How to close a Navy Federal account
Navy Federal Credit Union lets you close a checking or savings account by phone, mail, or in person at a branch. You'll need to settle any outstanding balance, return your debit card, and confirm there are no pending transactions. The process typically takes a few business days once Navy Federal receives your request. You don't need a reason to close, and there's no early closure fee — Navy Federal doesn't charge you for leaving.
The fastest route is calling Navy Federal's member services at 1-888-842-6328. Have your account number ready. They'll confirm your identity, check for any holds or pending items, and walk you through next steps. If you have a balance, they'll tell you how to move it or receive a check. If your account is overdrawn, you'll need to cover that before closing.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account by phone at 1-888-842-6328, by visiting a Navy Federal branch in person, or by mailing a written request to your local branch.
- Your account must have a zero or positive balance before Navy Federal will close it — if you're overdrawn, you must pay the negative amount first.
- Navy Federal will deactivate your debit card when you close the account, so return it or destroy it to prevent unauthorized use.
- If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, update those accounts before closing so money doesn't go to a closed account.
- Navy Federal does not charge a fee to close an account, and the process usually completes within a few business days.
What to do before you call Navy Federal
Before you contact Navy Federal, gather your account number and verify your current balance. Log into your online account or check your most recent statement. If you have money in the account, decide whether you want Navy Federal to mail you a check, transfer it to another bank account, or move it to a different Navy Federal account you're keeping open.
Check for any pending transactions — deposits that haven't cleared yet or payments you've scheduled. Navy Federal won't close the account until these settle. If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits going to this account, update those with your new bank or account number now. Changing them after closure can cause payments to fail or deposits to bounce.
If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), you must deposit funds to bring it to zero before Navy Federal will close it. They won't close an account with an outstanding debt to the credit union.
Closing by phone
Call Navy Federal member services at 1-888-842-6328. This line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — the representative will verify your identity before proceeding.
Tell them you want to close your account. They'll pull up your account details, confirm your balance, and check for any holds or pending items. If you have a positive balance, they'll ask how you want to receive the money — by check mailed to your address on file, or by transfer to another account. If you want a transfer, have the receiving bank's routing number and your account number ready.
The representative will also deactivate your debit card. They may ask you to confirm you'll destroy it or return it to a branch. Once the call ends, the closure request is submitted, and Navy Federal typically processes it within two to three business days.
Closing in person at a branch
Visit any Navy Federal branch with your ID and debit card. A member services representative will verify your identity and pull up your account. Bring any documents related to pending transactions — for example, if you're waiting for a deposit to clear, bring proof of when it was sent.
Tell the representative you want to close the account. They'll confirm your balance, explain your options for receiving any remaining funds, and deactivate your card on the spot. If you have a positive balance, you can often receive a check when ready or request a transfer to another account. The representative will document the closure in their system, and Navy Federal will finalize it within a few business days.
Closing in person is useful if you have questions about pending items or if your account has a complex situation — for example, if there's a dispute or a hold you need to resolve first.
Closing by mail
Write a letter to your local Navy Federal branch requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, and the date. Keep the letter brief — Navy Federal doesn't need a detailed explanation. Sign and date it.
Mail the letter to the branch address listed on Navy Federal's website or on your statement. Include a copy of your ID for verification. Navy Federal recommends sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
This method takes longer than phone or in-person closure — typically one to two weeks for Navy Federal to receive the letter, verify your identity, and process the closure. During that time, your account remains open, so continue monitoring it for any unauthorized activity. If you have a balance, include instructions for how you want to receive it, or Navy Federal will mail you a check to your address on file.
What happens to your debit card
Navy Federal deactivates your debit card when you close the account. If you closed by phone or mail, destroy the card yourself — cut it up or shred it. Don't throw it in the trash intact, as the card number could be recovered.
If you closed in person, the representative deactivated it in front of you. You can destroy it at the branch or take it home to destroy. Navy Federal will not reactivate a card tied to a closed account, so even if someone finds it, it won't work.
If you have a Navy Federal credit card (separate from your checking or savings account), closing your deposit account does not close your credit card. You'll need to close the credit card separately if you want to do that.
Handling direct deposits and automatic payments
Before your account closes, update any direct deposits or automatic payments. Contact your employer, benefits provider, or whoever deposits money into your Navy Federal account and give them your new bank account number. Do the same for any bills or subscriptions you pay automatically from this account.
If you don't update these before closure, deposits will fail and bounce back to the sender. Automatic payments will be rejected, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions. Some billers may also report the failed payment to credit bureaus.
Give yourself at least one week before your account closes to make these changes. If you're closing by mail, start updating these accounts as soon as you mail the closure letter, since the process takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Navy Federal charge me a fee to close my account?
No. Navy Federal does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. There is no early closure penalty or administrative charge. You can close your account at any time without cost.
Can I close my account if it's overdrawn?
No. Navy Federal will not close an account with a negative balance. You must deposit funds to bring the account to zero or positive before they will process the closure. Once the balance is settled, you can proceed with closing.
How long does it take for Navy Federal to close my account after I request it?
Closure typically takes two to three business days if you close by phone or in person. If you close by mail, add one to two weeks for Navy Federal to receive and process your letter. During this time, your account remains open and you can still use it.
What if I have a pending deposit that hasn't cleared yet?
Wait for the deposit to clear before closing. Navy Federal won't close an account with pending transactions. Once the deposit posts, your balance will be final and you can proceed with closure. If you're unsure whether a deposit has cleared, call member services to check.
Do I need to close my Navy Federal credit card if I close my checking account?
No. Your credit card and checking account are separate products. Closing your checking or savings account does not affect your credit card. If you want to close your credit card, you'll need to request that separately.