The basic steps to close a Truist account

You can close a Truist account by contacting the bank directly through phone, in person, or online. Truist does not charge a fee to close an account. Before you close, you need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, return any debit cards, and make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account.

The process itself takes a few minutes on the phone or in a branch, but the account may take several business days to fully close after you initiate the request. Any pending transactions may still post after you close, so check your account for a week or two afterward to catch anything unexpected.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance before closing — withdraw or transfer all money out first.
  • Call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657, visit a branch in person, or use online banking to request closure.
  • Cancel any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits linked to the account before you close.
  • Debit cards tied to the account should be returned or destroyed; Truist will deactivate them when the account closes.
  • The account closure takes several business days to complete, and you may see pending charges post after you request closure.

Withdrawing your money and preparing the account

Empty the account completely before you close it. You can transfer the balance to another bank account using an external transfer, withdraw cash at a Truist branch or ATM, or request a cashier's check. If you have direct deposits going into this account, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and update your banking information with them first — do not wait until after the account closes.

Check for any automatic bill payments or recurring transfers set up on the account. Log into your Truist online banking or call customer service to review what is scheduled. Cancel each one individually before you close the account. If a payment processes after the account is closed, it may be rejected and could trigger a late fee with the company you owe.

Closing the account by phone

Call Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, verify that your balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account — this is optional information and you do not have to answer. They will process the closure request immediately.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the date the account will be fully closed. Write this down. The representative may also ask if you want to close other accounts or products you hold with Truist; you can say no if you only want to close this one account.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Visit any Truist branch with a photo ID and your account information. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure. This method is fastest if you need to withdraw cash or have questions the representative can answer face-to-face.

Bring any debit cards associated with the account so you can return them or destroy them in front of the teller. If you do not have the card, tell the teller and they will note it in the system. Truist will deactivate the card when the account closes.

Closing the account online

Some Truist accounts can be closed through online banking. Log in, go to Settings or Account Management, and look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" option. Not all account types allow online closure — if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and verify the balance is zero. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Take a screenshot or note the number for your records.

What happens after you request closure

Truist typically closes accounts within 3 to 5 business days after you request closure. During this time, the account remains open but inactive. Any checks or automatic payments that were scheduled before you closed may still post — this is normal and does not stop the closure.

After the account is fully closed, Truist will send you a final statement by mail showing the closure date and any final transactions. Keep this statement for your records. If you see unexpected charges after closure, contact Truist immediately with your confirmation number.

Returning or destroying your debit card

Debit cards linked to the closed account will stop working once the closure is complete. You can destroy the card yourself by cutting it in half or shredding it. If you prefer, you can return it to a Truist branch — staff will destroy it for you.

Do not throw an active debit card in the trash without destroying it first. Even after the account closes, the card number could be recovered and misused. If your card was lost or stolen before you closed the account, tell Truist when you call to close so they can flag it in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?

Yes, you can close the account, but pending transactions may still post after closure. Make sure your balance is zero before you close, and check your account for a week or two afterward to catch anything unexpected. If an unauthorized charge posts after closure, contact Truist with your confirmation number.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank accounts do not appear on credit reports. However, if you close an account and a check or automatic payment bounces because of insufficient funds, that could lead to a negative mark if the company reports it.

What if I have a joint account — can I close it alone?

Joint account holders typically have equal authority to close the account. However, some Truist accounts require all owners to consent. Call customer service at 1-800-872-2657 to ask about your specific account, or visit a branch with the other account holder present.

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

You can close most accounts by phone, online, or in person. Phone closure is usually fastest — call 1-800-872-2657. In-person closure at a branch is an option if you want to return your debit card or have questions answered face-to-face.

What if I want to reopen the account after I close it?

Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. You would need to open a new account instead. Truist may require you to wait a certain period before opening a new account with the same account type — ask customer service about their policy.