Citizens Bank Closed My Account - What Should I Do Next?
Written, Reviewed and Fact-Checked by The Credit People
If Citizens Bank closed your account, immediately contact customer service to confirm the closure reason and how your remaining balance will be returned - funds usually arrive by check or ACH transfer within 7–10 business days. Update any direct deposits and automatic payments with a new account to avoid missed payments or fees. Watch your statements for unexpected activity, and request written documentation of the closure. If you suspect an error or unfair action, check your ChexSystems and credit reports and file a complaint with the CFPB if needed.
Let's fix your credit and raise your score
See how we can improve your credit by 50-100+ pts (average). We'll pull your score + review your credit report over the phone together (100% free).
9 Experts Available Right Now
54 agents currently helping others with their credit
Why Did Citizens Bank Close My Account?
Citizens Bank usually closes accounts because of suspected fraud, identity issues, or violations of their policies. They often don't give detailed reasons upfront, leaving you wondering what went wrong.
Common Reasons for Closure:
- Suspicious or unusual account activity flagged by their security systems.
- Failure to verify your identity when requested.
- Breach of terms, like using the account for prohibited transactions.
- Extended inactivity or zero balance might also trigger closure.
Sometimes it feels abrupt, but banks keep a close eye on risks and compliance to protect themselves - and you. If your account was flagged for fraud, they might hold funds and ask for documents, so respond promptly.
Immediate Actions:
- Contact Citizens Bank customer service ASAP to get clarity.
- Check your email and mail for any official notices or requests.
- Review your account agreement for finer details on their policies.
If you find no clear explanation or suspect an error, you can file a complaint with regulators like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Remember, your money isn't lost. The bank generally returns your remaining balance via mailed check or transfer. Just keep your address updated! And don't forget to switch any direct deposits or auto-payments to a new account to avoid missed payments.
Taking these steps keeps you ahead and reduces headaches. For what to do next, see the 'first steps to take right now' section for practical guidance.
What If My Account Was Flagged For Fraud?
If your account was flagged for fraud, Citizens Bank likely froze or closed it to stop suspicious activity and protect your money. You'll need to cooperate fully by providing identification or documentation they request. This helps them verify your identity and clear up any misunderstandings.
The bank might hold your funds temporarily during their review, so stay proactive - contact customer service often. Ask precise questions about timeline and what evidence they need. Remember, prompt communication speeds up resolution. Avoid panicking if access is limited; this is common during fraud investigations.
Be ready for possible follow-up steps like submitting affidavits or disputing unauthorized transactions. If the bank confirms fraud, they'll guide you on next moves to recover your money or close out safely. Keep detailed records of all communications and documents for your reference.
Getting flagged doesn't mean your case is hopeless. Focus on cooperating and clarifying the situation. Once resolved, check out the 'first steps to take right now' section for advice on what to do next.
What Happens To My Money After Closure?
After Citizens Bank closes your account, your remaining money doesn't just disappear. The bank usually sends those funds back either by mailing a check to your last known address or by transferring them directly to the original account that funded yours. Keep in mind, this process can take a few business days as the bank reviews any pending transactions or potential holds before releasing your money.
If you notice delays or have questions, contacting Citizens Bank is the quickest way to clarify timelines and options. Also, watch for mailed checks - if your address isn't up to date, your refund could stall. To avoid frustration, update your info and check your statements. Next, you'll want to dive into the 'how to get your remaining balance back' section for specific steps on claiming what's rightfully yours.
First Steps To Take Right Now
The very first thing you need to do is contact Citizens Bank customer service immediately to find out exactly why your account was closed and what happens to your money. Don't wait - getting that info upfront prevents confusion and helps you plan your next moves.
Next, review your deposit account agreement to understand the bank's policies on account closure and any funds availability before you push forward. This knowledge arms you with the rules they follow and your rights in this situation.
Then, focus on securing your funds by confirming how the bank will return your balance - whether by mailing a check or transferring back to your original account. Ask specifically about timelines and what documentation you might need to provide to speed things up.
If the bank's response leaves you hanging or unsatisfied, don't hesitate to escalate by filing a complaint with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - they handle cases like this.
So, to recap: call customer service, check your agreement, lock down your funds' return, and escalate if needed. These first steps get you control back fast. After this, you'll want to move on to 'how to get your remaining balance back' to make sure the process finishes cleanly.
How To Get Your Remaining Balance Back
Getting your remaining balance back after Citizens Bank closes your account starts with reaching out to their customer service. Usually, they'll send a check to your last known address or transfer the funds back to the original account that funded it. Make sure your address and contact info are up to date to avoid delays.
If you want your money faster, call the bank directly and confirm the status of your refund. Keep records of all communications and ask for a timeline. Sometimes, if there are flagged transactions or fraud concerns, they might hold funds longer - so stay patient but persistent.
In a nutshell: verify your info, contact Citizens Bank promptly, and track your refund. If things stall, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Once you get your balance, the next smart move is to check how to manage any automatic payments in the 'redirecting direct deposit and bill payments' section - so you don't miss a beat.
Redirecting Direct Deposit And Bill Payments
When your Citizens Bank account closes, you must immediately update your direct deposit and bill payments to a new account to avoid losing income or missing payments. Contact your employer or benefits provider to change your direct deposit info
and don't forget services like utilities, subscriptions, or loan payments linked to automatic withdrawals.
Here's how to keep things smooth:
- List all places where your old account is used.
- Notify each party with your new bank details.
- Confirm with your employer and billers that changes took effect before your next pay or payment date.
If you skip this, you risk bounced payments or delays that complicate your finances. This step is urgent after account closure, so get it done fast. For what's next, check 'how to get your remaining balance back' to recover your funds safely.
What To Do If You’Re Left With A Negative Balance
If you're left with a negative balance after your Citizens Bank account closes, you're still responsible for paying it off. Don't ignore it - clearing that negative balance quickly helps you avoid extra fees, collections, or damage to your credit. Reach out to Citizens Bank immediately to discuss the exact amount owed and set up a repayment plan if you need one.
Keep track of all communications and payments to stay organized. If you're struggling financially, be upfront and ask if they have hardship programs or flexible options. Remember, the bank can pursue collections or report unpaid debts, which can impact your credit score down the line.
Start by contacting Citizens Bank's customer service to confirm your balance and payment options. Then prioritize paying off that debt to close the loop. After that, you can focus on next steps like 'will this hurt my credit score?' to understand how this might affect you long-term. Stay proactive - it's the best way to take control here.
Will This Hurt My Credit Score?
Closing a Citizens Bank account itself usually won't hurt your credit score since checking accounts aren't reported to credit bureaus. However, if your account has a negative balance at closure or unpaid fees, that debt could be sent to collections, which will damage your credit. So, it's really about what happens with leftover balances or unpaid amounts, not the closure alone.
If you're worried, check your account statements carefully and make sure any outstanding balance is cleared promptly. Missed payments or debts tied to the account are the real threat to your credit health. Also, keep an eye on statements even after closure; this helps prevent surprises.
Focus on resolving any negative balance quickly and, while you're at it, review what to do if you're left with a negative balance for guidance. That step keeps your credit intact and moves you forward smartly.
Can I Reopen My Closed Citizens Account?
Reopening a closed Citizens Bank account usually isn't possible once the bank has shut it down - you'll likely need to open a new one instead. Banks generally treat closed accounts as final, especially if they closed it due to policy reasons or suspected issues. Your best move is to contact Citizens Bank customer service to confirm if any exceptions apply or to discuss opening a fresh account.
Keep in mind, if your account closed because of fraud concerns or verification problems, you'll probably need to clear those hurdles before starting anew. Before applying again, gather any requested documents and ensure your information is verified to avoid a repeat closure.
If you want to manage your finances smoothly, set up direct deposits and bill payments with your new account ASAP. For more about next steps after closure, check out 'redirecting direct deposit and bill payments' for tips on avoiding payment hiccups.
Can I Still Access Online Banking Or Statements?
Yes, you can usually still access your Citizens Bank statements online even after your account closes, but you won't be able to log in for transactions. Online Banking Access often switches to read-only mode, so you can view and download past statements but can't move money or make payments. Keep in mind, this access might only last for a limited time, so don't wait to save what you need.
If you used Citizens Access, their paperless platform keeps statements available 24/7, which is a big help when your account is gone. For older accounts or different setups, you might need to call customer service to get mailed copies. Keep records handy for things like taxes or tracking past payments.
So, act fast to grab your documents and avoid surprises later. For what to do next with your funds, check out the section on 'how to get your remaining balance back' - it'll walk you through your options clearly.
How To Handle Unclaimed Property Or Escheatment
When funds from your closed Citizens Bank account go unclaimed, they become "unclaimed property," and after a certain dormancy period - usually around 3 to 5 years - the bank legally hands this money over to the state's unclaimed property office in a process called escheatment. This means the state holds your money, not the bank, until you claim it. First, check your state's unclaimed property website to see if your funds have been turned over.
You should act promptly because states require banks to report and remit unclaimed property by legally set deadlines - missing these deadlines is costly for banks but means your money is in governmental safekeeping, not lost. To track or claim your property, gather your ID, account details, and any proof of ownership. Then, file a claim with the state. States have easy-to-use online portals, but some require mail-in forms.
For your peace of mind, here's what to do next:
- Search your state's unclaimed property database regularly.
- File a claim as soon as you spot your funds.
- Keep records and follow up if you don't hear back within 90 days.
- Consult the bank or a legal advisor if any confusion arises during the claim.
Remember, your money isn't gone; it's just waiting for you to claim it. This is different from the initial closure process and funds return described in 'how to get your remaining balance back,' but it's equally important if you lost track of your account after closure. Stay proactive and don't let your money slip through the cracks.
Edge Case: Account Closed With Pending Transactions
When your Citizens Bank account closes with pending transactions, the bank usually cancels those transactions or returns the funds to their origin once the closure is confirmed. This edge case happens rarely but can leave you in limbo if money is stuck in transit.
First, contact the bank immediately to confirm the status of those transactions and whether any funds have been held or are being returned. Keep records of your communication, transaction details, and timelines - they're vital if delays occur. Also, monitor your other accounts where funds might end up after being reversed.
If you see unexplained holds or missing funds, request a formal review or dispute investigation from Citizens Bank's customer service. Meanwhile, update any direct deposits or bills to your new account to avoid future hiccups.
Dealing with pending transactions during account closure can be frustrating, but proactive communication and careful tracking reduce surprises. For next steps on recovering your balance, check how to get your remaining balance back.
Where To File A Complaint About Account Closure
If Citizens Bank closed your account and you want to file a complaint, start by contacting their customer service directly to try sorting things out. If that doesn't work, you can escalate to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's Customer Assistance Group, especially since Citizens is a national bank. Alternatively, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) accepts complaints about bank account issues, including closures.
You might also consider your state's banking regulator for local help. Keep documentation like emails and account statements handy to support your case. Having clear proof makes your complaint stronger. After filing, expect some back-and-forth. Next, see 'first steps to take right now' to know what you should immediately do following closure.

"Thank you for the advice. I am very happy with the work you are doing. The credit people have really done an amazing job for me and my wife. I can't thank you enough for taking a special interest in our case like you have. I have received help from at least a half a dozen people over there and everyone has been so nice and helpful. You're a great company."
GUSS K. New Jersey