You can close a Citibank account by phone, online, or in person at a branch
Closing a Citibank account takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you call, or a few clicks if you do it online. The bank does not charge a fee to close. Before you start, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account are moved elsewhere — the bank will not automatically redirect them. You will also want to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, though the bank can mail you a check if you prefer.
The fastest method is calling Citibank's customer service line at 1-800-374-9500. Have your account number ready. If you have a credit card with Citibank, you will need to close that separately through the same number or through your online account. Checking and savings accounts can be closed in the same call.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-374-9500 or log into your online account to request closure — there is no fee and no waiting period.
- Move any automatic bill payments or direct deposits to another account before closing, because Citibank will not forward them.
- Withdraw your remaining balance or ask the bank to mail you a check; do not leave money in the account after closure is complete.
- Credit cards and deposit accounts are closed separately, so if you have both, you will need to request closure for each one.
- Keep your account number and confirmation number from the closure request in case you need to reference the transaction later.
Close your account by phone
Call Citibank customer service at 1-800-374-9500. You will reach a representative who can process the closure when ready. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of identification ready — the representative will verify your identity before closing anything.
Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask whether you want to keep any other Citibank products open (such as a credit card or a different deposit account). If you have an outstanding balance, they will ask how you want to handle it — you can transfer it to another bank account, request a check by mail, or move it to a different Citibank account if you have one.
The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. The account will be closed within one to three business days. If you have pending transactions, the bank may hold the closure until those clear.
Close your account online
Log into your Citibank account at citibank.com. Go to Settings or Account Services (the exact label depends on whether you use the mobile app or desktop site). Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Closure."
The system will ask you to confirm your identity and will show you your current balance. If you have money in the account, you will need to transfer it or request a check before the closure can complete. Once you confirm, the account will be scheduled for closure. You should receive an email confirmation within a few hours.
Online closure works best if your account is in good standing and has no pending transactions. If the system will not let you close online, call customer service instead — some accounts require a phone call.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Citibank branch with a government-issued ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close your account. They will verify your identity and ask about your remaining balance.
If you have cash in the account, the teller can withdraw it for you on the spot. If you want the balance transferred to another bank, provide that account's routing and account number. The teller will process the transfer, which usually takes one to three business days.
The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep it. The account will be closed within one to three business days, depending on whether there are pending transactions.
What to do before you close
Stop automatic payments. Log into any service that pulls money from this Citibank account — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — and change the payment method to your new bank account. Do this at least one week before you close the Citibank account. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will be rejected and may trigger a late fee from the service provider.
Redirect direct deposits. If your paycheck or any other regular deposit goes to this account, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do it before you close the old account.
Withdraw or transfer your balance. You can move money to another bank account online or by phone, withdraw it as cash at a branch, or ask the bank to mail you a check. Checks usually arrive within five to seven business days. Do not leave money in the account — once it is closed, you cannot access it without calling the bank and asking them to reopen it.
Close credit cards separately. If you have a Citibank credit card, closing your deposit account does not close the card. You will need to pay off the balance and then call 1-800-374-9500 to close the card account. The bank may ask why you are closing and may offer you a retention offer.
What happens after you close
Once the account is closed, you will not be able to use the debit card or make transfers from it. Any pending transactions that have not yet cleared may still go through — the bank will honor them even after closure. If a payment bounces because the account is closed, the merchant will charge you a fee, not Citibank.
Citibank will keep a record of the account for your files. If you need a statement or proof that the account existed, you can request it by calling customer service. The bank typically keeps records for seven years.
If you closed the account by mistake or change your mind, call customer service within 30 days. The bank may be able to reopen it, though this is not may provide. After 30 days, reopening becomes much harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before closing. If you owe money, the representative will tell you the amount and ask how you want to pay it — by transfer from another account, debit card, or check. Once the balance is zero or positive, the closure can proceed.
What if I have pending transactions when I try to close?
The bank will hold the closure request until pending transactions clear, which usually takes one to three business days. You can close the account once those transactions are complete. If you are in a hurry, ask the representative whether you can close when ready and have pending transactions honored afterward.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a deposit account does not affect your credit score. Closing a credit card can have a small impact because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually temporary. Your payment history and overall credit usage matter much more.
How long does it take to close an account?
The closure request is processed when ready when you call or go online, but the account may remain open for one to three business days while pending transactions clear. You will receive a confirmation number right away. After that period, the account is fully closed and you cannot use it.
Can I reopen an account after I close it?
Yes, but only within 30 days of closure. Call customer service and ask to reopen the account. After 30 days, you would need to open a new account instead. Reopening is not may provide — the bank may decline if there were issues with the original account.