Closing a US Bank account: Everything you need to know

US Bank offers checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and many other financial products. It's one of the biggest American banks.

You might have opened an account there years ago when it made sense for your situation, but things change. Maybe you relocated to another country and no longer need a US-based bank, or maybe it's just that US Bank's fees have gotten too expensive.

Whatever your reason for wanting to close your US Bank account, here's a simple guide on how to do that in just a few steps.

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.

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

Can you close a US Bank account?

Yes, you can close a US Bank account. They can't force you to maintain an account you no longer want, and it's your right to want to change banks.

That said, the closure process isn't always the most convenient, especially if you live outside of the US.

Generally speaking, there are 3 main ways to close your US Bank account:¹

• Call their customer service line
• Mail a written request
• Visit a branch in person

However, not every account qualifies for all three options. Sometimes, your only option will be to show up at a physical branch, which can be complicated.

There's also another, less traditional option.

According to US Bank's Consumer Pricing information, "an account will automatically close if it has a zero balance and no deposit/withdrawal activity for four consecutive months."²

So, technically, if you let your account sit at zero balance with no deposits or withdrawals for four consecutive months, US Bank will automatically close it for you.

However, this isn't one of US Bank's recommended ways to close down an account. It can also lead to unexpected fees or negative balances.

Can you close your US Bank account online?

No, you can't close your US Bank account online through their website or mobile app.

You'll need to call them, mail a written request, or visit a branch in person, depending on what's available for your account.

Closing your US Bank account from abroad: step by step

If you don't live in the US, the easiest way to close your US Bank account is either by phone or by mailing a written request. However, the bank may still require you to visit a branch location in person.

Let's take a closer look at the process:

1. Clear any pending transactions

Before you start the closure process, make sure that all outstanding checks have cleared and any pending deposits or withdrawals have been processed. If you try to close an account with pending transactions, US Bank will likely decline your request.

You can usually do this by logging into your account and reviewing recent activity.

2. Transfer or withdraw your remaining balance

You'll need to move your money out before closing. Generally, this means transferring funds to another bank account or arranging for US Bank to mail you a check.

That said, keep in mind that if you're abroad, receiving a mailed check can take weeks, and cashing it at a local bank can be complicated, since checks aren't widely used outside of the US.

💡 Learn more about international transfers with US Bank.

3. Cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits

You may have used your US Bank account for things like subscriptions, bill payments, and automatic transfers. Before you close your account, go through it and identify any recurring payments linked to it.

You'll then need to update those payment methods with your new bank details.

4. Download your account statements and documents

Once your account closes, you won't have access to your statements or transaction history through online banking.

So, download and save digital copies of everything you might need for taxes and record-keeping.

5. Contact US Bank to close your account

From abroad, your most realistic options are to close by phone or mail. However, sometimes you may need to visit US Bank in person.

Close by phone¹

Call 800-872-2657 (800-USBANKS) for personal accounts or 844-709-7975 for business accounts. If you're calling from outside the US, dial 503-401-9991 as a collect call, and US Bank will accept the charges.

When you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to verify your identity. The representative will confirm your remaining balance and ask how you want to receive any leftover funds.

One important limitation is that you can't close accounts during US Bank's overnight processing window, which runs from 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM Central Time.

Close by mail¹

You can also send a closure request to:

• U.S. Bank Customer Care Unit
• EP-DM-BCCU
• 1200 Energy Park Drive
• St. Paul, MN 55108

Your letter needs to include your full account number, a clear statement that you want to close the account, and your signature.

However, keep in mind that mailing from abroad can take quite a long time, depending on where you're based.

Close in person¹

If neither phone nor mail closure works for your account type, your only option is to visit a branch. For people living outside the US, this is typically a last resort.

Technically, you can visit any US Bank branch location and speak with a banker about closing your account. However, the bank recommends scheduling an appointment to allow enough time for questions and processing.

6. Confirm the closure

After requesting closure, follow up to make sure it happened. Check your online banking access (it should be disabled), or call customer service to verify your account status.

How much does it cost to close your US Bank account?

US Bank doesn't list account closure fees on their website. It's possible you'll pay one, but it'll likely depend on your account type and how long you've had it open.

If you want to know the exact amount, your best bet is to call customer service and ask about fees before you start the closure process.

How long does it take to close your US Bank account?

US Bank doesn't have an official timeline for closing your account.

Visiting a branch in person or calling the bank's customer care unit will likely be the fastest way to close down your account. Mailing your request by mail can take longer simply because it'll take time for your letter to arrive at the bank, especially if you live abroad.

Tips and challenges for closing your US Bank account

Here are some common issues you might run into and how to handle them:

• Double-check that you've updated all automatic payments before closing, because a failed payment can trigger overdraft fees even after you think the account is closed
• Be aware that closing your US Bank account may require a branch visit, which can be a major obstacle if you're living thousands of miles away
• Factor in time zone differences when calling customer service because you can't close accounts during their overnight processing hours
• Save your statements before closing because your online banking access will go away after closure, and you won't be able to retrieve records

If you're planning on visiting the US soon, it can be a good time to close your US Bank account in person, which is often the most bulletproof way to do it.

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Once you close your US Bank account, you'll need to figure out what other bank or financial tool to use to manage your money.

If you live abroad, this can get complicated because you may have to manage multiple bank accounts in different currencies, and international money transfers are costly because of transfer fees and currency exchange rate markups.

Plus, there are foreign transaction fees to think about.

If you don't want to deal with multiple banks and high fees, there's a better solution: Wise.

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. US Bank - How do I close my checking or savings account?
2. US Bank - Consumer Pricing Information

Sources checked 12/10/2025