Hey there! Thinking of closing your Truist bank account? You've come to the right place. It's a common need, whether you're moving, consolidating finances, or simply found a bank that better suits your current needs. While it might seem like a daunting task, with a little preparation, closing your Truist account can be a smooth and straightforward process. Let's walk through it together, step by step, to ensure you don't miss a thing!
Pre-Closure Checklist: Your Essential Preparations
Before you even think about contacting Truist, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to avoid any headaches or financial hiccups down the road. This is perhaps the most important part of the entire process!
Sub-heading: Emptying Your Account – The Right Way
- Zero Out Your Balance: This is paramount. You cannot close an account with a positive or negative balance.
- Withdraw Cash: The simplest way to get your funds is to withdraw them at a Truist ATM or branch.
- Transfer Funds: If you're moving money to another bank, initiate an electronic transfer (ACH or wire transfer) from your Truist account to your new account. Be sure to allow sufficient time for the transfer to clear. Remember, some transfers might incur fees.
- Official Check/Cashier's Check: You can request an official check from Truist for the remaining balance. This might be a good option if you don't have another account immediately ready.
- Address Negative Balances: If your account is overdrawn, you must deposit funds to bring it to a zero or positive balance before closure. Truist will not close an account with a negative balance. If an account is closed in a charged-off status, a $30 fee may be incurred.
Sub-heading: Untangling Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
- Update Direct Deposits: This is critical. Contact your employer, government agencies (for benefits like Social Security), and any other sources of recurring income to update your direct deposit information to your new bank account. Do this before you close your Truist account to avoid delays in receiving your funds.
- Cancel Automatic Payments/Withdrawals: Make a comprehensive list of all recurring payments linked to your Truist account (e.g., utility bills, subscriptions, loan payments, insurance premiums).
- Contact Merchants Directly: Reach out to each company and update your payment method to your new account.
- Verify Cancellations: Don't just assume. Double-check that these payments have been successfully switched over or canceled to prevent missed payments and potential late fees.
Sub-heading: What About Outstanding Checks and Pending Transactions?
- Clear All Outstanding Checks: If you've written any checks that haven't cleared yet, wait until they do. Closing your account before checks clear can lead to bounced checks, fees for you, and issues for the recipients.
- Wait for Pending Transactions: Ensure all pending debit card transactions, electronic transfers, or other payments have fully processed and posted to your account.
How To Close Your Truist Bank Account |
Step 1: Choose Your Closure Method
Truist offers a few ways to close your account. Pick the one that's most convenient for you.
Tip: Review key points when done.
Sub-heading: Closing Your Account In-Person
- Visit a Truist Branch: This is often the most recommended method, especially if you have a significant balance or want immediate confirmation.
- What to Bring:
- Valid Photo ID: A state-issued driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID.
- Account Information: Your Truist account number, debit card, and any uncashed checks from that account.
- Funds (if applicable): If you're receiving the remaining balance in cash or a cashier's check, be prepared to handle that.
- The Process: A Truist representative will guide you through the closure process, verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and provide you with immediate confirmation of closure. You can also request a written confirmation.
- What to Bring:
Sub-heading: Closing Your Account by Phone
- Call Truist Customer Service: You can often close your account over the phone, especially if it's a straightforward checking or savings account with a zero balance.
- Truist Customer Service Number: Dial 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478).
- Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET, and Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm ET.
- What to Expect: Be prepared to provide your account details and answer security questions to verify your identity. They may ask for your Social Security Number, address, and other personal information. Ensure you are speaking with an official Truist representative.
- Request Confirmation: Always request a confirmation number or written confirmation of the account closure to be mailed or emailed to you.
Sub-heading: Closing Your Account Online (Limited Availability)
- While some banks offer a direct online account closure option, Truist's online capabilities for closing accounts are less explicit. You might be able to initiate a request or find a web form, but often, a phone call or in-person visit is required for finalization, especially for personal checking, savings, CD, or Money Market accounts in an active status.
- If you find an online form, be sure it explicitly states "account closure request."
- Even if you submit an online request, it's a good idea to follow up with a phone call to ensure the process is moving forward.
Step 2: Confirm Account Closure and Get Documentation
- Obtain Written Confirmation: Regardless of how you close your account, always request a written or electronic confirmation of the account closure. This serves as your proof and is vital for your financial records. Keep this document safe!
- Verify Zero Balance: Confirm with the representative that the account balance is indeed zero and that there are no pending transactions or outstanding fees.
- Debit Card and Checks: You may be asked to destroy your debit card and any unused checks associated with the account.
Step 3: Post-Closure Follow-Up
- Monitor Your New Account: For a few weeks after closing your Truist account, closely monitor your new bank account to ensure all direct deposits and automatic payments have successfully transitioned.
- Check Credit Report: Periodically check your credit report to ensure there are no lingering issues related to the closed account.
- Keep Records: Maintain the closure confirmation and any related correspondence for your records.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about closing your Truist bank account:
How to know if my Truist account has a negative balance?
You can check your Truist account balance through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling customer service at 844-4TRUIST. If there's a negative balance, you'll need to deposit funds to bring it to zero before closure.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
How to transfer funds from my Truist account before closing?
You can transfer funds electronically via ACH to another bank account, initiate a wire transfer, or withdraw cash at a Truist ATM or branch. You can also request an official check for the remaining balance.
How to update my direct deposits for my new bank account?
Contact your employer's payroll department, any government agencies (for benefits), or other recurring income sources and provide them with the routing and account numbers for your new bank account. Do this before closing your Truist account.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
How to cancel automatic payments linked to my Truist account?
You need to contact each merchant or service provider individually (e.g., utility companies, subscription services) and update your payment method to your new bank account. Don't rely on the bank to cancel these for you.
How to get confirmation of my Truist account closure?
When you close your account, explicitly request a written or electronic confirmation from the Truist representative. If closing by phone, ask for a confirmation number or for a letter to be mailed to you.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to close a joint Truist account?
Typically, all account holders on a joint account need to be present or provide their consent to close the account. It's best to call Truist customer service or visit a branch with all account holders to confirm the specific requirements.
How to close a Truist account if I'm out of the country?
If you're outside the U.S., you can still call Truist customer service at +1-910-914-8250 to inquire about closing your account by phone. You may also be able to send a written request, but confirm the process and required documentation with Truist directly.
How to avoid fees when closing a Truist account?
Ensure your account balance is at zero or positive before closing. Truist may charge a fee (e.g., $30) if an account is closed in a charged-off status. There are generally no fees for closing an account that has been open for a reasonable period (usually over 90-180 days).
How to handle direct deposits that go to a closed Truist account?
If a direct deposit is sent to a closed account, it will typically be returned to the sender. This can cause delays in receiving your funds. It's crucial to update your direct deposit information before closing your Truist account.
How to check if my closed Truist account was reported to ChexSystems?
If your account was closed due to negative balances or suspected fraud, it might be reported to ChexSystems, which can affect your ability to open accounts elsewhere. You can request a free report from ChexSystems directly to check your record.