How to close a bank account?

Although closing a bank account is generally a simple process, it’s important to understand how and why it gets done.

There could be many reasons as to why you’d want to close your bank account. It could be due to a move, changing banks, or simply wanting a different account. Worst-case scenario, you maybe don’t like your bank anymore. 

Closing bank accounts is simple. However, if you have any recurring payments such as bills or mortgage payments, change those to your new account before closing your current one. The same also applies to direct deposit. 

After changing your payments over to your new account, you can then either withdraw your remaining balance or transfer it electronically. To close your account, you will either have to call your bank or visit your local branch and finalise the closure. You will most likely have to sign closing forms to make it official. 

If you haven’t transferred your funds over before closing your account, don’t panic! Your bank will probably send you a cheque or transfer the funds for you. 

Closing a bank account checklist 

When closing a bank account, it’s best to follow the following steps. Those steps can guarantee you won’t miss payments or cause delays.

– Open a new account. This ensures you have somewhere safe to move your funds to.

– Transfer funds to your new account. Once your funds are transferred over, it’s best to close your current account to avoid any low balance fees.

– Switch recurring payments. Change your bank details for any payments you have to your new account.

– Confirm your funds and pending payments have cleared.

– Change direct deposit to your new account.

– Inform your old bank. Make sure you inform your old bank of the closure as you’ll need to sign forms.

– Sign closure forms.

– Maintain documentation. Make sure you get confirmation of your account’s closure.

Inactive or overdrawn bank accounts 

With some checking or savings account, if you don’t use them for a while, the bank may consider the account inactive. Therefore, if that happens to you, you’ll have to reactivate your account before officially closing it with the bank. To close your account, you will have to visit your branch in person. 

Additionally, if your account has a negative balance, you won’t be able to close it. If this is the case, you’ll have to transfer funds over to that account to pay off overdrawn debt, then you can easily close it. 

How to close a bank account of a deceased person 

In the unfortunate event that a person passes away, loved ones may have the rights/ ownership of the funds. Sometimes, the money is transferred to a listed beneficiary automatically. However, if there is no beneficiary, the funds will have to go through probate depending on the deceased’s will. 

If there is no will, the deceased’s loved ones may be able to contact the bank to receive access to the account. Otherwise, rather than closing the account, loved ones could be listed as owners of the account and may keep it active. 

Payment-on-death beneficiary 

If the deceased created a payment-on-death designation, then there will be listed beneficiaries on the account. When the account holder passes away, the funds will automatically transfer to the beneficiaries listed. 

If you plan on claiming funds from a deceased’s person’s account, proof of death will need to be provided and signing an affidavit to prove your rights to the funds. 

When there is no will 

If the account’s owner didn’t have a will, then the loved ones may dispute the matter in court. The courts appointed administer will then distribute the funds with assets to the loved ones. 

How to close a bank account you had as a kid 

Many parents open savings accounts for their children to teach them how money works from a young age. The parent will remain a joint owner of the account, giving them access to making deposits or simply monitoring transactions. 

When reaching a certain age, some young adults will want their account. To close an account that you co-owned with a parent, you will need to go to the bank in person with your parent to close the account. 

How to close a joint bank account 

Similar to the process above, to close a conjoint account, both owners will need to physically go to a bank and complete the closure. 

However, if one of the partners refuses to cooperate, you could consult an attorney and dispute the matter in court.