• Balance your checkbook and make sure all outstanding checks have cleared before you close your account. This will ensure that you and the bank agree on how much money is due you. Also, you won’t get hit with fees for checks that bounce after you close the account.

• Open an account at your new bank before you leave your old bank. That way you can write checks, make ATM withdrawals or otherwise bank without interruption.

• If you’ve arranged for direct deposit of your pay or benefits, don’t close the old account until you’re sure the next scheduled payment will be going into the new account.

• If you arranged with your old bank to regularly transfer money from your account, such as to automatically pay your life insurance premiums or your mortgage, make arrangements for future payments through your new bank.

• If you’re changing addresses, make sure your old bank has your new address and phone number. Do this in writing. Don’t trust a phone call. Your bank may need to contact you weeks or months after you close your account.

• Be sure your financial records at home are clear about the fact that your account was closed. Otherwise, you or your heirs some day might believe there’s money “forgotten” in an old bank account and waste time trying to recover it.

• Do you have anything in the bank’s safe deposit box? Remember to clean it out and return the keys.

• Keep a copy of the list of helpful bank employees we suggested you compile. They still can help with a question or problem about your relationship with the bank, such as if you need assistance gathering old bank records.