How to Close a Bank Account (2024)

Table of Contents

  • How do you close a bank account?
  • How to close an inactive bank or overdrawn account
  • Does it cost anything to close a bank account?
  • Does closing a bank account hurt your credit?
  • Can you close a bank account online?
  • The bottom line

Money Banking

Article updated on Jul 3, 2024

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How to Close a Bank Account (1)

How to Close a Bank Account (2)

Written by

Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.

See full bio ,

David McMillin

David McMillin writes about credit cards, mortgages, banking, taxes and travel. Based in Chicago, he writes with one objective in mind: Help readers figure out how to save more and stress less. He is also a musician, which means he has spent a lot of time worrying about money. He applies the lessons he's learned from that financial balancing act to offer practical advice for personal spending decisions.

See full bio

Edited by

How to Close a Bank Account (4)

Kelly Ernst

Editor

Kelly is an editor for CNET Money focusing on banking. She has over 10 years of experience in personal finance and previously wrote for CBS MoneyWatch covering banking, investing, insurance and home equity products. She is passionate about arming consumers with the tools they need to take control of their financial lives. In her free time, she enjoys binging podcasts, scouring thrift stores for unique home décor and spoiling the heck out of her dogs.

See full bio

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

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Our Experts

How to Close a Bank Account (5)

How to Close a Bank Account (6)

Written by

How to Close a Bank Account (7)

Toni Husbands

Staff Writer

Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.

See full bio ,

David McMillin

David McMillin writes about credit cards, mortgages, banking, taxes and travel. Based in Chicago, he writes with one objective in mind: Help readers figure out how to save more and stress less. He is also a musician, which means he has spent a lot of time worrying about money. He applies the lessons he's learned from that financial balancing act to offer practical advice for personal spending decisions.

See full bio

Edited by

How to Close a Bank Account (8)

Kelly Ernst

Editor

Kelly is an editor for CNET Money focusing on banking. She has over 10 years of experience in personal finance and previously wrote for CBS MoneyWatch covering banking, investing, insurance and home equity products. She is passionate about arming consumers with the tools they need to take control of their financial lives. In her free time, she enjoys binging podcasts, scouring thrift stores for unique home décor and spoiling the heck out of her dogs.

See full bio

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

Reviews ethics statement

Why You Can Trust CNET Money

Table of Contents

  • How do you close a bank account?
  • How to close an inactive bank or overdrawn account
  • Does it cost anything to close a bank account?
  • Does closing a bank account hurt your credit?
  • Can you close a bank account online?
  • The bottom line
How to Close a Bank Account (9)

How to Close a Bank Account (10)

Written by

Toni Husbands

Staff Writer

Read more from Toni

Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.

Written by

David McMillin

Read more from David

David McMillin writes about credit cards, mortgages, banking, taxes and travel. Based in Chicago, he writes with one objective in mind: Help readers figure out how to save more and stress less. He is also a musician, which means he has spent a lot of time worrying about money. He applies the lessons he's learned from that financial balancing act to offer practical advice for personal spending decisions.

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How to Close a Bank Account (2024)

FAQs

Is there a fee for closing a bank account? ›

Most of the time, you won't be charged a fee simply for closing a bank account, although there are a few exceptions.

Can you close a bank account online? ›

Once you're certain there's no more activity on the old account, you may close it online, over the phone or at a local branch. You'll likely need to complete a closing request form and have it notarized. A notary should be available at the bank. Ask for written confirmation of the account closure.

What to do before closing a bank account? ›

Call your old bank or send a secure message through your online banking portal to confirm there are no pending transactions or outstanding charges and the account balance is zero. Then you can ask the bank to close the account. Some banks require written notice that you want to close your account.

How do I permanently close my bank account? ›

Visit the nearest branch and submit the closure form in person. You have to show the KYC documents, like Aadhar and PAN, of all the account signatories while submitting the account closure request. You need to submit all the unused cheque leaves and your passbook to the bank at the time of closing the Current Account.

What is a valid reason for closing a bank account? ›

Your bank account could be closed by your bank for many reasons, including inactivity or low usage. Banks aren't required to give notice when they close an account. Consult your bank's deposit account agreement for guidelines on when an account might be closed.

Does closing a bank account hurt you in any way? ›

When closing a bank account, a common question people ask is whether it's bad for their credit scores to close a bank account. Fortunately, closing a savings or checking account that's in good standing won't hurt your credit in any way.

Can a bank refuse to close your account? ›

Generally, the bank will not close a checking account that is in an overdraft status. Such an account will be kept open until it is brought current. Then, the account can be closed. Review your deposit account agreement for policies specific to your bank and account.

Is it difficult to close a bank account? ›

In many cases, it should take only one or two days to close a bank account. But the process could last longer, perhaps several weeks, if any glitches occur. For instance, the closure could be delayed if you didn't leave enough money in your account to cover automatic payments or withdrawals.

How many days does it take to close a bank account? ›

You may need to clear your dues and pay closure fees, if any, before the bank processes your request. Usually, it takes about a week for the SBI bank to close the account after submission.

What documents are required for closing a bank account? ›

Some of the documents that are required to close a bank account include the following:
  • A duly filled account closure application form.
  • Identity proof (passport, Aadhaar card, driver's licence).
  • Address proof (rental agreement, utility bills).
  • Debit card and unused cheques.
Jun 5, 2024

Can I close my bank account without visiting the bank? ›

Many banks provide online banking services that allow you to manage your account from anywhere, including closing it. You can close the account by logging into your online banking account, going to the "Close Account" option, and following the instructions. However, not all banks may provide this option, so c.

Should I close my bank account if I don't use it? ›

If the account has annual fees or high interest rates, it may be worth closing it to save money in the long run. But if it's an account that you've had for a long time and it's done well for your credit history, it might be better to keep it open.

Do I need to pay charges to close bank account? ›

You will not have to pay any amount if you close the account within 14 days of opening it or after 12 months of opening the account. However, you must pay Rs. 1,000 upon closing the account between 15 days and 6 months and Rs. 500 upon closing the account between 6 months to 12 months.

Do you get penalized for closing a bank account? ›

You can usually close a checking or savings account at any time, unless the account is overdrawn. Closing some accounts, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), may result in a penalty or early withdrawal fee. Closing a bank account won't impact your credit unless it makes you miss pre-authorized bill payments.

Why do banks charge a closing fee? ›

These costs come about through the process of creating your loan. Closing costs cover the fees for services like your home appraisal and searches on your home's title. The specific closing costs you'll need to pay depend on the type of loan you borrow and where you live.

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