Closing Capital One account: Everything you need to know

Capital One is a popular American bank that offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards. At some point, you might decide to close one of these—maybe you're switching to a bank with better rates or no longer need a particular credit card.

The process for closing your Capital One account depends on what type of account you have. Checking and savings accounts typically require a phone call, but credit cards can usually be closed online.

In this article, you'll learn how to handle each situation and successfully close your Capital One account.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents
Can you close your Capital One account? Closing your Capital One account from abroad: step by step How much does it cost to close your Capital One account? How long does it take to close your Capital One account? Tips and challenges for closing your Capital One account

Can you close your Capital One account?

Yes, you can close your Capital One account. The bank can't force you to keep banking with them, so you always have options.

For checking and savings accounts, you'll need to call Capital One during their business hours. But if you want to close a credit card account, you can usually do it online through your account settings.¹²

That said, keep in mind that sometimes there are extra steps.

You may have to make multiple phone calls depending on your account status or in the case of more complicated scenarios, such as joint accounts.

Can you close your Capital One account online?

It depends on the account type.

For checking and savings accounts, you'll most likely need to call.

For credit cards, online closure is usually available. You'll just need to log in to your account, click on the “I want to” button, and go to the “Close Account” under the "Control Your Card" section.²

If you can't find this option online or the system rejects your request, you'll have to call the number on the back of your credit card.²

Closing your Capital One account from abroad: step by step

You can still close a Capital One account if you live outside the US. However, you'll most likely need to make some phone calls, which can be inconvenient with time zones.

Here's how to handle the closure process for both bank accounts and credit cards:

1. Decide which accounts you're closing

There is a different process for closing checking and savings accounts versus credit cards. For bank accounts, you'll need to call, and for credit cards, you can usually do everything online.¹²

You can also close a credit card and keep your savings account, for example.

2. Cancel recurring transactions

Go through your account and stop any automatic payments, transfers, or direct deposits linked to it. For example, you may have monthly subscriptions or automatic charges for rent or utilities.

3. Wait for pending transactions to clear

Don't close an account with transactions still processing. You'll have to wait until everything shows as posted and finalized.

For credit cards, any charges you made before closing will still post to your account even after closure, so give it a few days to make sure that nothing's lingering.

4. Redeem any credit card rewards

If you're closing a credit card, use your rewards first.

Capital One rewards don't expire as long as your account is open, but once you close it, you could lose any unredeemed points, especially if your account isn't in good standing.²

5. Pay off any remaining credit card balance

You can close a credit card with a balance, but you'll still owe the money, and Capital One will keep sending you statements until you pay it off completely.²

If possible, pay the balance to zero before closing to keep things simple.

6. Close your account

For checking and savings accounts

Call Capital One at 1-800-655-2265. They're available **8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time, 7 days a week.**¹

From abroad, factor in the time difference and international calling costs.

Make sure to have your account number and personal details, such as your Social Security number, ready because you'll likely need this info to close your Capital One account.

Once you finish the process, your remaining balance will either transfer to a linked external account, get mailed to you as a check, or move to another Capital One account you have.

For credit cards

Log in to your Capital One online account and select the card you want to close.

Click the "I want to" button, then find "Close Account" under "Control Your Card," and follow the prompts from there.²

7. Download your statements

For checking and savings accounts, your closed account stays visible online for 105 days after closure.¹

Download any statements you need for taxes or expense tracking during this window. After that, they're gone.

How much does it cost to close your Capital One account?

Capital One doesn't charge fees for closing accounts. This is true for both checking/savings accounts and credit cards.¹²

However, if you're closing a checking or savings account and want your remaining balance mailed as a check to an international address, keep in mind that depositing a US check abroad can be difficult or expensive, depending on your local bank.

How long does it take to close your Capital One account?

If everything is settled (as in, no pending transactions, no outstanding balances on credit cards, and all your information is current), you can usually close your Capital One account right away.

If you still have a balance on a credit card, the account closes, but you'll keep receiving statements until you pay it off.

Tips and challenges for closing your Capital One account

Overall, closing your Capital One account shouldn't be too complicated, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Time zone differences mean Capital One's phone hours (8 AM to 11 PM Eastern) might not line up conveniently with your local day¹
• If you choose to receive your remaining balance as a mailed check, it could be hard or impossible to cash abroad
• Closing a credit card can affect your credit score by changing your credit utilization ratio and average account age, so consider this before closing older cards
• Rewards on credit cards disappear if your account isn't in good standing, so redeem points before closing, and make sure you have no missed payments

Also, make sure you know which bank you're going to use next before you close your Capital One account. Often, the easiest thing to do is transfer the remaining money in your Capital One account to your new bank.

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Capital One may have worked well for you in the past.

But if you're relocating abroad or splitting your life between different countries, managing multiple accounts in different currencies can get complicated fast.

Transfer fees, currency exchange rate markups, and foreign transaction fees all add up, making everyday spending inconvenient and costly.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

Learn more about Wise

Sources

1. Capital One - Close your bank account
2. Capital One - Close your credit card account

Sources checked 12/10/2025