You can close a Truist checking account online through your account settings, but Truist requires you to call to complete the closure

Truist does not offer a fully online account closure process. You can initiate the closure through your online banking portal and handle preliminary steps digitally, but a representative must finalize the closure over the phone. This means you will need to make a call to Truist customer service — you cannot complete the entire process without speaking to someone.

The reason for this requirement is that Truist needs to verify your identity, confirm you have no outstanding checks or automatic payments linked to the account, and may support any remaining balance is handled correctly. A phone call takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is the fastest way to finish the job.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist requires a phone call to close a checking account; the process cannot be completed entirely online.
  • Before you call, transfer your remaining balance to another account and cancel any automatic payments or recurring transfers tied to the account.
  • Contact Truist at 1-800-872-2657 (the customer service number on the back of your debit card) and tell them you want to close the account.
  • After closure, Truist will mail you a final statement showing the account is closed; keep this for your records.

What to do before you call Truist

Empty the account first. Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account you control — either another Truist account or an account at a different bank. You can do this through Truist's online banking portal by setting up a transfer to an external account, or you can visit a branch in person. Do not leave money sitting in the account you plan to close.

Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers. Log into your Truist online banking account and review the activity section or settings for any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or standing transfers. Cancel each one before you call. If you miss one, Truist may refuse to close the account until you handle it, which delays the process. If you are unsure whether anything is still linked, call Truist first to ask them to review the account with you.

Gather your account number and a form of identification. Have your Truist account number ready when you call — you can find it on your debit card, a recent statement, or in your online banking portal. You will also need to verify your identity, so have a government-issued ID nearby (driver's license, passport, or state ID).

The phone call to close your account

Call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657. This is the main customer service line and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will ask you to confirm your account number and verify your identity.

The representative will confirm that the account has a zero balance and that no automatic payments are still attached. If either of these is not true, they will tell you what needs to be fixed before closure can happen. Once everything checks out, they will process the closure. The account will be closed when ready, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online banking portal.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number. Write it down. This number is your proof that you requested the closure and can help if there are any questions later.

What happens after the account closes

Your debit card will stop working within 24 hours. If you have checks linked to this account, do not write any more checks — they will be rejected. Destroy any remaining checks or contact Truist to request they be cancelled.

Truist will mail you a final statement within 5 to 10 business days. This statement shows the account is closed and lists any final activity. Keep this statement for your records. If you need proof of closure for another bank or creditor, this statement serves that purpose.

If you had a direct deposit set up to this account, update your employer or the organization sending the deposit with your new bank account information. Deposits sent to the closed account will be returned to the sender, which can delay your pay or benefits.

If you cannot call during business hours

Truist does not offer 24/7 phone closure, but you can visit a branch in person during their hours. Bring your ID and account number, and a branch representative can close the account for you on the spot. Branch hours vary by location, so check the Truist website or call ahead to confirm.

If you are outside the United States or have a hearing or speech disability, Truist offers relay services. Call 1-800-872-2657 and ask for the relay service line when you reach the menu.

Common reasons Truist will not close an account when ready

Outstanding checks: If you wrote checks that have not yet cleared, Truist will ask you to wait until they clear before closing. This can take 5 to 10 business days depending on the bank the check was sent to.

Automatic payments still attached: Any recurring bill payment, subscription, or transfer must be cancelled first. Truist will not close the account while these are active.

Negative balance: If the account is overdrawn, you must deposit money to bring it to zero before closure.

Fraud investigation: If Truist has flagged the account for suspicious activity, they may hold the closure until the investigation is complete. This is rare but can add several days to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Truist checking account without going to a branch or calling?

No. Truist requires either a phone call to customer service or an in-person visit to a branch. There is no fully online closure option. The phone call is usually faster if you have already prepared the account by emptying it and cancelling automatic payments.

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

You must deposit money to bring the account to zero before Truist will close it. You can deposit through mobile check deposit, at an ATM, or at a branch. Once the balance is zero, call back to complete the closure.

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

The account closes when ready when the representative processes it, but it may take 1 to 3 business days to disappear from your online banking portal. Your debit card stops working within 24 hours. The final statement arrives in 5 to 10 business days.

Do I need to close my Truist credit card if I close my checking account?

No. Your checking account and credit card are separate products. Closing the checking account does not affect your credit card. If you want to close the credit card too, you must contact Truist separately to do that.

What if I closed my account but money is still being deposited to it?

Deposits sent to a closed account are returned to the sender within 5 to 10 business days. Contact the organization sending the deposit (your employer, Social Security, a benefits program) and provide your new bank account information so future deposits go to the correct place.