Close your account by contacting your bank, paying off any outstanding checks, and moving your direct deposits and automatic payments elsewhere first

Closing a checking account is straightforward if you do it in the right order. The main risk is bouncing a check or missing a bill payment because money is still flowing to an account you've shut down. The solution is simple: move your money and your recurring payments before you tell the bank to close the account.

You can close an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online depending on your bank. Most banks will close the account the same day or within a few business days. You won't owe a fee for closing, though some banks charge an early closure fee if you opened the account very recently—usually within 90 days. Check your account agreement or call and ask before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer your remaining balance to another account and set up direct deposit at your new bank before closing the old account.
  • Move any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or paycheck deposits to your new account so nothing bounces or gets rejected.
  • Wait for any checks you've written to clear, or ask your bank to hold the account open until they do.
  • Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through online banking to request the closure, and ask for written confirmation.
  • Some banks charge a fee for closing an account opened within the last 90 days, so verify this before you proceed.

Move your money and recurring payments first

Before you contact your bank, open a new account at another bank or transfer to an existing account you already have. Move your full balance out of the account you're closing. If you have direct deposit set up—paychecks, tax refunds, government payments—change the routing and account number at the source (your employer, the IRS, Social Security, or whoever sends the money). This usually takes one to two business days to take effect.

Next, find every automatic payment tied to the account. Check your credit card statements, utility bills, insurance policies, streaming services, and any other subscriptions or recurring charges. Update each one with your new account number. Call the company if you can't find the payment method in their online portal. Don't skip this step—a missed payment because money went to a closed account can hurt your credit score.

Wait for outstanding checks to clear

If you've written checks that haven't cleared yet, wait until they do before closing the account. A check can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to clear, depending on the bank and the amount. You can check your account online or call your bank to see which checks have posted.

If you're in a hurry, contact the person or business you wrote the check to and ask them to deposit it sooner, or offer to pay them another way. Alternatively, ask your bank if they can hold the account open for a specific period—many will do this for 30 to 60 days to let checks clear. Get this agreement in writing or note the date and name of the person you spoke with.

Request closure by phone, in person, or online

Once your balance is moved, your direct deposits are redirected, and your automatic payments are updated, contact your bank to close the account. You have three options: visit a branch in person, call the customer service number on the back of your card, or use online banking if your bank offers account closure that way.

When you contact them, have your account number ready. Tell them you want to close the account and ask whether there are any outstanding holds, pending transactions, or fees. Confirm the date the account will close. If there's a small remaining balance (sometimes a few cents from rounding), ask what happens to it—most banks will mail you a check or credit your new account.

Get written confirmation of the closure

Ask the bank to send you written confirmation that the account is closed. If you're closing in person, ask for a receipt. If you're closing by phone, note the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with. If you're closing online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page.

Keep this record for at least a year. If a charge shows up on the account after closure, or if a check bounces because the account was already closed, you'll have proof of when you closed it. This protects you if there's a dispute with the bank or with a creditor.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes, usually within 24 hours. You don't need to do anything—it will simply be declined at the register or ATM. If you want to be extra cautious, you can cut it up or destroy it, but it's not required.

Any unused checks from that account will no longer work after closure. You don't need to return them to the bank, but don't leave them lying around. Shred them or destroy them so someone else can't use them. If you have a large supply of unused checks, some banks will take them back, but most won't.

Reasons your bank might refuse to close the account

Banks rarely refuse to close an account, but it can happen. If you have an outstanding overdraft—money you owe the bank because you spent more than you had—the bank may require you to pay it back before closing. If you have a loan through the same bank that's tied to the account, you may need to set up a different payment method first.

If the account is frozen due to suspected fraud or illegal activity, the bank won't close it until the investigation is complete. If you're in this situation, ask the bank how long the freeze typically lasts and what you need to do to clear it. If you believe the freeze is a mistake, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history. Checking accounts don't appear on your credit report. You can close as many checking accounts as you want without any impact on your credit.

What if I close my account and then a check comes in that I forgot about?

If someone deposits a check to your closed account, the bank will reject it and send it back to whoever tried to deposit it. They'll contact you or the check writer to let them know the account is closed. To avoid this, make sure you've waited for all outstanding checks to clear and notified anyone who regularly sends you checks (like an employer or government agency) of your new account number.

Can I reopen the same account after I close it?

Most banks will not reopen a closed account. If you change your mind, you'll need to open a new account. Some banks have a grace period—usually 30 days—during which you can request to reopen the account before it's permanently closed. Call your bank and ask if this option is available.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close your account over the phone or online in most cases. You only need to go in person if the bank requires it or if you want to hand over your debit card and checks directly. Call ahead and ask what method your bank prefers, or check their website for online closure options.

What if my bank charges a fee for closing the account?

Early closure fees typically apply only if you opened the account within 90 days. The fee is usually between $25 and $100. Ask your bank about this before you close. If you were charged a fee you believe is unfair, you can dispute it or file a complaint with the CFPB, though the bank is usually within its rights if the fee was disclosed in the account agreement.