You can close a Truist checking account online through your account settings, but you'll need to handle the balance first

Truist lets you close a checking account through their online banking portal without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes, but the account won't actually close until your balance reaches zero and any pending transactions clear. If you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out or withdraw it before you can complete the closure.

If you have automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account, those will stop working once the account closes, so plan ahead. The closure request is submitted online, but the final closure takes three to five business days while pending transactions finish processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Truist online account, find your checking account settings, and select the option to close the account.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closure is final—transfer or withdraw any remaining funds first.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits at least a week before you close the account.
  • Truist will send you written confirmation of the closure, and any pending checks or transactions may take a few days to clear after closure.
  • If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect those products.

Steps to close your account through online banking

Log into your Truist online account using your username and password. Go to the account settings or account management section—this is usually found under a menu labeled "Settings," "Account," or "Manage Accounts." Select your checking account from the list of accounts you hold.

Look for an option that says "Close Account," "Close This Account," or "Account Closure." Click it. Truist will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand any pending transactions may still process. Read through the confirmation screen carefully, because this is where Truist tells you what happens to linked services like bill pay or automatic transfers. Once you confirm, the closure request is submitted.

You'll see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email confirmation within a few minutes. The account will not be fully closed until your balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared, which usually takes three to five business days. During this time, the account is marked for closure but still exists.

What to do with your money before closing

If your checking account has a balance, you must move that money before the closure is final. You have two options: transfer the funds to another bank account, or withdraw the cash at a Truist ATM or branch.

To transfer money online, log into your account and use the "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money" feature. You can send the balance to another Truist account you own (like a savings account), or to an external account at a different bank. External transfers usually take one to three business days. If you're moving the money to another Truist account, the transfer is when ready. If you prefer to withdraw cash, visit a Truist ATM or branch and withdraw the full balance. Keep in mind that ATM withdrawal limits may explore depending on your account type, so you may need to make multiple withdrawals or visit a branch to withdraw a large amount in one transaction.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close the account, you need to handle any recurring payments or deposits. Check your account for automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers that happen on a regular schedule. Log into your Truist account and go to the bill pay section to see what's set up. Cancel or redirect each one at least a week before you plan to close the account.

If you receive a paycheck or other regular deposit into this account, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number at your new bank. Direct deposits usually take one or two pay cycles to redirect, so make this change as soon as you decide to close the account. If you miss a payment or deposit because the account is closed, you're responsible for contacting the payee or your employer to get it sorted. Truist is not liable for transactions that fail after the account closes.

What happens to checks and pending transactions

If you have checks outstanding—checks you've written that haven't been cashed yet—those will still process against the closed account if they're presented before the account is fully closed. Make sure your balance is high enough to cover any checks you know are out there. If a check comes in after the account is closed, it will be returned unpaid, and the person who holds the check may charge you a fee.

Pending transactions—charges that have been authorized but not yet posted—may still go through for a few days after you request closure. This is why Truist asks you to confirm that your balance is zero. If a pending transaction posts after you've closed the account and your balance is zero, it will be returned unpaid. Contact Truist if this happens and you need to dispute the charge.

Confirming your account is fully closed

After three to five business days, log back into your Truist account and check whether the checking account still appears in your account list. If it's gone, the closure is complete. You can also call Truist customer service at the number on the back of your debit card and ask them to confirm the account is closed. They'll provide you with a closure confirmation number.

Truist will mail you a written confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records in case you need proof that the account was closed on a specific date. This is especially useful if you're closing the account because of fraud or a dispute.

If you can't close the account online

Some accounts cannot be closed online—for example, if the account is frozen due to a dispute, if there's a hold on the account, or if the account has a negative balance. In these cases, you'll need to call Truist or visit a branch in person. Call the number on the back of your debit card or visit your nearest Truist branch with a photo ID.

If your account has a negative balance (you owe Truist money), you'll need to pay that amount before the account can close. Truist may also explore fees or charges if the account went negative. Ask the representative what the current balance is and what you owe before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my checking account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit, not deposit accounts.

What if I have a Truist debit card linked to the checking account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you want to keep using a Truist debit card, you'll need to link it to another Truist account, like a savings account. Otherwise, you can request that Truist deactivate the card, or it will straightforward expire on its own.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Truist may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain window, but this depends on why you closed it and how long ago you closed it. Contact Truist to ask whether your account can be reopened.

What if I close my account and then a check comes in?

The check will be returned unpaid, and the person or business that sent it will be notified. They may charge you a fee for the returned check. Contact the payee to arrange payment by another method.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it entirely online?

You can close your account entirely online if your balance is zero and there are no holds or disputes on the account. You do not need to visit a branch or call anyone.