The fastest way to close a Fifth Third account
You can close a Fifth Third Bank account by visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or using online banking if the account type allows it. The method that works fastest depends on your account type and whether you have a balance remaining.
In-person closure at a branch is the most straightforward route. Bring your ID and any debit cards or checkbooks tied to the account. A banker will verify your identity, confirm the account balance, and process the closure on the spot. If you have money in the account, they can give it to you as cash, a check, or transfer it to another bank account you provide.
If you cannot visit a branch, call Fifth Third's customer service at 1-800-555-5735 (this number may vary by region, so confirm on your statement or their website). They can walk you through closure over the phone, though they will still need to mail you a check if there is a remaining balance, or you can direct them to transfer funds electronically.
Key Takeaways
- Visiting a Fifth Third branch in person is the fastest closure method and lets you receive any remaining balance when ready.
- You must settle any outstanding checks or pending transactions before the account closes, or closure may be delayed.
- If you have a negative balance or owe fees, Fifth Third may hold the account open until the debt is paid.
- Request written confirmation of closure once the process is complete, and keep it for your records.
What to do before you close the account
Before you contact Fifth Third, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still tied to the account. Log into your online banking or call the customer service number to review recent transactions and pending items. If you have automatic bill payments set up, you will need to update those with your new bank account information or cancel them entirely.
Check whether you have any outstanding checks that have not cleared yet. If you write a check from this account and it has not been deposited by the time you close, the check will bounce when the recipient tries to cash it. Fifth Third may refuse to close the account until all pending checks have cleared, or they may hold the account open for 30 to 60 days to catch late deposits.
If you have a debit card linked to the account, Fifth Third will deactivate it when the account closes. Bring the card with you to the branch or destroy it yourself before closure. The same applies to any checks or checkbooks — bring them in or confirm they are no longer in use.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money left in the account when you close it, you have three options for how to receive it. You can take cash at the branch, request a check mailed to your address, or have Fifth Third transfer the funds electronically to another bank account. Electronic transfer is fastest — the funds usually arrive within one to three business days.
To set up an electronic transfer, you will need to provide the routing number and account number of the bank where you want the money sent. Fifth Third can look up the routing number if you give them the name of your bank and the state where your account is held. Write down both numbers before you go to the branch or call, so you have them ready.
If you close the account in person and choose cash, Fifth Third may have a limit on how much they will give you in cash on the same day, depending on the amount and their internal policies. Ask about this when you arrive. If the balance exceeds their cash limit, you can take a check or request the electronic transfer instead.
Fees and holds that might delay closure
Fifth Third may charge a fee to close the account early if you are closing a savings account or money market account within a certain timeframe of opening it. The fee varies by account type — some accounts have no early closure fee, while others charge between $25 and $100. Ask about this when you contact them, so you know whether the fee will be deducted from your balance.
If your account is overdrawn or you owe Fifth Third money from overdraft fees or other charges, they will not close the account until the debt is paid. You will need to deposit funds to cover the negative balance first. Once the account is no longer negative, you can proceed with closure.
If there are pending disputes, fraud claims, or legal holds on the account, Fifth Third may refuse to close it until those matters are resolved. This is rare, but it can happen if someone has filed a claim against the account or if there is an ongoing investigation. Contact Fifth Third directly to find out whether any holds are in place.
Getting written confirmation of closure
After your account is closed, ask Fifth Third for written confirmation. This document should show the account number, the closure date, and the final balance. If you received a check or electronic transfer, the confirmation should note that as well. Keep this document for your records — you may need it if a payment bounces or if you have questions about the account later.
If you closed the account by phone, Fifth Third should mail you a written confirmation within 5 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it, call back and request that they send it again. If you closed in person, ask the banker to print a receipt before you leave the branch.
What to do if you cannot visit a branch
Not everyone has a Fifth Third branch nearby, and some people cannot visit during business hours. If that is your situation, phone closure is your next option. Call 1-800-555-5735 and tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, and other personal information.
Over the phone, you can request that any remaining balance be mailed as a check or transferred electronically to another bank. Electronic transfer is faster if you have another account ready. The representative will confirm the transfer details and send you a confirmation number — write this down and keep it.
If you have a large balance or complex account activity, Fifth Third may ask you to visit a branch or provide additional documentation by mail. This is less common, but it can happen. Ask what they need and whether they can email it to you or if you have to mail it in.
After the account is closed
Once Fifth Third confirms the closure, monitor your credit report and bank statements for a few months to make sure no unexpected charges appear. Occasionally, a payment or charge will process after an account closes, which can cause problems. If this happens, contact Fifth Third when ready with your confirmation number and ask them to reverse the charge.
If you had a Fifth Third credit card or loan separate from your checking or savings account, closing your bank account does not close those. You will need to handle those separately if you want to close them too. Contact Fifth Third's credit card or loan department to find out how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Fifth Third account online?
Some Fifth Third account types can be closed through online banking, but most require a phone call or in-person visit. Log into your account and look for a "close account" or "account settings" option. If you do not see one, call customer service or visit a branch.
How long does it take to close a Fifth Third account?
In-person closure is when ready — the account closes the same day. Phone closure takes one to three business days for the account to fully close, depending on whether there are pending transactions. Electronic transfers of your remaining balance usually arrive within one to three business days after closure.
Will I get charged a fee for closing my account?
Most Fifth Third checking accounts have no closure fee. Savings accounts and money market accounts may charge a fee if you close within a certain period of opening, usually 90 days to one year. Ask Fifth Third about your specific account type before you close.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
Fifth Third will not close the account until the negative balance is paid. Deposit funds to cover the overdraft and any associated fees, then contact them again to close. Once the account is positive, closure can proceed.
Do I need to bring anything to close my account in person?
Bring a valid photo ID and your debit card or checkbook if you have them. If you want your remaining balance as a check or electronic transfer, have the receiving bank's routing and account numbers ready. That is all you need.