How to close account
How to close account
How to close your Microsoft account
When you close a Microsoft account, whether because you no longer need it or because it’s a duplicate account, Microsoft wants to make sure of two things:
First, that it’s really you, not someone else trying to close your account.
Second, that you’re not leaving anything important behind that you’re going to need later.
To protect your account from accidentally being closed, we may ask you to prove your identity and intent. For example, if you forgot your account info and had to reset your security info, you must wait 60 days before closing your account.
If you’re sure you want to close your Microsoft account:
Expand the text headings below to learn more about the things you should check first.
Go through the process for how to close your account.
Find out what happens after you close your account.
Before you close your account
Closing a Microsoft account means you won’t be able to use it to sign in to the Microsoft products and services you’ve been using. It also deletes all the services associated with it, including your:
Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, and MSN email accounts
Xbox Live data and GamerTag
Skype ID and contacts
Office digital perpetual licenses, like Office 2019 Home and Student
Account balance, unused Reward points and Microsoft Certification, including passed exams and associated transcripts.
You can’t delete just one of these services and keep the others.
So, before you close your account, take some time to tie up loose ends, cancel subscriptions, and make sure you don’t leave anything important behind—like files, money from gift cards, or emails. And don’t forget to consider less common services where you use your account. For example, use your remaining Online Commercial Support benefit and for developers, transfer any packages you saved on NuGet.org.
Before deleting your account, you may also want to review these articles: Close your Outlook.com account and Can I use Skype without my Microsoft account?
Select any heading below to learn more about what to do before closing your account:
Spend any remaining money in your Microsoft account by buying digital content from Microsoft Store.
To see how much money is in your Microsoft account, sign in to the Microsoft account website. You should also check your Skype account balance to make sure you don’t have unused credits—after deleting an account, you can’t get those credits back.
If you have subscriptions to services like Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox Live Gold, or an ad-free Outlook.com account, you won’t be able to access them anymore.
If you have subscription or services outside of Microsoft that are associated with this account, we’re unable to cancel those on your behalf.
We strongly recommend that you don’t close this account until you’ve made sure you have no personal or organizational subscriptions or outstanding balances associated with this account.
To cancel most Microsoft subscriptions:
Sign in to Services & subscriptions on the Microsoft account website.
For each paid subscription, go to the subscription you want to cancel and select Payment & billing which appears under the name of the subscription you want to cancel. Select Cancel and follow the remaining instructions.
For any subscription not listed there, go to the service itself (or to the retailer, if you bought the subscription from a retailer) to cancel. For example, if you have a Skype subscription, go to the Skype support page and search for cancellation info.
If the email address associated with your Microsoft account ends in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, closing the Microsoft account deletes any email stored with it after the 60-day waiting period. During the waiting period, however, your inbox will continue to receive email messages. If the email associated with your Microsoft account is from a different provider like @gmail.com, you can skip this section because your email address won’t be affected.
You can set up an automatic reply to let everyone know that the account is going to be closed, and tell them where to send email to you in the future.
Sign in to your Outlook.com inbox. Select the Options icon, and then select Options.
Under Managing your account, select Sending automated vacation replies and then follow the instructions.
You can also choose Email forwarding under Managing your account to have email you receive sent to a different email address. However, both automatic replies and email forwarding will stop working when your Microsoft account is closed permanently after the 60-day waiting period.
If you’ve used a Microsoft service to store any file or info associated with your closed account, you won’t be able to access it. If there’s anything you want to keep, you must save a copy. For example:
Email, documents, and photos you’ve stored in Outlook.com, Hotmail, or OneDrive.
Personal data you’ve stored on HealthVault.
Purchasing info at Microsoft.com.
Portfolio data on MSN Money.
Messenger contacts added to Skype. For more info about backing up your contact list, search the Skype support page.
Product keys for any products you’ve purchased with this Microsoft account. (Your installed software will continue to work, but you’ll need the product key if you ever want to reinstall the software, or install it on a new device.)
There is some data you can’t save when you close your Microsoft account. You’ll no longer be able to access music you’ve downloaded using an Xbox Music Pass. (Music and videos you’ve purchased outright will still be playable but can’t be transferred to another device.) Your game progress, Gamerscore, and Gamertag on Xbox Live will be lost.
Devices like Windows phones, computers running Windows 8.1 or later, Surface tablets, and Xbox consoles all work best with a Microsoft account. Some of these devices will still work—to a degree—but you won’t be able to use all their apps and features. Before you close your account, consider setting these devices up with a different Microsoft account so that you can still sign in.
If you manage a child’s Microsoft account, their account stays open when yours is closed. However, after your Microsoft account is closed, your child will be stopped when they try to sign in to Xbox, computers running Windows 8 or later, or Windows phones, until they get consent from another parent account.
If you’ve purchased Online Commercial Support using this Microsoft account, you must use any remaining benefits or they’ll be lost. There are two types of support benefit packages available:
Single incident support. Go to My Support Requests and look at your case history.
If your case is closed, you can close your Microsoft account.
If your case is still open, you should wait until it’s closed before you close your account. If you close your account too soon, you won’t be able to get any potential refunds.
Five-pack incident support. Go to My Professional Support 5-packs and look at your case history.
If you’ve used all the cases, or it the package expired, you can close your Microsoft account.
If you’re eligible for a refund, you must request it before you close your Microsoft account.
If you have any remaining or open cases, you should use the rest of your package before you close your Microsoft account. If you don’t use the package before you close the account, you’ll lose any unused cases and you won’t be able to get a refund.
If you’re a developer and you want to retain control of any packages you own on NuGet.org, be sure to first transfer the ownership of these packages to a different account before deleting the existing account. For more information about how to do this, see How to delete my NuGet.org account.
To close your account
When you’re sure you’re ready:
When you’re prompted to sign in to your account, double-check that it’s the account you want to delete. If not, select Sign in with a different Microsoft account. If you’re having trouble signing in to the account you want to close, see You can’t sign in to your Microsoft account for help fixing the problem.
Check that the page shows the correct Microsoft account, and then select Next.
Read the list, and select the checkboxes to acknowledge you’ve read each item.
In the Select a reason drop-down list, choose the reason you’re closing the account.
Select Mark account for closure.
A note about Skype accounts
Skype accounts must be associated with a Microsoft account before they can be closed. Follow the previous steps to close an account, and sign in with your Skype account. You are prompted to add an email address to create a Microsoft account. Make sure to use an email address that isn’t already associated with a Microsoft account. Once that is complete, you can continue with the steps to close your account.
You can also remove an account from your device. This doesn’t delete the account, but it does remove email and other content associated with the account from your device.
To remove an email account:
Under Accounts used by email, calendar, and contacts, select the account you want to remove, and then select Manage.
Select Delete account from this device.
Select Delete to confirm.
To remove an account used by apps:
Under Accounts used by other apps, select the account you want to remove, and then select Remove.
Select Yes to confirm.
After you close your account
When you select the Mark account for closure button, we wait 60 days before permanently deleting your Microsoft account in case you change your mind or need to access something on the account before it’s gone forever.
During the waiting period, your account is marked for closure but it still exists. If you want to reopen your Microsoft account, just sign in again within that 60 days. We’ll cancel the account closure, and everything will be just as you left it.
If you’re having issues signing in to your Microsoft account, or forgot or want to change your password, see Microsoft account help.
You can’t use your old account name to create a new account after the account-deletion wait period expires.
How to close a bank account
Correct closure of a bank account
At first glance, a bank account terminating may seem to be a simple issue however, there are several steps that should be followed as well as actions taken to terminate an account in a proper way. Following the correct procedure may be helpful in order to avoid unnecessary expenses, fees and complications.
1. Opening a new account with a bank
Prior to closing an existing account one important thing needs to be done – opening a new one. This is necessary for transferring payments and funds later.
A bank account termination may be caused by moving to a new area but in case the reason is improper or inconvenient card’s or bank’s conditions or service then those of a new account should be carefully examined. A client can start with just checking out the best options. Thus, the search begins from the most proper the industry has on offer. If the account to be closed charges too high commissions then finding a free account to avoid further payments is essential. In fact, a variety of options are present on the market so there is no need to proceed having an inappropriate account.
Important! Once a new account has been found a customer needs to verify whether the bank provides a «switch kit» that includes forms and checklists to give instructions to depositors and billers regarding an account change. This may make the process of switching more comfortable.
2. Update automatic and repetitive payments
Before an account’s permanent closure a number of issues must be resolved. Firstly, a client needs to evaluate all automatic and repetitive payments. They include music and TV streaming services, educational loan payments, gym membership, etc. For better comprehension of personal spending habits it is helpful to look at bank statements of the previous year.
By doing this a client can start the process of their cancellation from an old account and customizing for a new one. It is necessary to remember dates of next payments as it will prevent the possibility of double charging by every account and will also ensure an overdraft in 1 account will not be received. On the one hand, the renumeration may be charged from a new under-funded account. On the other hand, it may be forwarded to an old emptied one.
3. Change direct deposits
Customers should keep a close watch not only where money is coming but also where it comes from. For this reason, employers’ payroll department has to be informed for updating settings of direct deposit in order to reflect the account change. The new route and account numbers should be provided. It may take a while to take into force so a customer should keep an eye on both accounts to be sure the changes are correct.
This is also applicable to brokerage accounts, investments and any other income sources a client may have. Account information should be updated on these accounts to guarantee payments receipt.
4. Transfer funds to a new account
After updating payments and deposits, funds can be transferred to a new account. A client needs to check the presence of transfer restrictions as if there are any, the entire balance cannot be redirected at once. In this case, only transferring it little by little is possible. Besides, in case a minimum balance requirement is set on the account a client should remember to save that amount on it as well.
Attention! Enough money should be left on an old account to cover the remaining or unexpected payments. Otherwise, a client may meet overdraft fees.
5. Terminate an existing account
Finally it’s time to close a previous account. Indeed, this can take weeks or months, depending on duration of payments calculating and switching to a new account. At this stage it is important to focus on automatic payments as there is no need hold a zombie account when the bank has to reopen the account for making a forgotten automatic payment.
There are several ways to terminate a bank account. A client can visit the nearest branch and close it with the help of a bank representative. This may be the easiest option as any questions can be asked directly.
If there is no wish to visit an office a client can close an account online as well. The exact processes can vary depending on a bank. Typically, it is necessary to contact the bank’s customer service via the secured messaging system and inquire the account to be closed. Some banks require to send an e-mail message or call customer service for proper account termination.
6. Receive written confirmation
Regardless the way of an account closure a client needs to receive written confirmation from the bank that contains the information that the account has been terminated. This will help in creating financial records and can also be used as a proof of termination provided the bank will be restoring the old account for future payments.
Tips for a proper bank account
Provided a client wants to close an existing bank account but the next one has not been set up yet, there is nothing to worry about as a variety of options is available. If a current account accrues interest a new one should come with more profitable conditions. On the other hand, if a potential overdraft in the future is possible an account with a low overdraft fee is worth being searched.
A financial advisor can help get better understanding if a client hesitates what option to choose. The right consultant can take a more comprehensive look at finances and determine less commissions to pay or higher rates for being able to save money.
Reasons for a bank account closure
There is a number of reasons for terminating a bank account and below are some of the most widespread:
Important! Whatever the reasons to terminate a bank account a client needs to evaluate the decision carefully to make sure the right actions regarding the financial situation are performed.
How to terminate definite bank accounts types
Not all closing procedures are handled the same way as various scenarios requiring additional steps to be followed may appear. Below are some that should be pointed out:
Joint account
A bank can claim an inquiry for an account closure signed by both holders. However, a lot of banks only need one account holder’s permission for termination. Closing a joint account online may demand both parties to log in individually in order to inquire the account closure.
Overdraft account
An overdraft presence may appear to be an obstacle for terminating the account. Before the bank can process the closing request at least a zero balance needs to be restored.
Inactive account
In case an account is indicated as inactive it should be reactivated in order to provide the bank with an opportunity to close it. A client can reactive the account online, though a mobile app or contact the bank’s support service.
Child’s account
Sometimes parents open a custodian bank account for their kids but once the child becomes an adult then making of different banking transactions may become necessary and this could mean switching from an old account. Some options like the Children’s Savings Account introduced by Capital One 360 are automatically converted to a savings account of a regular type at the moment the child turns 18. Provided a client has reached the legal age required by a particular state for taking full control of an existing custodian account, the procedure of termination is normally the same way as for any other type of account.
Deceased person’s account
Terminating deceased person’s account can be a more sophisticated process than other types’ closing. Operational procedures mainly depend on the way the deceased has structured finances including whether the beneficiary was indicated or the will is present. Requirements and documentation may differ by state law. Consulting a lawyer before proceeding is a good idea.
Whether a bank account closure affects credit history
A lot of clients wonder if their current or savings accounts closure can affect their credit score. Knowing how to keep a proper amount on a current account there is no need to worry about the influence of an account termination on credit history.
Note! In most cases, this procedure as well as funds transferring neither improves nor spoils credit rating.
Keeping an inactive account may appear to be not the best decision as without its closing a commission for a dormant account may be charged upon a certain period of time.
However, having no overdraft protection, keeping a negative balance and trying to close an account without further actions cannot be hidden from banks or lenders. Provided a client has encountered financial difficulties it is better not wait till the issue of overdraft and related fees arise. For protection of the loan outstanding payments should be settled immediately.
The process of an account termination is actually a great opportunity to reflect the state of finances through a monetary audit. Client’s goals may be in the process of achieving or a client has realized that it is time to start budgeting and track invoices as soon as possible.
How to Close a Bank Account at the Top 5 Biggest U.S. Banks
Get the answers you need to quickly and easily close accounts with a traditional bank and take charge of your money.
Melanie Lockert • June 11, 2021
In This Article
Not all banks are created equal, and it’s often not very clear how to close your account. Whether you’re moving, looking to upgrade your banking features or sick of how many fees are involved, there’s still time to find a better banking option that will fit your needs and help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
Closing a bank account is usually pretty easy. The most common ways to close your account are by visiting a local branch, calling your bank or sending your bank a letter. Read on to figure out what you need to do.
Better banking for everyone
Before You Close Your Account: A Checklist
Once you decide to break up with your bank, there are some items to check off your list before you officially close your account.
1. Open Your New Account
First, you’ll want to figure out where you want to open your new account. Focus on what’s most important to you. For some, it’s the no hidden fees or amazing mobile features that allow you to bank easily on the go. Once you make your decision, go through the steps to open your new account.
2. Transfer Your Money
Next, you’ll want to move all of the money out of your old account into your new account. Make sure you talk to your bank about withdrawal/transfer limits. If you empty your account and hold off on closing it, you may also get hit with a balance limit fee. It’s often helpful to close your account the same day you transfer your money to avoid this.
You can also keep a small cushion in the account to cover unexpected fees. Banks will usually send you a check with your remaining balance after your account is closed.
3. Change Any Automatic Payments
If you have any automatic transactions set up, make sure you switch them over to your new account. Think electric bill, credit cards, car payments, etc. It may help to check over your last billing statement to make sure you have everything covered.
4. Switch Your Direct Deposit
If you have direct deposit setup, change it over to your new account. This usually involves providing your employer with a voided check from your new account or a permission form. This will ensure your paycheck lands in the right spot.
5. Confirm Everything Has Cleared
Make sure there are no pending transactions on your account. This means deposits have cleared and anything you’ve spent has left your account.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll be ready to actually close the account. Keep a record of everything, whether it’s receipts, billing statements, etc. This will help confirm you switched your account correctly.
How to Close a Bank of America Account
You might be wondering, “Can I close my bank account online?” As with Chase Bank, you cannot close a Bank of America account online, so your safest bet is to use one of the methods above. To confirm your account is closed, get a written confirmation for your records.¹
How to Close a Wells Fargo Account
If you close your account via mail, they will send you a check for your remaining balance. Make sure you get a confirmation from Wells Fargo that your account has been successfully closed. They will continue to charge fees, such as a monthly service charge, until the account is fully closed.²
How to Close a Chase Account
Chase does not have an option to close your bank account online. Make sure you get written confirmation that your account is closed for your records.³
How to Close a PNC Account
When closing a bank account with PNC, be sure to get a written confirmation for your records.⁴
How to Close a Citibank Account
Be sure to get written confirmation for your records when you’ve closed a Citibank checking or savings account.⁵
Closing Accounts at Traditional Banks FAQs
Can I close a bank account online?
It depends on the bank. Some let you submit a request using online messaging, some let you talk to a rep through online chat, and others make you go in-person or get on the phone. It never hurts to try.
How do I get money from a closed bank account?
As long as you can produce a valid form of identification that complies with your bank’s Customer Identification Program (CIP), you can make a withdrawal at any banking center. Alternatively, your bank may allow you to submit a request to have your account closed via the mail, at which point the remaining funds are disbursed in the form of a check.
How do I close a joint bank account?
The process for closing a joint bank account depends on your bank. While s Some banks require both account holders to provide their consent to add or remove a person from a joint account. Others allow any account holder to close a joint account unilaterally by visiting the branch in person.
How much does it cost to close a bank account?
With careful planning, it’s possible to avoid any fees when switching over to a new bank. But if you’re shutting down a relatively new account, you may have to pay an early account closure fee. And if your bank reopens your inactive account because of stubborn automatic transactions you forgot to deactivate, you could be on the hook for a longer list of fees. You also want to beware of minimum balance fees if there is a lag between transferring money out of your account and officially closing the account.
Will closing my bank account affect my credit score?
Closing a bank account won’t directly affect your credit. It could, however, cause you difficulties and affect your credit score if it’s been closed with a negative balance. Make sure any outstanding fees are paid and pending transactions have cleared.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of options to consider when it comes to banking. Prioritize what’s important to you, and decide if you’re ready to move on from traditional banks. If you’re ready to make the leap, make sure you follow the right steps to make the process as quick and easy as possible.
This page is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
Related Posts
How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State
How to Switch Banks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Should You Switch Banks When You Move?
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Switch Banks?
Home › Blog › How to Close a Bank Account at the Top 5 Biggest U.S. Banks
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
While Chime doesn’t issue personal checkbooks to write checks, Chime Checkbook gives you the freedom to send checks to anyone, anytime, from anywhere. See your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Chime Checkbook details.
By clicking on some of the links above, you will leave the Chime website and be directed to a third-party website. The privacy practices of those third parties may differ from those of Chime. We recommend you review the privacy statements of those third party websites, as Chime is not responsible for those third parties’ privacy or security practices.
How to close your Microsoft account
When you close a Microsoft account, whether because you no longer need it or because it’s a duplicate account, Microsoft wants to make sure of two things:
First, that it’s really you, not someone else trying to close your account.
Second, that you’re not leaving anything important behind that you’re going to need later.
To protect your account from accidentally being closed, we may ask you to prove your identity and intent. For example, if you forgot your account info and had to reset your security info, you must wait 60 days before closing your account.
If you’re sure you want to close your Microsoft account:
Expand the text headings below to learn more about the things you should check first.
Go through the process for how to close your account.
Find out what happens after you close your account.
Before you close your account
Closing a Microsoft account means you won’t be able to use it to sign in to the Microsoft products and services you’ve been using. It also deletes all the services associated with it, including your:
Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, and MSN email accounts
Xbox Live data and GamerTag
Skype ID and contacts
Office digital perpetual licenses, like Office 2019 Home and Student
Account balance, unused Reward points and Microsoft Certification, including passed exams and associated transcripts.
You can’t delete just one of these services and keep the others.
So, before you close your account, take some time to tie up loose ends, cancel subscriptions, and make sure you don’t leave anything important behind—like files, money from gift cards, or emails. And don’t forget to consider less common services where you use your account. For example, use your remaining Online Commercial Support benefit and for developers, transfer any packages you saved on NuGet.org.
Before deleting your account, you may also want to review these articles: Close your Outlook.com account and Can I use Skype without my Microsoft account?
Select any heading below to learn more about what to do before closing your account:
Spend any remaining money in your Microsoft account by buying digital content from Microsoft Store.
To see how much money is in your Microsoft account, sign in to the Microsoft account website. You should also check your Skype account balance to make sure you don’t have unused credits—after deleting an account, you can’t get those credits back.
If you have subscriptions to services like Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox Live Gold, or an ad-free Outlook.com account, you won’t be able to access them anymore.
If you have subscription or services outside of Microsoft that are associated with this account, we’re unable to cancel those on your behalf.
We strongly recommend that you don’t close this account until you’ve made sure you have no personal or organizational subscriptions or outstanding balances associated with this account.
To cancel most Microsoft subscriptions:
Sign in to Services & subscriptions on the Microsoft account website.
For each paid subscription, go to the subscription you want to cancel and select Payment & billing which appears under the name of the subscription you want to cancel. Select Cancel and follow the remaining instructions.
For any subscription not listed there, go to the service itself (or to the retailer, if you bought the subscription from a retailer) to cancel. For example, if you have a Skype subscription, go to the Skype support page and search for cancellation info.
If the email address associated with your Microsoft account ends in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, closing the Microsoft account deletes any email stored with it after the 60-day waiting period. During the waiting period, however, your inbox will continue to receive email messages. If the email associated with your Microsoft account is from a different provider like @gmail.com, you can skip this section because your email address won’t be affected.
You can set up an automatic reply to let everyone know that the account is going to be closed, and tell them where to send email to you in the future.
Sign in to your Outlook.com inbox. Select the Options icon, and then select Options.
Under Managing your account, select Sending automated vacation replies and then follow the instructions.
You can also choose Email forwarding under Managing your account to have email you receive sent to a different email address. However, both automatic replies and email forwarding will stop working when your Microsoft account is closed permanently after the 60-day waiting period.
If you’ve used a Microsoft service to store any file or info associated with your closed account, you won’t be able to access it. If there’s anything you want to keep, you must save a copy. For example:
Email, documents, and photos you’ve stored in Outlook.com, Hotmail, or OneDrive.
Personal data you’ve stored on HealthVault.
Purchasing info at Microsoft.com.
Portfolio data on MSN Money.
Messenger contacts added to Skype. For more info about backing up your contact list, search the Skype support page.
Product keys for any products you’ve purchased with this Microsoft account. (Your installed software will continue to work, but you’ll need the product key if you ever want to reinstall the software, or install it on a new device.)
There is some data you can’t save when you close your Microsoft account. You’ll no longer be able to access music you’ve downloaded using an Xbox Music Pass. (Music and videos you’ve purchased outright will still be playable but can’t be transferred to another device.) Your game progress, Gamerscore, and Gamertag on Xbox Live will be lost.
Devices like Windows phones, computers running Windows 8.1 or later, Surface tablets, and Xbox consoles all work best with a Microsoft account. Some of these devices will still work—to a degree—but you won’t be able to use all their apps and features. Before you close your account, consider setting these devices up with a different Microsoft account so that you can still sign in.
If you manage a child’s Microsoft account, their account stays open when yours is closed. However, after your Microsoft account is closed, your child will be stopped when they try to sign in to Xbox, computers running Windows 8 or later, or Windows phones, until they get consent from another parent account.
If you’ve purchased Online Commercial Support using this Microsoft account, you must use any remaining benefits or they’ll be lost. There are two types of support benefit packages available:
Single incident support. Go to My Support Requests and look at your case history.
If your case is closed, you can close your Microsoft account.
If your case is still open, you should wait until it’s closed before you close your account. If you close your account too soon, you won’t be able to get any potential refunds.
Five-pack incident support. Go to My Professional Support 5-packs and look at your case history.
If you’ve used all the cases, or it the package expired, you can close your Microsoft account.
If you’re eligible for a refund, you must request it before you close your Microsoft account.
If you have any remaining or open cases, you should use the rest of your package before you close your Microsoft account. If you don’t use the package before you close the account, you’ll lose any unused cases and you won’t be able to get a refund.
If you’re a developer and you want to retain control of any packages you own on NuGet.org, be sure to first transfer the ownership of these packages to a different account before deleting the existing account. For more information about how to do this, see How to delete my NuGet.org account.
To close your account
When you’re sure you’re ready:
When you’re prompted to sign in to your account, double-check that it’s the account you want to delete. If not, select Sign in with a different Microsoft account. If you’re having trouble signing in to the account you want to close, see You can’t sign in to your Microsoft account for help fixing the problem.
Check that the page shows the correct Microsoft account, and then select Next.
Read the list, and select the checkboxes to acknowledge you’ve read each item.
In the Select a reason drop-down list, choose the reason you’re closing the account.
Select Mark account for closure.
A note about Skype accounts
Skype accounts must be associated with a Microsoft account before they can be closed. Follow the previous steps to close an account, and sign in with your Skype account. You are prompted to add an email address to create a Microsoft account. Make sure to use an email address that isn’t already associated with a Microsoft account. Once that is complete, you can continue with the steps to close your account.
You can also remove an account from your device. This doesn’t delete the account, but it does remove email and other content associated with the account from your device.
To remove an email account:
Under Accounts used by email, calendar, and contacts, select the account you want to remove, and then select Manage.
Select Delete account from this device.
Select Delete to confirm.
To remove an account used by apps:
Under Accounts used by other apps, select the account you want to remove, and then select Remove.
Select Yes to confirm.
After you close your account
When you select the Mark account for closure button, we wait 60 days before permanently deleting your Microsoft account in case you change your mind or need to access something on the account before it’s gone forever.
During the waiting period, your account is marked for closure but it still exists. If you want to reopen your Microsoft account, just sign in again within that 60 days. We’ll cancel the account closure, and everything will be just as you left it.
If you’re having issues signing in to your Microsoft account, or forgot or want to change your password, see Microsoft account help.
You can’t use your old account name to create a new account after the account-deletion wait period expires.
How to Close a Bank Account: A Step by Step Guide
Share this:
The views expressed on this blog are those of the bloggers, and not necessarily those of Intuit. Third-party blogger may have received compensation for their time and services. Click here to read full disclosure on third-party bloggers. This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting or tax advice. The content on this blog is «as is» and carries no warranties. Intuit does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content on this blog. After 20 days, comments are closed on posts. Intuit may, but has no obligation to, monitor comments. Comments that include profanity or abusive language will not be posted. Click here to read full Terms of Service.
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. Causes of delay could be dependent on the amount of funds in your account and how quickly you deactivate or reroute direct deposits and online bill payments to a new account.
Closing a bank account is a great opportunity to take a look at your budget with a fresh perspective. Read below for more tips for closing your bank account.
1) Transfer Money to Another Bank Account or Open a New Account
If you are transferring funds to a new account at a different bank, be sure to follow the right protocol to avoid any mishaps. Typically, transferring money between two accounts is free, but be sure to confirm each bank’s policies. Sometimes there is a limit on how much money you can transfer at one time or how many transfers you can make a month, so plan accordingly.
2) Change All Recurring Payments to the New Bank Account
Switching your payments over to a different account can usually be completed easily online. It’s a good idea to review your last six months of expenses to make sure you don’t miss transferring any recurring payments. Be sure to update or delete your saved banking information with all of your favorite websites to ensure you don’t accidentally charge the wrong account. Don’t forget to contact your company’s payroll team to update your direct deposit information, and plan in advance in case there are any errors.
3) Confirm That All Pending Payments Have Cleared
Double check that automatic transactions including checks and electronic debits are terminated before moving forward with closing your account. Be sure you switched your direct deposit to the new or alternate account of your choice.
4) Notify Your Former Bank
Call your bank to inform them that you want to officially close the bank account. Allow plenty of time for your previous bank to process the change processed.
5) Complete, Sign, and Submit the Account Closing Form
Keep in mind that you might need to get your closing form notarized. There are usually notaries available at the branch locations of banks and credit unions.
6) Destroy Old Checks and Debit Card(s)
Be sure to securely dispose of any old checkbooks and debit cards with your previous bank account. Not only will this prevent any confusion, but also it will protect your personal information.
7) Make a Document to Record Details of Each Step of the Process
This includes dates and times that you spoke to bank representatives. You never know when you might need this information for future reference. Also, make sure to get confirmation of the account’s closure in writing.
3 Common Reasons to Close a Bank Account
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth it to close a bank account, check out the most common reasons people make this decision.
1) How to Close a Bank Account You Had as a Child
If you still have a joint account that your parents helped you open when you were a child, it might be time to close it. You have to physically go to the bank with your parent who is the co-owner of the account. Both you and your parent will complete and sign an account closure form to officially terminate the bank account.
2) How to Close a Joint Bank Account
You must visit a physical bank location in-person with the co-owner of your joint account to terminate it. In the same way that you closed your childhood joint account, both owners of a joint account must agree to sign the account closure form. In the case that your account co-owner doesn’t agree with your decision and won’t cooperate, you might need to get a lawyer involved.
3) How to Close a Bank Account of Someone Who is Deceased
Sometimes the funds are automatically transferred to a beneficiary’s account, but you may have to close the deceased’s bank account yourself and transfer it to your account of choice. If you are a family member and there isn’t a will, you must contact the banks involved and work with them to receive access to the appropriate checking and saving accounts. It might make more sense to retitle the deceased’s bank accounts rather than closing the old ones.
Can You Close a Bank Account Online?
While many larger banks have begun to allow you to close your accounts online, many others still require you visit the bank in person to verify closure. There is a chance you might need a request in writing to close your account, along with your signature. This is to verify the process and prevent fraud. On the other hand, if you don’t close your account, you could get charged a “dormant account” fee after a certain time period.
The only way to know if your particular bank allows online account closure is by contacting them directly. Usually calling and speaking with a representative is the best confirmation. If you think ahead, it’s usually possible to avoid any fees when switching over to a new bank. However, be mindful that some fees involved are unavoidable. Below, we’ve outlined whether or not you can close your account online at eight of the most popular banks in America.
Phone Number to Close Account | Can You Close Your Account Online? | |
---|---|---|
Bank of America | 1-800-432-1000 | No |
Capital One | 1-888-464-0727 | Yes |
Chase Bank | 1-800-935-9935 | No |
Citibank | 1-888-248-4226 | Yes |
PNC | 1-888-762-2265 | Yes |
TD Bank | 1-888-751-9000 | Yes |
U.S. Bank | 1-800-872-2657 | No |
Wells Fargo | 1-800-869-3557 | Yes |
Does Closing a Bank Account Affect My Credit?
You might wonder how closing a checking or savings account could influence your credit score. If you’re smart about keeping the right amount of money in your checking account at all times, you don’t need to worry about account closure affecting your credit. Most of the time, customary account closures or funds transfers don’t help or hurt your credit.
However, if you don’t have overdraft protection, your account has a negative balance, and you close the account without following up, banks, lenders, and creditors will notice. If you’re experiencing some financial difficulties, don’t wait to address overdrafts and the ensuing fees. To protect your credit, you must resolve outstanding payments right away.
If you’re thinking that it’s not worth it to close your inactive bank account, think again. By not closing your account, you could get charged a “dormant account” fee after a certain time period. Whether you’re at the start of your financial journey or you’re close to retirement, you might need a refresher on how to close a bank account.
Источники информации:
- http://finanso.com/us/blog/banking/how-to-close-a-bank-account/
- http://www.chime.com/blog/how-to-close-a-bank-account-at-the-top-5-big-banks/
- http://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/account-billing/how-to-close-your-microsoft-account-c1b2d13f-4de6-6e1b-4a31-d9d668849979
- http://mint.intuit.com/blog/planning/how-to-close-a-bank-account/