The basic process: what you need to do
Closing a bank account takes between a few days and two weeks, depending on whether you have outstanding checks or automatic payments still moving through the account. The bank will not close it while money is still in transit. You contact your bank, move or withdraw your remaining balance, and confirm the account is closed — that is the full sequence.
Start by calling the branch where you opened the account or the customer service number on your card. Tell them you want to close the account and ask what they need from you. Some banks let you close online or by mail; others require you to visit in person. Have your account number ready.
Before you call, move any money you want to keep. Transfer it to another account at the same bank or a different one. If the balance is small and you do not have another account, you can ask the bank to issue a check or wire the money to you, though some charge a fee for this. Withdraw cash if that is simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Move your money out of the account before you ask the bank to close it, because the bank will not close an account with a balance.
- Check for outstanding checks and automatic payments first — the bank will hold the account open until those clear, which can take weeks.
- Ask the bank in writing to confirm the account is closed, and keep that confirmation in case the account reappears on your credit report or the bank tries to charge you later.
- Closed accounts stay on your credit report for up to seven years and do not hurt your credit score, but they show your account history to lenders.
Stop automatic payments and checks before you close
This is the step that delays most closures. If you have automatic bill payments, subscriptions, or direct deposits set to that account, the bank will not close it until those stop. You need to change them yourself first.
Go through your last three months of statements and list every automatic payment — utilities, insurance, gym memberships, streaming services, loan payments. Contact each company and change the payment method to a different account or cancel the service. This takes time, so start a week or two before you want the account closed.
Check for outstanding checks too. If you wrote a check that has not cleared yet, the bank will hold the account open until it does. Ask the bank how long they will wait. If a check is very old (more than six months), you may be able to stop payment on it, but the bank may charge a fee.
What happens to your remaining balance
Any money left in the account after you close it goes to you. The bank will not keep it. How you receive it depends on what you arranged with the bank.
If you transferred the balance to another account before closing, you are done — the money is already there. If you asked the bank to mail you a check, it usually arrives within five to ten business days. If you asked for a wire transfer, it can arrive the same day or the next day, though the bank may charge $15 to $30 for this service. Some banks waive the fee if you are closing because you are moving to a competitor.
If the account has a negative balance — meaning you owe the bank money — the bank will deduct that amount from another account you have at the same bank, or they will ask you to pay it before closing. Do not ignore this. The bank can send the debt to a collection agency if you do not pay.
Confirm the closure in writing
After you speak to the bank, ask them to send you written confirmation that the account is closed. This is important. Some banks close accounts verbally and then reopen them by mistake, or they fail to stop charging fees. A written confirmation protects you.
If the bank says they will mail it, follow up in writing yourself. Send an email or letter to the branch manager stating the date you requested closure, your account number, and asking for written confirmation within five business days. Keep a copy for your records.
Check your credit report three to six months after closing. The account should show as "closed by consumer" on your Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion report. If it shows as "closed by creditor" or if the bank is still reporting activity, contact the bank and the credit bureau to correct it.
What to do if the bank will not close your account
A few banks make closing difficult on purpose, hoping you will give up and keep the account open. If the bank refuses to close after you have moved your money and stopped all payments, escalate to the branch manager or the bank's customer service escalation team.
If that does not work, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against banks and can force them to close accounts. You can also contact your state's banking regulator — each state has one, and they have authority over banks licensed in that state.
In practice, banks almost never refuse to close an account once you have removed the balance. If yours does, something unusual is happening — a hold on the account, a fraud investigation, or a debt the bank is trying to collect. Ask the bank directly why they will not close it, and get the answer in writing.
Closed accounts and your credit report
A closed account stays on your credit report for up to seven years. This does not hurt your credit score. In fact, it can help slightly because it shows you have a history of managing credit responsibly.
Lenders can see closed accounts when they review your full credit history. They use this information to understand your borrowing patterns, but the account being closed does not count against you. What matters is whether you paid on time while it was open.
If you closed the account because of a late payment or dispute, that negative mark will also stay for seven years. The closure itself is not the problem — the late payment is. Closing the account does not erase the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a bank account online?
Some banks let you close online through their app or website, but most still require a phone call or in-person visit. Check your bank's website or call customer service to see which method they offer. Even if you close online, ask for written confirmation by email or mail.
What if I have a pending deposit or check that has not cleared?
The bank will hold the account open until the check clears or the deposit posts. This can take five to ten business days. You can ask the bank to close the account after the check clears, or you can wait and call back once it has posted to your statement.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing an account does not lower your credit score. The account will show on your report as closed, which lenders can see, but it does not count against you. Only late payments or defaults hurt your score.
What if the bank charged me a fee after I closed the account?
Contact the bank and ask them to refund the fee, explaining that the account was closed. If they refuse, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state banking regulator. Keep your written closure confirmation — it proves the account should not have been charged.
Do I need to close accounts at multiple branches of the same bank?
No. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, each one is separate and you need to close each one individually. Call the branch where you opened each account, or call the main customer service line and ask them to close all accounts you have with that bank.