Bank account closing letter format will ultimately depend on your bank’s requirements and even the country where you bank.
However, in most cases, you will need to submit the same basic information. We’ll share this information along with answers to common questions about closing a bank account below.
This article is part of our free series on banking, ranging from how to open accounts as a foreigner to NRI bank account opening, and everything in between.
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Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Bank Account Closing Letter Format
- How to Submit a Bank Account Closing Letter?
- Sample of a Bank Account Closing Letter
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Bank Account Closing Letter Format
A bank account closing letter format needs to meet the specific requirements of your bank. So, simply following a general format found on the internet is unlikely to meet your bank’s specific needs. Instead, before submitting your closing letter, you should ask a representative from your branch if they have any particular requirements for a closing letter. Then, once you are confident that you have the necessary information, you can submit your letter to close an account.
That said, there is standard information you will need to include regardless of your bank when closing a letter, this information includes:
- Name as it appears on the account
- Identification number (passport or other government ID)
- Account number (or numbers)
- Instructions for remaining balance
- Contact information
In most cases, the bank will also request a copy of your identification to verify that the account owner is in fact requesting that the account be closed. That said, if you are communicating with the bank through a verified form of communication (e.g. online banking chat or verified email) you may not need to provide identification.
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How to Submit a Bank Account Closing Letter?
To submit a bank account closing letter you should confirm with your bank which form of communication is accepted. For instance, certain banks will accept a letter that is submitted via email while other banks may require you to submit a physical hand-signed letter. Depending on your specific bank, this will change the steps you need to follow to submit your request.
Additionally, many banks will have a standard process that you need to follow including a standardized account closing form. Below, we’ll share additional information on how to complete these forms and other important considerations.
Complete an Account Closing Form
To complete an account closing form with your bank you will need to provide all of the requested information, which generally includes your name, account number, identification number, the reason for closing the account, and instructions for the remaining balance in the account.
This type of information is also required when submitting an application for an account statement.
Provide Identification Proof
Most banks will require you to provide proof of identification when closing an account. This is to ensure that the actual account owner is requesting that the account be closed. Otherwise, the bank may find themselves in a situation where they have closed an account without the authorization of the actual account owner.
Be Aware of Closing Bank Fees
It’s also important that you are aware of the closing fees that certain banks may charge. In fact, many international banks that cater to non-residents and foreigners will commonly charge high closing account fees to deter customers from closing their accounts. That said, this is not always the case, and it’s an important fee to confirm before opening bank accounts.
Sample of a Bank Account Closing Letter
The following sample of a bank account closing letter includes the basic information that most banks will require. However, you should contact your bank directly and ask whether they have any unique requirements before submitting your letter to ensure that the documents meet their needs.
In the sections marked with “[ ]” you should insert the information relevant to you, your bank, and your account.
Sample of a Bank Account Closing Letter
[Date]
[Bank Name] [Branch Location]:
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to inform you that I wish to close my [Account Type(s)] with [Bank Name] at your branch.
Below, I have provided my account number and personal details along with instructions for the remaining balance held in the account.
Please let me know if you require any further information to verify this request.
Account name: [Name on the Account]
Account number: [Account Number]
Identification: [Identification Type] [Identification Number]
Phone number: [Phone Number]
Email address: [Email Address]
Remaining balance: [Remaining Balance]
Instructions for remaining balance: [How You Want to Receive the Funds]
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into the bank account closing letter format. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
How Do I Write a Letter to Close My Bank Account?
To write a letter to close your bank account you will need to include your name, account number, contact information, identification number, and how you want the remaining balance to be managed. Importantly, different banks have different requirements for an account closure letter. So, you should check with your bank before submitting a letter to ensure you include all of the necessary information.
How Do I Close My Bank Account?
To close your bank account you will need to submit an account closure request to your bank. Depending on the bank, an account closure request may include a formal letter, a standardized form, or a simple email. With this in mind, it is best to contact your bank directly prior to starting the process to close an account and ask them for specific instructions to close the account.
What Is the Standard Format for Account Closure?
The standard format for account closure refers to a letter that includes the individual’s name, account number, government identification number, and instructions for any remaining balance. This letter is often supplemented with a copy of photo identification and a standardized form that you can receive directly from the bank.
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