You might be ready to ditch your old bank for one with better interest rates, student perks, or just a cleaner app experience. But before you make the switch, there’s one question every student eventually asks: Will switching banks hurt my credit score?

The short answer: not usually. But there are a few exceptions worth knowing, especially if you’re just starting to build credit. Let’s break it down.

Does switching banks show up on your credit report?

For most people, switching checking or savings accounts doesn’t impact their credit score at all.
That’s because your credit score is built on credit activity, not your regular banking behavior. 

Here’s what that means in simple terms:

When you open or close a checking/savings account, banks don’t report that to credit bureaus like Experian or TransUnion. These bureaus only track credit-based activity, things like loans, credit cards, and on-time payments.

So if you’re just moving your money from one bank to another, your credit score stays completely untouched.

When switching banks can indirectly affect your credit

Even though the act of switching banks doesn’t hurt your score, how you switch might.

Here are three common ways that the process can go wrong:

1. Missing autopayments during the transition

If you forget to update your automatic payments (like rent, subscriptions, or student loans), you could miss a due date.
A single late payment can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and lower your score significantly.

Fix:
Double-check every recurring charge before closing your old account. Let at least one full billing cycle pass to ensure all payments are cleared. 

2. Applying for new credit products while switching

If you open a new credit card or line of credit at your new bank, you’ll likely face a hard inquiry, a small, temporary dip in your score (usually 5–10 points). 

Hard inquiries are normal and recoverable, but too many in a short time can signal risk to lenders.

Fix:
If you’re planning to apply for new credit soon (like a car loan or apartment lease), wait until after your bank transition is complete.

3. Accidentally overdrafting or closing accounts with balances

Closing an account with an overdraft balance or unpaid fees can send your account to collections, which will impact your credit.

Fix:
Before closing your old bank account, confirm that your balance is zero and no pending charges remain. 

What about opening a new checking account?

Most banks use ChexSystems, not credit bureaus, to screen new applicants. ChexSystems tracks banking history (like unpaid overdrafts or account abuse), but this doesn’t affect your credit score.

However, if your new bank also offers credit products (like credit cards or overdraft lines), applying for those can trigger a hard credit check. That’s the only point where your credit might see a temporary change. 

How switching banks could actually help your finances

Changing banks can be a smart move, especially if your new bank offers better interest rates, lower fees, or more student-friendly features. 

A new setup can also be an opportunity to get serious about managing and building credit.

That’s where Fizz comes in.

Fizz helps college students build credit safely, without credit cards, interest, or debt traps.
It connects to your checking account, covers your daily purchases using a small line of credit, and repays them automatically each day. Every payment is reported to Experian and TransUnion, helping your score grow steadily over time. 

So if you’re switching banks and want to start fresh with good financial habits, pairing your new account with Fizz can help you do both: manage money confidently and build credit the smart way. 

What to do before switching banks

Here’s a quick checklist before you move your money:

• List your recurring payments. Identify subscriptions, utilities, and autopayments tied to your old account.
  
  

• Keep both accounts open for at least two weeks. This prevents missed transactions during the overlap.
  
  

• Download your old statements. Some banks revoke access once you close the account.
  
  

• Transfer your direct deposit. Update your employer or internship payroll info early.
  
  

• Close your old account cleanly. Make sure it’s at a zero balance and request written confirmation.

Final thoughts

Switching banks can feel like a hassle, but it’s often a good move toward better financial control. As long as you transfer everything smoothly and avoid missed payments, your credit score will stay safe.

If you’re a student looking to build credit safely while keeping your spending under control, that’s where Fizz comes in. It’s simple, transparent, and designed for students who want to build a strong financial foundation early.

FAQs about switching banks and credit scores

1. Will closing my old checking account hurt my credit score?

No, closing a checking or savings account does not appear on your credit report. Just make sure all payments have cleared to avoid overdrafts or missed bills.

2. Can switching banks improve my credit score?

Not directly. But if switching helps you manage money better, avoid late payments, or use tools like Fizz to build credit, your score can improve over time.

3. Does opening a new bank account trigger a credit check?

Usually not. Banks typically use ChexSystems to review your banking history, which doesn’t affect your credit score. 

4. What if I switch banks and my automatic loan payment fails?

Missed payments can hurt your score fast. Always update your autopay settings before closing your old account. 

5. Can Fizz help me build credit after switching banks?

Yes. Fizz connects to your new checking account and reports your payments to Experian and TransUnion, helping you build credit responsibly with no interest or hidden fees.