The fastest way to close a Synovus account

You can close a Synovus checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option appears in your account settings. Synovus does not charge a fee to close an account. The process usually takes a few minutes on the phone or in person, though it may take several business days for the account to fully close and any remaining balance to be sent to you.

Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to this account are moved to another bank account. Synovus will not process transactions after the account closes, so a missed payment or deposit could create problems with your employer, creditors, or service providers.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Synovus customer service at 1-888-SYNOVUS (1-888-796-6887) to close your account over the phone, or visit any Synovus branch in person with your ID.
  • Move any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers to another bank account before closing, or they will fail.
  • Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance from the account, since Synovus will send it to you by check if funds remain after closure.
  • Ask for written confirmation of the closure, including the date the account closed and what happens to any remaining balance.
  • Check your credit report a few weeks later to make sure the closed account is reported correctly, since errors can affect your credit score.

What to do before you call or visit

The most important step is redirecting money that flows in and out of your account. Log into your Synovus online banking or mobile app and look for any automatic payments — these are regular bills you have set up to pay from this account, like utilities, insurance, or loan payments. Write down each one, including the company name, the amount, and how often it happens.

Next, check for direct deposits. This is money your employer or a government agency sends directly into your account, like your paycheck or Social Security. You will need to contact your employer's payroll department or the agency and give them your new bank account number so the deposits go to the right place.

If you have set up transfers between Synovus and another bank — for example, moving money to savings each month — you will need to cancel those or set them up with your new bank instead. You can usually do this in online banking under a section called "Transfers" or "Bill Pay."

Finally, withdraw or transfer any money left in the account. You can do this at an ATM, at a branch, or by transferring it online to another bank account you own. If you leave money in the account when it closes, Synovus will mail you a check, which can take one to two weeks.

Closing by phone

Call Synovus customer service at 1-888-SYNOVUS (1-888-796-6887). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central Time. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready, though the representative will not need to see it over the phone.

Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity and may ask why you are closing — you do not have to give a reason, but some banks use this information to improve their service. The representative will confirm the account closure and may offer to transfer any remaining balance to another account you have with Synovus or provide instructions for receiving a check.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the date the account will close. Write this down. Some representatives will also email or mail you a written confirmation, so ask if that is available.

Closing in person at a branch

Find your nearest Synovus branch using the branch locator on the Synovus website or by calling customer service. Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. If someone else is authorized on the account, they can close it too, but you will both need to be present or one person will need a signed power of attorney document.

Tell the branch employee you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm that all automatic payments and direct deposits have been moved, and ask what you want to do with any remaining balance. You can withdraw it in cash, transfer it to another account, or have them mail you a check.

Ask for a written receipt showing the account is closed and the date it closed. Keep this for your records in case there are questions later about whether the account was actually closed.

What happens after you close

The account will stop accepting deposits and payments when ready, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show up in your online banking. If you set up automatic payments or direct deposits after you close the account, they will fail. This is why it is important to move those before you close.

If there is money left in the account, Synovus will send it to you by check within one to two weeks. The check will be mailed to the address on file for your account. If you have moved and the address is outdated, contact Synovus and update it before closing so the check goes to the right place.

About 30 days after closure, the account will appear on your credit report as "closed by consumer." This is normal and does not hurt your credit score. In fact, closing accounts you no longer use can sometimes help your credit because it lowers your total available credit, which can improve your credit utilization ratio.

If you have a Synovus savings account or other products

Closing your checking account does not close any other accounts you have with Synovus, like a savings account, money market account, or credit card. You will need to close those separately if you want to close them. When you call or visit to close your checking account, ask the representative which other accounts you have so you can decide what to do with each one.

If you have a Synovus credit card, closing your checking account will not affect it. The credit card will continue to work normally. If you want to close the credit card too, you will need to contact the credit card department separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Synovus charge me a fee to close my account?

No. Synovus does not charge a fee to close a checking account. If you are closing because of a monthly maintenance fee or overdraft fees, you may want to ask about a different account type before you go — some Synovus accounts have no monthly fee if you meet certain requirements.

What if I have pending checks or transactions?

Pending transactions will usually process before the account closes, but checks you have written may still arrive after closure. If a check arrives after the account is closed, it will be returned to the person who wrote it marked "account closed." This is why it is important to wait until you know all your checks have cleared before closing.

Can I reopen a Synovus account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Synovus account at any time. However, if you closed the account because of overdrafts or other problems, Synovus may review your banking history before opening a new one. There is no penalty for reopening — it is treated as a new account.

What if I forgot to move my direct deposit before closing?

Contact your employer's payroll department or the agency sending the deposit right away and give them your new bank account number. They can usually redirect future deposits within one or two pay periods. If a deposit arrives after the account closes, Synovus will return it to the sender, and you will need to contact them to resubmit it to your new account.

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

The account will stop accepting transactions when ready, but it may take three to five business days for the closure to be complete and for any remaining balance to be processed. If there is money in the account, expect one to two weeks for the check to arrive by mail.