Closing a bank account is a straightforward process, but it can take an unexpectedly long time if you aren't prepared. Depending on a few different factors, the process can take a day, a week, or even a few months. In most cases, closing a bank account can be finalized in one or two days.
You may not think it could happen to you. A bank generally can close your account at any time and for any reason—and sometimes without notifying you in advance. Reasons a bank may shut down your account include using your account very little or not at all, or bouncing too many checks.
Banks normally close overdrawn accounts after a period of 60 days, while credit unions close the accounts after just 45 days. The bank charges off your account, which involves closing it and forwarding your account information to the collections department.
Can you go to jail for negative bank accounts? No. A back account overdraw is not a criminal offense. However, some states are allowed to impose jail terms if there's proof that the reasons for overdrawing your account are criminal, or support a criminal prosecution.
If It's Your Account
The easiest way to tell if your account has been closed is to call your bank. You'll need to provide information to identify yourself, such as your name, address, phone, Social Security number, PIN, account number and secret security question (such as your mother's maiden name).
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.
Contact Your Bank
Many financial institutions allow you to do this online, but it could require a phone call to customer service or a visit to a local bank branch. Some banks and credit unions may require you to fill out an account closure request form or submit a written request.
To close a bank account, you'll need to present an ID-verification document such as a driver's license or passport with your photo on it to confirm your identity. Your bank may also require you to produce a document that has your account number on it, such as your bank statement or account card.
The money transfer will be declined
Frequently, banks will notice a faulty account number or closed account and direct deposits will be returned to the sender or declined.
In most cases, you can close a personal or business bank account over the phone. In fact, this is the best way to ensure you've closed an account properly. By speaking to a banking representative, you can capture and close out any pending transactions, or interest owing/payable on the account being closed.
To close your bank account, generally, account holders are needed to visit their nearest branch and fill up the account closure form. While filling up the form, you need to provide another bank account number, so that any money can be transferred before closing the account in your current bank.
To carry out the account closure process, an account holder needs to visit the branch personally. At the branch, you need to submit an account closure form along with the de-linking form, unused cheque book and debit card. In the form, you need to mention the reason for the closure of the bank account.
Any Account with zero balance, regardless of status, may automatically be closed by the Bank without notice.
Money cannot generally be sent to a closed account. To get your money, you need to obtain a check from your employer, client, or whoever is sending you the money.
If you still don't take any action, the bank will send a letter declaring the account dormant. Charges: An inoperative account may not affect your credit history. But, it would attract a penalty, depending on the bank's policy.
To close the account, call your bank, visit the bank in person, or write a letter to their offices. Your bank will have you sign an account closing form to make it official. If you don't withdraw the cash first, then your bank will send you a check when the account has closed.
A closed account cannot receive money. If you send money to a closed bank account, the money should bounce back to your bank. Customers who make this mistake should have an error message where the numbers don't match the bank account.
Each bank has their own policy when it comes to returning deposits that were made to a closed account; however, the time frame tends to range from five to 10 days.
Bank Insurance
If your bank is insured with the FDIC then your money is insured in case something were to happen to the bank. This would be the most important reason to leave a bank. If your institution doesn't carry insurance then you may end up losing your money if the bank goes out of business!
Generally, an account is considered abandoned or unclaimed when there is no customer-initiated activity or contact for a period of three to five years. The specific period is based on the escheatment laws of each state.
Under federal law and regulation, financial institutions cannot do a setoff of money in your account to cover missed consumer credit card payments that you owe the institution (unless you previously authorized it to pay your credit card through automatic withdrawals from your account).
You'll owe more money as penalties, fees, and interest charges build up on your account as a result. Your credit scores will also fall. It may take several years to recover, but you can rebuild your credit and borrow again, sometimes within just a few years. So don't give up hope.
The bank could close your account, take collection or other legal action against you, and even report your failure to pay, which may make it difficult to open checking accounts in the future. Note: typically, your bank won't close your account right away after an overdraft, so you have some time to sort this out.
The bank could close your account, take collection or other legal action against you, and even report your failure to pay, which may make it difficult to open checking accounts in the future. Note: typically, your bank won't close your account right away after an overdraft, so you have some time to sort this out.