Steps to Write a Letter for Closing a Bank Account

When closing a bank account, it's common to submit a formal letter to the bank manager. This letter ensures that the bank has a written record of your request and can process it accordingly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write this letter:

1. Start with Your Contact Information:
   At the top of the letter, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This ensures the bank can reach you if necessary.

2. Include the Bank’s Details:
   Below your contact details, write the bank's name, branch address, and any specific department if relevant.

3. Use a Proper Salutation:
   Begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Bank Manager’s Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern,” if you don’t have a specific name.

4. State the Purpose of the Letter:
   Clearly mention that you wish to close your account and provide the specific account details (account number, type of account, etc.).

5. Provide a Reason (Optional):
   You can choose to briefly explain why you are closing the account, although this is not mandatory.

6. Request Confirmation:
   Ask for written confirmation of the account closure and inquire about any steps you need to take or fees you need to pay.

7. Mention the Return of Bank Items:
   If you have any items such as checks, debit cards, or passbooks associated with the account, mention that you will be returning them or request instructions on how to return them.

8. Close the Letter Formally:
   End with a polite closing statement, such as “Thank you for your assistance,” followed by a formal sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

9. Sign the Letter:
   Leave space for your signature above your printed name.

Table of Contents:

• What is a Bank Account Closing Letter?
• Bank Account Closing Letter Sample Format
• How to Write an Application for Closing a Bank Account?
• Tips for Writing Bank Account Closing Letter
• Bank Account Closing Letter Samples:
  • Sample:1 General Bank Account Closing Letter
  • Sample:2 Joint Bank Account Closing Application Letter 
  • Sample:3 Salary or Business Account Closing Application Letter 
  • Sample:4 Bank Account Closing Application Letter Due to Relocation
  • Sample:5 Bank Account Closing Letter to close the current bank account and transfer funds.
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Bank Account Closing Letter?

A Bank Account Closing Letter is a formal letter written and submitted to the respective bank manager requesting the closure of your bank account.

A Bank Account Closing letter is mainly written to inform the bank manager that you wish to close your account completely. It also implies either withdrawing or transferring all the remaining balance (if any) to another account or providing instructions for handling the funds.

Writing a Bank Account Closing Letter should always be concise, polite, and professional.m It should also include important details to facilitate the closure process.

Also Read: Master the Art of Formal Letter Writing

Bank Account Closing Letter Sample Format

Here is a standard format of an Application letter written to a Bank manager for closing an account:

How to Write an Application for Closing a Bank Account?

Writing a letter to close a bank account is a formal process. Writing an application letter to close a bank account applies a clear and concise request. Follow these steps to ensure your letter is clear, professional, and meets the bank's requirements.

Start with the Bank’s Information

Include the branch manager’s title, the bank’s name, and its address at the top of the letter.

Add Your Information

Provide your full name, address, and contact details for identification purposes.

Date the Letter

Write the date when the letter is being sent.

Use a Formal Salutation

Address the letter to "The Branch Manager" or a specific bank representative if known.

State Your Request Clearly

Mention that you want to close your account, provide the account number, and explain why, if necessary.

Request for Balance Transfer

Specify how you want the remaining balance to be transferred, such as to another account or as a cheque/draft.

Attach Required Documents

Mention in the letter that you have attached copies of necessary documents, such as ID proof or account materials like chequebooks or ATM cards.

Express Gratitude

Thank the bank for their services during your tenure as a customer.

Sign the Letter

Include your full name and signature for authenticity.

Tips for Writing Bank Account Closing Letter

Crafting a clear and professional Bank Account Closing Letter is crucial for ensuring the process is smooth and hassle-free.

Here are some key tips and guidelines to be followed :

Be Clear and Concise

• Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
• State the purpose of the letter straightforwardly, i.e., closing your bank account.

Include Account Details

• Mention the exact name under which the account is registered.
• Provide essential information such as your account number, account type, and branch name.

Mention the Reason (Optional)

• It is not always necessary, but you may include a reason for closing your Bank Account.

Request for Balance Settlement

• Specify how you would like to use the remaining balance amount:
  • Handover the cash
  • Transferred to another account.
  • Issued as a cheque or demand draft.

Attach Required Documents

• Enclose copies of all the necessary documents including:
  • ID Proof
  • Address Proof
  • Other bank-related materials like unused cheques, ATM cards, or passbooks.

Use a Polite and Professional Tone

• Address the branch manager respectfully.
• Express gratitude for the bank’s services in the past.

Ensure Accuracy

• Double-check the details in your letter, such as the:
  • Account holder’s name,
  • Account number, 
  • Branch name, 
  • IFSC Code,
  • Contact information.

Request Confirmation

• Ask the bank to confirm once the account has been successfully closed.

Provide Contact Information

• Include your phone number and email address for easy communication if the bank needs to clarify anything.

Keep a Copy for Your Records

• Retain a copy of the letter and any attached documents for future reference in case of any disputes.

By following these tips, you can ensure your application for closing a bank account is complete, professional, and processed without any complications.

These were some general tips to be followed while writing a Bank Account Closing Letter.

Let us also learn some important tips and guidelines to be followed before Closing your Bank Account.

Guidelines to be followed before Closing your Bank Account

Before requesting closure:

• Double-check your account balance.
• Check if you have issued any cheque leaf.
• Ensure that all of your transactions and bank-related operations have been completed.
• Deposit or destroy all blank chequebooks and ATM cards for security and personal reasons.
• Once after submitting a closure application letter, make sure to confirm that your account has been permanently closed.

Bank Account Closing Letter Samples:

The samples of "Bank Account Closing Letters" can be customised based on individuals and the bank's specific requirements. Make sure to include all necessary elements and attach relevant documents (if required) for a smooth process.

Whether you are opening a new bank account or closing an existing one, a formal application letter is usually written to a bank manager. Here are some application letters samples for closing a Bank Account which can guide you through the process.

Bank Account Closure Letter Template

To,
The Branch Manager
SBI -- State Bank of India
No 56, Pinakini Arcade, 7th Main Rd,
Jaya Nagar 1st Block,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Date: 04/Dec/2024
Subject: [Request for Closure of Bank Account]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this application letter formally requesting you to close my bank account with the following details:

Account Holders: Mr. Joseph D'souza
Account Number:12345678910
Bank's Branch Details: State Bank of India, Jaya Nagar 1st Block.

I kindly request to process the account closure at the earliest. Please transfer the remaining balance to my ICICI bank account No-- 4561237897149.
Enclosed with this letter are copies of my identification documents and any account-related materials, such as unused cheque leaves and ATM/debit cards, for your reference.
Thank you for your assistance. Kindly confirm once the account has been closed.
Yours Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Sample:2 Joint Bank Account Closing Application Letter

To,
The Branch Manager
SBI -- State Bank of India
No 56, Pinakini Arcade, 7th Main Rd,
Jaya Nagar 1st Block,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Date: 04/Dec/2024
Subject: [Request for Closure of Joint Bank Account]
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing this application letter to close our joint bank account with the following details:

Account Holder Names:

Primary Account Holder Name: Mr. Joseph D'souza
Co-Account Holder Name: Mr. John Joseph D'souza


Account Number: 123456789107
Branch Name: SBI -- State Bank of India, Jaya Nagar 1st Block.

We request that the remaining balance be issued as a cheque in the name of Mr Joseph D'souza [Primary Account Holder’s Name] or transferred to my ICICI bank account No-- 4561237897149. if applicable.
Enclosed are the required documents, including copies of identification for both account holders and unused cheque leaves. We appreciate the bank’s services over the years and request confirmation once the account has been closed.
Yours Sincerely,
[Primary Account Holder’s Name]
[Co-Account Holder’s Name]
[Contact Information]

Sample:3 Salary or Business Account Closing Application Letter

To,
The Branch Manager
SBI -- State Bank of India
No 56, Pinakini Arcade, 7th Main Rd,
Jaya Nagar 1st Block,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Date: 04/Dec/2024
Subject: [Request for Closure of a Salary Bank Account]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this application letter formally requesting you close my present salary account bearing account number 12345678910. This request is due to the change of my company/organisation.
Here are my salary account details:

Account Name: Srivastav Sharma
Account Number: 12345678910
Branch Name: SBI -- State Bank of India, Jaya Nagar 1st Block,

Kindly transfer the remaining balance to the account mentioned below:

Account Holder Name: Srivastav Sharma
Account Number: 9876543210024
Bank Name: HDFC, RK Puram, Sector 4. New Delhi 
IFSC Code: HDFC0000588.

Enclosed are the necessary documents, including a copy of my passbook, bank statements and appointment letter. Kindly confirm the account closure process is completed.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Yours Sincerely,
[Authorised Signatory Name]
[Designation]
[Business Name]
[Contact Information]

Sample:4 Bank Account Closing Application Letter Due to Relocation

To,
The Branch Manager
SBI -- State Bank of India
No 56, Pinakini Arcade, 7th Main Rd,
Jaya Nagar 1st Block,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Date: 04/Dec/2024
Subject: [Request for Closure of Bank Account]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this application letter formally requesting you to close my savings bank account bearing account number Account Number is 12345678910 due to my relocation from Bangalore to New Delhi. I appreciate the services provided by your bank, but maintaining this account is no longer feasible for me.
Please transfer the remaining balance to my new account at ICICI, Pahadi Dhiraj branch, New Delhi-Branch. Here are the following details:

Account Holder Name: Mr.Rishab Shetty
Account Number: 12345678910
IFSC Code: ICIC0001928

Enclosed are the necessary documents for your reference, including my ID proof and account-related materials. Kindly confirm once the account closure process is complete.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Sample:5 Bank Account Closing Letter to close the current bank account and transfer funds.

To,
The Branch Manager
SBI -- State Bank of India
No 56, Pinakini Arcade, 7th Main Rd,
Jaya Nagar 1st Block,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
Date: 04/Dec/2024
Subject: [Request for Closure of Bank Account No- 123456789102]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Regarding the above account number, hereby I am requesting you to close my current account. Due to some personal issues I am moving to my home location and will
not be able to operate this account.
My SBI Bank account details:

Account Holder Name: Mr. Ravi Gupta
Account Number: 12345678910
Bank Branch SBI -- State Bank of India Jaya Nagar 1st Block

Hence I request you to please close my account and transfer my complete remaining balance to the below given HSBC account:

Account Holder Name: Mr. Ravi Gupta
Account Number: 12345678910
IFSC Code: HSBC0110005
Bank Name & Address -- JMD Regent Square, DLF PH - II, Gurgaon-Mehrauli Road, Gurugram, India, 122001.

Kindly acknowledge the same.
Thanking You
Yours Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Closing a bank account involves a simple process when you know the steps and format to follow. By using the correct letter to branch manager for closing account format, or an application for closing bank account, you ensure that all your requirements are met. Remember to specify whether it's a joint account, and provide details such as the cheque book handover and the account transfer instructions.

No matter which bank you are closing the account with—whether it's SBI, Bank of India, ICICI, or Karnataka Bank—using the right format ensures smooth processing.

For more details about the application for closing a bank account, its templates, formats, and samples, visit our website at JAIN College, one of the Best PU Colleges in Bangalore.