You can close a Truist checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
Truist offers three main routes to close a checking account. The fastest is calling Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657, where a representative can process the closure while you're on the line. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Truist branch with a valid ID and ask to close the account. Online closure is available through Truist's website or mobile app, though this option works only for accounts with a zero balance and no pending transactions.
Before you close the account, you need to handle any remaining balance. If you have money in the account, you can transfer it to another bank account, request a check, or move it to another Truist account. If you owe the bank money—through overdrafts or fees—you must pay that balance before closure. Truist will not close an account with a negative balance.
The closure itself takes effect when ready when processed, but it can take five to seven business days for Truist to send you written confirmation. During this window, any checks you've written or automatic payments you've set up may still process against the account, so contact anyone you pay regularly to update your banking information.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-872-2657 to close your account over the phone, which is the fastest method and works for most account types.
- You must have a zero balance or transfer your money out before closure; Truist will not close accounts with negative balances.
- Bring a valid ID if you close in person at a branch, and ask the representative to provide written confirmation on the spot.
- Pending checks and automatic payments may still process for five to seven days after closure, so update your payment information with billers beforehand.
- Online closure through the app or website is available only for accounts with zero balance and no outstanding transactions.
What to do with your money before closing
If your checking account has a positive balance, you have three options for what happens to that money. You can transfer it electronically to another bank account you own—this takes one to two business days if you're moving it to another bank, or is when ready if you're moving it within Truist. You can request a check from Truist, which they will mail to your address on file; this typically arrives within five to ten business days. Or you can move the money to another Truist account, such as a savings account, before closing the checking account.
If you have a negative balance—meaning you owe Truist money—you cannot close the account until you pay it. This includes overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or any other charges. Once you've paid what you owe, the balance will be zero and you can proceed with closure.
Closing your account by phone
Calling Truist customer service is the most straightforward method. Have your account number and a valid ID ready before you call 1-800-872-2657. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and ask where you want any remaining funds sent. They can process the closure when ready and provide you with a confirmation number on the call.
Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure. This document is useful if you need proof later that the account was closed on a specific date—for example, if a check bounces after closure or if you need to show a creditor that you no longer have the account. Keep the confirmation number they give you during the call.
Closing your account in person at a branch
Visit any Truist branch during business hours with a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will review your account balance, process any transfers or check requests, and complete the closure. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Ask the branch representative to print a closure confirmation for you on the spot. This gives you when ready proof of closure and includes the date and confirmation number. If you have questions about pending transactions or automatic payments, the representative can also help you identify which ones are still active so you can cancel them with the relevant companies.
Closing your account online
Truist's website and mobile app both offer account closure, but only under specific conditions. Your account must have a zero balance, no pending deposits or withdrawals, and no holds on the account. If you meet these requirements, log into your account, navigate to account settings, and look for the option to close the account. The app typically has this under "Manage Account" or a similar menu.
Online closure is when ready, but you will not receive a confirmation number during the process. Log back into your account after a few minutes to confirm the closure went through. If you need written confirmation, call customer service at 1-800-872-2657 and ask them to send it to you.
What happens to automatic payments and recurring charges after closure
When you close a checking account, any automatic payments or recurring charges set up on that account do not automatically stop. If you have a gym membership, subscription service, or utility bill that draws from this account, those companies will continue to attempt charges. If the account is closed, the charge will fail and you may face late fees from the company, not from Truist.
Before you close the account, contact each company that charges you regularly and provide them with new banking information or a different payment method. This includes utilities, insurance, streaming services, loan payments, and any other recurring charges. Give yourself at least a week to update this information before the account closure takes effect. If you miss updating a company and a charge fails, contact them directly to explain that your account was closed and provide a new payment method.
Checks and pending transactions during the closure window
If you've written checks that haven't cleared yet, they may still process against your closed account for up to seven business days after closure. This is because the check clearing system doesn't know the account is closed until the check arrives at Truist for processing. If a check arrives after the account is closed and there are no funds, it will bounce and you may be charged a returned check fee by the recipient.
To avoid this, contact anyone you've recently written a check to and let them know the account is closing. Ask them to hold the check or provide you with an alternative payment method. If you're closing the account because you're switching banks, you can also provide them with your new account information at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Truist checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen a closed Truist account, but Truist may require you to wait a certain period or meet specific conditions. Contact Truist at 1-800-872-2657 to ask about reopening. If you closed the account due to a dispute or problem, Truist may ask you to resolve that issue before reopening.
What happens if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
Truist will not close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the amount you owe first. This includes overdraft fees, monthly charges, or any other debits. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.
How long does it take to receive a check for my account balance?
If you request a check for your remaining balance, Truist typically mails it within five to ten business days. The check is sent to the address on file with your account. If you need the money faster, transfer it electronically to another bank account instead, which takes one to two business days.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have outstanding fees or a negative balance that goes to collections, that could appear on your credit report. Pay any balance owed before closing to avoid this.
Can someone else close my account if I give them permission?
No. Truist requires the account holder to close the account in person or by phone with proper identification. You cannot authorize another person to close your account on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. If you are unable to close it yourself, contact Truist to discuss your options.