Call Fifth Third or visit a branch to close your account

Fifth Third Bank lets you close a checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or through their online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call to their customer service line at 1-800-555-2108, where a representative can process the closure while you wait. If you prefer to do it in person, you can walk into any Fifth Third branch with your account number and ID.

Before you call or visit, make sure you know your account number — it appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. You should also have a clear picture of what's in the account: any remaining balance, pending transactions, and whether you have automatic payments or direct deposits still connected to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third processes account closures by phone, in branch, or online, and the phone line (1-800-555-2108) is usually the quickest option.
  • You must withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before closure, and Fifth Third will not close an account with a negative balance.
  • Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least a few days before you close, or redirect them to your new account first.
  • Fifth Third typically closes accounts within one to three business days after you request it, and you will receive written confirmation by mail.
  • If your account has been inactive or overdrawn for a long time, Fifth Third may have already closed it, and you should check your mail for notice.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account, Fifth Third will not close it until that balance is zero. You have two choices: withdraw the money in cash at a branch or ATM, or transfer it to another bank account. A transfer usually takes one to two business days, so plan ahead if you are moving to a different bank.

If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe Fifth Third money — you must pay that amount before closure. Fifth Third will not close an account with a negative balance, and the debt will remain on your record until you settle it. If you ignore it, Fifth Third may send the debt to a collection agency.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first

Before you close the account, you need to redirect or cancel anything that moves money in or out automatically. This includes paychecks, benefits deposits, subscription charges, utility bills, loan payments, and insurance premiums. If you close the account while these are still connected, payments may fail or bounce, which can trigger overdraft fees or late-payment penalties with the companies involved.

The safest approach is to set up your new account first, then update your direct deposits and automatic payments there. For direct deposits (like your paycheck), contact your employer's payroll department or benefits administrator and give them your new account number and routing number. For automatic payments, log into each company's website or call them directly to change the account on file. Allow at least three to five business days for changes to take effect before you close the Fifth Third account.

How to close through online banking

If you use Fifth Third's online banking portal, you may be able to request closure there, though the process varies depending on your account type and whether you have any linked services. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and search for a "close account" or "account closure" option. Not all account types support online closure, so if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

Online closure requests still require you to have a zero balance and no pending transactions. Fifth Third will send you a confirmation email and follow up with written confirmation by mail. Keep that confirmation letter in case you need proof later that the account is closed.

What to expect after you request closure

Fifth Third typically closes accounts within one to three business days of your request. You will receive a written confirmation in the mail within five to seven business days. This letter is important — keep it for your records. It shows the final balance, the closure date, and confirms that the account is no longer active.

After closure, the account number cannot be reused, and any checks you have left will bounce if someone tries to cash them. If you still have blank checks from this account, destroy them or write "account closed" across them. Your debit card will stop working when ready, so do not rely on it after you have requested closure.

If your account was already closed by Fifth Third

Fifth Third may close your account without your request if it has been inactive for a long time (usually 12 months or more with no deposits or withdrawals) or if it remains overdrawn for an extended period. When this happens, Fifth Third sends a notice by mail before closure. Check your mailbox and any email address on file with the bank.

If you believe your account was closed in error, or if you did not receive notice, call customer service at 1-800-555-2108 with your account number. They can tell you the closure date and reason, and they can help you recover any remaining balance if funds are still held by the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Fifth Third checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Fifth Third account at any time. However, the old account number cannot be reused. If you closed the account due to a problem — like repeated overdrafts or a dispute — Fifth Third may review your history before approving a new account.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Wait until the check clears before you close the account. You can check your transaction history online to see which checks have posted. If a check is still pending after several days, contact the person or company you wrote it to and ask them to deposit it sooner, or request a new check to a different account.

Do I need to close my Fifth Third debit card separately?

No. When you close the checking account, the debit card attached to it becomes inactive automatically. You do not need to call a separate number or submit a separate request. The card will stop working within hours of account closure.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking accounts — only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. However, if your account is overdrawn and Fifth Third sends the debt to a collection agency, that can damage your credit.

How long does Fifth Third keep records after I close the account?

Fifth Third keeps account records for at least five years after closure. If you need a statement or transaction history after the account is closed, you can request it by calling customer service. There may be a fee for older statements, depending on how far back you need to go.