The basic steps to close your US Bank account

To close your US Bank account, contact the bank directly by phone, visit a branch in person, or use online banking if the option is available. US Bank's customer service line is 1-800-872-2657. Have your account number ready when you call. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity, explain why you're closing (though you don't have to give a detailed reason), and verify that you want to proceed.

Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared and that you've paid any outstanding fees or balances. If you have checks still in circulation, wait until they've been cashed or ask the bank to stop payment on them. Once the account is closed, the bank will no longer process checks written against it.

The closure itself is usually immediate, though it can take a few business days for the bank to process the request. If you have a balance remaining, the bank will send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. Ask for written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Call US Bank at 1-800-872-2657, visit a branch, or use online banking to request closure and have your account number ready.
  • Clear any pending transactions and outstanding fees before closing, and wait for outstanding checks to clear or stop payment on them.
  • The bank will send remaining funds by check or transfer them to another account you provide.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it with your financial records.
  • Account closure is usually processed within a few business days.

What to do with your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when you close it, you have two options: the bank can mail you a check, or you can ask them to transfer the funds directly to another bank account. A direct transfer is faster and safer than waiting for a check to arrive. You'll need to provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

If the account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—you must pay that amount before closing. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding balance. Ask what payment methods they accept (debit card, wire transfer, check) and whether you can pay over the phone during the closure call.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

If you have automatic bill payments or recurring charges set to withdraw from this account, you must stop them before closing. Log into your online banking portal and cancel each one individually, or call the companies directly and ask them to remove the account. This prevents failed transactions and overdraft fees after the account is closed.

Similarly, if your paycheck or other income is set to deposit directly into this account, contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account information. Direct deposit changes usually take one or two pay cycles to take effect, so plan ahead if you're closing soon after a paycheck.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders typically need to consent to the closure. Call the bank and ask whether both signatures are required or if one person can request closure on behalf of both. Some banks allow one joint owner to close the account unilaterally, while others require written authorization from all owners.

If you and the other account holder disagree about closing, contact the bank to understand your options. You may be able to remove yourself from the account instead of closing it entirely, leaving the other person as the sole owner. This requires the same identity verification and paperwork as a closure.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your US Bank debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have checks printed for this account, they will no longer be valid after closure. Destroy any unused checks by shredding them or cutting them in half to prevent someone else from using them.

If you've already written checks that haven't cleared, contact the bank and ask them to stop payment on those checks. There may be a small fee per check (typically $25 to $35), but this prevents the checks from being cashed after the account closes. Alternatively, you can wait until the checks clear before closing the account.

Timing: when to close and how long it takes

The best time to close is after you've received your final statement and confirmed that all transactions have posted. This usually means waiting at least one full billing cycle after you've stopped using the account. Closing too quickly can cause problems if a delayed charge or deposit appears later.

The actual closure process takes a few business days. Some banks close accounts the same day you request it, while others take up to five business days. Ask the bank for a specific timeline when you call. If you're closing because you're switching to another bank, open your new account first and transfer your direct deposits and automatic payments before closing the old one.

Reasons to keep records after closing

Save your final statement and the written closure confirmation for at least three years. You may need them for tax purposes, to dispute a charge that appears after closure, or to prove you don't have an account with US Bank if you apply for credit or a new account later.

If the bank sends you a 1099 form (for interest earned or other taxable events), keep that with your tax records. Some people also photograph or scan their final statement before the account closes, in case the bank's online portal deletes the records after a certain period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a US Bank account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account with US Bank after closing one. However, if you closed the account due to overdrafts or other issues, the bank may review your history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but the bank may ask you to explain what happened with the previous account.

What if I have a loan or credit card with US Bank?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect a separate loan or credit card account. However, if you have automatic payments set up from the checking account to pay your loan or credit card, you must update those payments to come from your new account before closing.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have outstanding fees or a negative balance that goes to collections, that can harm your credit. Pay any balance before closing.

What if the bank won't let me close my account?

Banks rarely refuse to close an account, but they may delay if you have an outstanding balance or pending disputes. Pay any balance owed and resolve disputes before requesting closure. If the bank continues to refuse without a valid reason, contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to file a complaint.

How do I close a US Bank account if I'm out of the country?

Call US Bank's customer service line at 1-800-872-2657 from outside the US (international rates apply). You can also mail a written request signed by the account holder to your local US Bank branch. Include your account number and request written confirmation of closure.