How to properly close an account so that the bank understands that everything is over between you

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you stopped using the services of the bank, this does not mean that you do not owe each other anything. The bank can send messages, call and use your personal data until you complete the relationship with it in accordance with all the rules. The algorithm of actions is in this article.

Banks are constantly offering new products. Issuing a new card is usually quick and easy. Closing an account, however, is a little more complicated.

If you find more favorable conditions in another bank, do not rush to throw away your old card. It is necessary to end financial relations with the bank bilaterally; it is not enough to simply stop using the card. Even if the account has a zero balance, and even more so if there is money or debts.

I think many people have come across a situation when you seem to have not used the services of a bank for a long time, but messages about new offers continue to come. Annoys? But that's not the worst thing that can happen.

If the account is not closed officially, then over time, debts may arise on it: maintenance, commissions, automatic re-issue of cards - but you never know what the bank will come up with in a few months. All this, of course, will be at your expense. And if the account was also a credit one, then a commission will be charged on all this.

Plus, it's not a fact that a bank employee will be stubborn enough to notify you by phone about the status of an account that you have not used for a long time. And the phone can change when you forget about linking your old account to it.

To close an account correctly, follow this algorithm.

Algorithm for closing a bank account

You need to make sure that you do not owe the bank anything, and he does not owe you. After that, the bank should be notified of the desire to terminate the service agreement and receive a corresponding written confirmation. Do not forget to also ensure that the bank destroys your personal data.

Step 1: take the time to visit the bank

First of all, you need to take into account that closing an account will require your personal presence at the bank. It is almost impossible to do this remotely. And you usually won't get off with one visit. Therefore, choose a convenient branch and time, take your passport and plastic cards associated with the account, and go to the bank.

If possible, contact the branch where you opened the account. Least queue times can often be found at a branch or call center.

Possible catch: most banks allow you to close an account at any branch, but in order not to waste time, call support and clarify this point.

Step 2: reset your account balance

If there are any funds left on the account, transfer them to another account in the Internet Bank or withdraw them from an ATM. In any case, for the balance in the bank, you will be sent to the cashier. But getting ready can save you time.

Step 3: write an application to close an account

At the bank, you will need to write an application to close the account. Account closure is not instantaneous. If a card is attached to it, then the period can be up to 60 days. Not very likely, but possible pitfall: if an operation occurs on the account during this time, you will have to repeat steps 1-3.

Step 4: get official confirmation

Do not be lazy to go to the bank again for official confirmation that the account is closed and the bank has no claims against you. Perhaps the employees will raise their eyebrows in surprise, but they will write the paper. It will keep you safe in the event of future disputes.

Do not be lazy and do not hesitate to ask the bank for all confirmation in writing, even if the employee claims that you are the first who needed it.

Step 5: take care of the destruction of personal data

Most likely, at the conclusion of the contract, you gave the bank the right to collect, organize, store, clarify, update, change, use, transfer and destroy personal data. If you do not submit an application to revoke this permission, then even after the account is closed in accordance with all the rules (steps 1-4), the bank can inform you about new products via SMS and calls. Now you have to prohibit the bank from using your personal data.

You can easily find a sample application for the revocation of personal data on the Internet. Print three copies:

• the first will need to be sent to the legal address of the bank, attaching a copy of the passport and (if any) a copy of the agreement with the bank;
• the second is to give it to the department where you signed the contract;
• the third - to leave with all signatures and seals for yourself.

If you do not owe the bank anything (step 4), then the bank should stop calling and sending you SMS. At this step, you will completely complete the relationship with the bank on this account.