Closing an Ally Bank account takes about 10 minutes if you do it online, or you can call to close over the phone

Ally Bank has no branch locations, so you cannot walk in to close an account. You have two routes: log into your online banking portal and initiate closure there, or call Ally's customer service line at 1-855-925-2559. Both methods work the same way — Ally will ask you to move any remaining money out first, confirm you want to close, and then deactivate the account within one to three business days.

Before you close, make sure any automatic deposits or bill payments tied to that account are redirected. If you have a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. Ally does not charge a fee to close an account, and you can close savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market accounts using the same process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must move all money out of the account before Ally will close it — the bank will not close an account with a balance.
  • Call 1-855-925-2559 or log into your online account to request closure; both methods complete the process in one to three business days.
  • Stop any automatic deposits, bill payments, or direct debits before you close, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees at your new bank.
  • Your debit card will be deactivated when ready, so update any merchants or services that charge your card regularly.
  • Ally does not charge a closure fee, and you will not owe anything to close the account.

Move your money before you request closure

Ally will not close an account that still holds money. Transfer your balance to another bank account — either another Ally account you own or an account at a different bank. You can transfer money online through your Ally dashboard by linking an external account, or you can request an ACH transfer from your new bank to pull the money over. Both methods typically take one to three business days.

If you have a small amount left over — a few cents or dollars — contact Ally customer service before you close. They can tell you whether to leave it or transfer it, and some accounts may require the balance to be exactly zero.

Stop automatic transactions tied to the account

Any paycheck deposits, bill payments, or subscription charges linked to the account will fail once it closes. Log into your employer's payroll system, your utility company's website, or any service that pulls money from the account and update the payment method or deposit location. This step takes the most time because you may have to contact multiple companies, but it prevents failed payments and overdraft fees.

Check your Ally account history for the past two months to find all recurring transactions. Look for direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and recurring charges. Once you have identified them all, update each one before you close the account.

Close the account online or by phone

To close online, log into your Ally Bank account, go to the account settings or account management section, and look for a "Close Account" or "Deactivate Account" option. Follow the prompts to confirm you want to close. Ally will send you a confirmation email once the request is submitted.

To close by phone, call 1-855-925-2559 during customer service hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time). Tell the representative you want to close your account, confirm your identity, and they will process the closure on the call. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

What happens after you request closure

Ally will deactivate the account within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email with the closure date. Your debit card will stop working when ready, even if the account takes a few days to fully close in the system.

If you had any pending transactions in flight when you closed — a check you wrote that has not cleared, or a bill payment scheduled for the next week — contact Ally to ask what happens to it. Most pending transactions will fail, so you may need to resubmit them from your new bank account.

Debit card and account statements after closure

You do not need to do anything with your debit card after closure. Destroy it by cutting it up or shredding it if you want to, but Ally does not require you to return it. The card will straightforward stop working once the account is closed.

Ally will keep your account statements available in your online portal for a period of time after closure — typically 12 months, though you can ask customer service how long they retain records. read or print any statements you need for tax purposes or record-keeping before you close the account, or request copies from Ally after closure if you need them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Ally account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before Ally will close it. If you owe money, you need to deposit funds to cover the negative balance first. Contact Ally if you are unsure of your exact balance.

What if I close my account and then receive a deposit meant for it?

If a direct deposit or transfer arrives after the account is closed, Ally will typically return it to the sender within a few business days. The sender will be notified that the account no longer exists. Contact your employer or the person who sent the money and provide them with your new account details.

Do I need to close my account in person?

No. Ally has no physical branches, so you cannot close in person. You must close online through your account portal or by calling 1-855-925-2559. Both methods are equally valid and take the same amount of time.

Will closing my Ally account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank account closures are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close the account while it has a negative balance and do not pay it, that debt could be reported and damage your credit.

How long does it take to close an Ally account?

The closure request is processed within one to three business days. Your debit card stops working when ready, but the account may remain visible in your online portal for a short time while the system processes the final closure. If you need confirmation that the account is fully closed, contact Ally customer service.