Closing a Varo account takes about five minutes online, and the bank does not charge a fee

You can close your Varo account through the mobile app or website without calling anyone or paying anything. The process is straightforward: log in, navigate to account settings, and confirm the closure. Varo will close the account when ready, though any pending transactions may take a few days to settle.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or transferred elsewhere. If you have direct deposits set up, update those with your new bank information first — Varo will not forward deposits after closure. Any scheduled transfers or bill payments linked to the account will fail once it closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Close your Varo account through the app or website in the account settings menu without paying a fee or speaking to anyone.
  • Transfer your remaining balance to another bank account before closing, since Varo will not hold money after the account shuts down.
  • Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefit provider at least a few days before closing to avoid missed payments.
  • Cancel or update any automatic bill payments or transfers linked to the Varo account, as these will fail after closure.
  • Keep your account number and routing number for a few weeks in case you need to verify the closure with another bank or service.

Steps to close through the Varo app

Open the Varo app and log in with your credentials. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the bottom right or top left corner, depending on your phone. Look for "Settings" or "Account Settings" — the exact label varies slightly by app version.

Scroll down to find "Close Account" or "Deactivate Account". Tap it and read the confirmation message, which will remind you that the closure is permanent and any pending transactions will still process. Confirm that you want to close. Varo will ask you to verify your identity — usually by entering your PIN or using biometric authentication. Once confirmed, the account closes when ready.

Steps to close through the Varo website

Log into your Varo account at varo.com. Click on your profile icon or avatar, usually in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Scroll to the bottom of the settings page and look for "Close Account" or "Account Closure". Click it and review the closure terms. Varo will ask you to confirm your identity and then ask you to confirm the closure one more time. Once you confirm, the account closes when ready. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

What happens to your money before you close

Any balance remaining in your Varo account must go somewhere before closure. You can transfer it to another bank account you own using Varo's transfer feature, or you can request a check from Varo customer service. The transfer method is faster — most transfers complete within one to three business days.

If you have a Varo savings account linked to your checking account, transfer the savings balance to the checking account first, then transfer the full amount out to your external bank. Do not close the account while money is still in it. Varo will not send you a check automatically, and you will lose access to the funds if you close with a balance remaining.

Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments

Before closing, log into any accounts that send you money — your employer's payroll system, Social Security, unemployment benefits, or other regular deposits. Update the bank account information to your new bank's routing and account numbers. This usually takes three to five business days to take effect, so do this at least a week before you plan to close.

Check for any automatic bill payments or transfers you set up through Varo. These might include subscriptions, loan payments, or transfers to savings accounts. Cancel them in Varo's settings or through the biller's website. If you cancel through Varo but the biller still tries to charge the account after closure, the payment will fail and may trigger a late fee with that biller.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log in, reset it through the login screen before attempting to close. Tap "Forgot Password" and follow the steps to reset using your email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can close the account yourself.

If you have a security issue — such as unauthorized access or a compromised account — contact Varo customer service before closing. You can reach them through the app's help menu or call 1-833-VARO-BANK (1-833-827-6226). They can help you find the account, transfer your money safely, and then close it. Do not close an account you suspect has been compromised without speaking to someone first, as you may need documentation of the closure for fraud reporting.

After your account closes

You will no longer be able to log into Varo or access any of your account history through the app. Keep records of your final balance, recent transactions, and account statements for your own records — you can take screenshots before closing if you need them.

If a merchant or service tries to charge your closed Varo account, the charge will be declined. If you set up a new account with Varo later, it will have a different account number, so do not give out your old Varo account number to anyone after closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Varo charge a fee to close my account?

No. Varo does not charge any fee to close an account. The closure is free whether you close when ready or after years of having the account.

What if I close my account and then want to reopen it?

You can open a new Varo account at any time, but it will be treated as a new account with a new account number. You cannot reactivate a closed account. The new account will go through the standard signup process.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking or savings accounts — only credit accounts like loans and credit cards. Closing a Varo account has no impact on your credit.

What happens to pending transactions when I close?

Pending transactions will still process even after you close the account. If you have a pending deposit or charge, it will go through and either land in a closed account (in which case Varo may return it) or overdraw the account. Settle all pending activity before closing to avoid complications.

Can I close my account if I have an overdraft?

You should pay off any overdraft balance before closing. If you close with a negative balance, Varo may pursue collection or report it to banking networks. Contact Varo customer service to discuss your options if you cannot pay the overdraft when ready.