The basic steps to close a checking account
To close a checking account, you contact your bank, move or withdraw your money, and ask them to shut the account. Most banks let you do this in person, by phone, or online. The process takes a few minutes to request, but the account may not fully close for several business days while the bank processes any outstanding checks or transfers.
Before you call or visit, know your account number and have a plan for the money inside. Banks will not close an account with a balance — you must move it out or withdraw it first. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to that account, you need to update them beforehand or they will fail.
The bank will ask why you are leaving. You do not have to give a detailed reason, but some banks use this to offer you a different account type or better terms. If you want to leave, say so. They cannot force you to stay.
Key Takeaways
- Move your money out of the account before you request closure, either to another bank account or by withdrawal.
- Update any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits to a different account at least a week before closure.
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through their website to request closure, and ask for written confirmation.
- Outstanding checks can take weeks to clear, so if you close the account too soon, checks may bounce and cost you overdraft fees.
- Some banks charge a fee to close an account within a certain time of opening it, usually three to six months.
Moving your money before you close
The first step is to empty the account. You can transfer money to another bank account you own, move it to a different account at the same bank, or withdraw it in cash. If you are moving to a new bank, set up the new account first so you have somewhere to send the money.
If you use online banking, you can often transfer money directly from your closing account to another bank account in one to three business days. If you are withdrawing cash, go to a branch or ATM. If you are transferring within the same bank, it usually happens the same day.
Check your account for any pending transactions — charges that have not yet posted. These can take a few days to show up, and if you close the account before they clear, the bank may reject them and charge you a returned-item fee. Wait at least three to five business days after your last transaction before requesting closure.
Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits
Any money set to go into or out of this account needs to be redirected. Direct deposits from your employer, Social Security, or other sources will fail if the account is closed. Automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and transfers will also bounce.
Log into your employer's payroll system or contact your HR department to change your direct deposit account. For Social Security or other government payments, you may need to update your information on the agency's website or call them directly. For subscriptions and bills, log into each service and update the payment method or account number.
Do this at least one week before you request closure. If you miss one, the payment will fail and you may face a late fee from the biller or a returned-payment fee from the bank. Some billers will retry the payment a few days later, so give yourself a buffer.
How to request closure from your bank
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking and look for an account settings or account management section. Some banks have a "close account" option in their app or website. Others require a phone call or in-person visit.
Have your account number ready. The bank will confirm that the account balance is zero and ask you to verify your identity. They may ask why you are closing the account, but you do not have to explain. If they offer you a different account or incentive to stay, you can decline.
Ask the bank representative to send you written confirmation of the closure. This confirmation should include the date the account will close and confirmation that any remaining balance was handled correctly. Keep this email or letter in case there are questions later.
What happens to outstanding checks
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, they can still be presented to the bank after you close the account. The bank will reject them and charge you a returned-check fee, usually $25 to $35 per check. The person or business you wrote the check to will also be charged a fee by their bank.
Before you close the account, contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and ask whether they have deposited it yet. If they have not, ask them to wait or offer to pay them another way. If you are not sure who you wrote checks to, wait two to four weeks after your last check before requesting closure. This gives most checks time to clear.
If a check does bounce after you close the account, the bank may reopen the account temporarily to process the returned-check fee. You will owe the fee even though the account is closed.
Early closure fees and waiting periods
Some banks charge a fee if you close an account within a set time of opening it. This is usually three to six months, though it varies by bank and account type. The fee is typically $25 to $50. You can ask the bank whether this fee applies before you request closure.
If you are charged a fee, the bank will deduct it from your account balance before closure. If your balance is zero, you will owe the fee separately. Ask whether you can pay it at the time of closure or whether they will bill you later.
There is no federal law against early closure fees, so banks are allowed to charge them. However, not all banks do. If you are unhappy with the fee, you can ask the bank to waive it, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or have had problems with the account.
After the account is closed
The bank will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any final fees or transactions. Keep this statement for your records. The account will no longer appear in your online banking, and you will not be able to use the debit card.
If you receive mail from the bank about the account after closure, contact them to confirm the account is closed. Sometimes the bank's systems take time to update, and you may receive statements or offers for a few weeks after closure.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized charges, contact the bank in writing to document the issue. This creates a record in case the fraudster tries to open a new account in your name or if you need to dispute charges later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance before the bank will close the account. The bank will not close an account that owes them money. You can pay the balance by transferring money from another account, depositing cash, or writing a check from another account.
What if I forget to update my direct deposit before closing?
Your next paycheck will be rejected and returned to your employer. You will need to contact your employer to resubmit the deposit to your new account. This can take several days, so update your direct deposit information at least one week before closure to avoid a delay in pay.
How long does it take for a checking account to fully close?
The request takes a few minutes, but the account may stay open for three to ten business days while the bank processes outstanding checks and transfers. You will not be able to use the account after you request closure, even if it is still technically open in the bank's system.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.
Can the bank refuse to close my account?
Banks rarely refuse, but they can if you owe them money or if there is a legal hold on the account. If the bank refuses, ask them in writing to explain why. If you believe the refusal is unfair, you can file a complaint with your state banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.