You can close a bank account by calling your bank, visiting a branch, or using online banking — but the order of your steps matters to avoid overdraft fees
Closing a bank account is straightforward, but doing it in the wrong order can cost you money. The safest approach is to move your money out first, then formally close the account with your bank. Most banks let you close an account over the phone or in person, and the process usually takes a few minutes. The real work is making sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still tied to that account when you close it.
The steps below assume you have already opened a new account elsewhere (or plan to). If you have not, open one before you close your old account — you need somewhere for your paycheck to land.
Key Takeaways
- Move all your money out of the account before you ask the bank to close it, so you do not accidentally trigger an overdraft fee on a zero balance.
- Update your direct deposit with your employer and any automatic bill payments (utilities, subscriptions, loans) to point to your new account at least one week before closing.
- Call your bank or visit a branch to formally request the closure — do not assume the account closes on its own once the balance hits zero.
- Ask the bank to confirm the closure in writing and to tell you the final date, so you have proof the account is closed if a stray charge appears later.
- Keep your old account open for at least 30 days after your last transaction, in case a delayed check or payment clears after you close it.
Step 1: Redirect your income and automatic payments
Before you touch the account balance, change where your money is going. Log into your employer's payroll system (or call your HR department) and update your direct deposit to point to your new bank account and routing number. This usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, so do this at least one week before you plan to close the old account.
Next, find every automatic payment tied to the old account. Check your credit card statements, utility bills, loan documents, and subscription services. Update each one to pull from your new account instead. This includes gym memberships, streaming services, insurance premiums, mortgage or rent payments, and any other recurring charge. Missing even one can cause an overdraft fee or a failed payment that damages your credit.
If you are unsure whether a payment is still active, log into your old bank's website and look for a section called "Transfers," "Bill Pay," or "Scheduled Payments." Most banks show you every automatic debit set up on that account.
Step 2: Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance
Once your income and bills are redirected, move the money out. You can transfer it electronically to your new account (usually free and takes one to three business days), withdraw it as cash, or request a cashier's check. Do not leave money sitting in the account — if the bank charges a monthly fee and the balance hits zero, you could owe the bank money even after you close it.
If the account has a small balance (under $25), some banks will let you leave it and close the account anyway. Call and ask before you assume. If you do leave a balance, the bank may send you a check for the remaining amount weeks or months later.
Step 3: Request closure from your bank
Contact your bank and ask to close the account. You can do this by phone, in person at a branch, or sometimes through online banking. Have your account number ready. The bank will confirm that the balance is zero (or near zero) and ask why you are closing — you do not have to give a detailed reason, but "I am moving to another bank" is enough.
Some banks close the account when ready over the phone. Others require you to visit a branch in person, especially if the account is in a different name or if there are complications. Ask how long the process takes and whether you need to do anything else.
Step 4: Get written confirmation of the closure
Before you hang up or leave the branch, ask the bank to send you written confirmation that the account is closed. This should include the account number, the closure date, and the final balance. Save this email or letter — if a charge appears on the account after closure, you have proof the account was already closed when it happened.
If the bank closes the account over the phone, ask them to email or mail the confirmation. If you close it in person, ask for a receipt or letter on the spot. Do not rely on a verbal confirmation alone.
What to do if a charge appears after closure
Occasionally a check you wrote, a subscription you forgot to cancel, or a utility company's final bill will clear days or weeks after you close the account. If this happens, the bank may reopen the account briefly to process the charge, then close it again. You might owe the bank the overdraft fee if the charge exceeds any remaining balance.
If you see an unauthorized charge on a closed account, contact the bank when ready with your closure confirmation letter. Explain that the account was already closed and ask them to reverse the charge. If it was a legitimate bill you forgot to redirect, contact the company that charged you and ask them to pull the payment from your new account instead.
Timing: how long to wait before closing
The safest timeline is to redirect your income and payments, then wait at least one full pay cycle (usually two weeks) to make sure the new account is receiving deposits correctly. Then wait another week after your last automatic payment clears from the old account. Only then should you close it.
In total, plan for two to four weeks from the day you decide to close the account to the day you actually close it. This sounds long, but it prevents the costly mistake of closing an account while a check or payment is still in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing a bank account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Your credit is only affected by credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Bank accounts are not credit products.
What if I still owe the bank money when I close the account?
If the account has a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you cannot close it until you pay what you owe. The bank will tell you the amount owed when you call. Pay it by transferring money from another account or by debit card, then request closure again.
Can I close a joint account if the other person does not want to?
No. Both account holders usually must agree to close a joint account. If one person wants to close it and the other does not, contact the bank — some will let you remove yourself from the account and convert it to a single-name account, but this varies by bank and account type.
How long does it take for a bank account to fully close?
Most accounts close within a few minutes to a few hours after you request it. However, the bank may take several business days to process the closure and send you confirmation. Some banks keep records of closed accounts for seven years for tax and fraud purposes, but you cannot access the account once it is closed.
What happens to checks I wrote before closing the account?
Checks can clear for weeks or months after you write them, depending on when the recipient deposits them. If a check clears after you close the account, the bank may reopen it briefly to process the payment, then close it again. This is why it is important to wait at least 30 days after your last transaction before closing.