need to close my account in person?
No. Synchrony is an online bank with no physical branches. You close entirely by phone or mail. You do not need to visit a location or show identification in person.