How to Close a Bank Account UK — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Whether you are switching banks, consolidating accounts, or simply decluttering your finances, closing a bank account in the UK is straightforward — if you follow the right steps. The key is to prepare before you close, not after.

This guide is part of the Bank Account Switching hub, which covers choosing the best current account, earning switching bonuses, and understanding FSCS protection.

Before You Close Your Account

1. Check Your Balance

2. List All Linked Payments

Before closing, map every payment connected to the account — missed direct debits can result in missed bill payments, late fees, and a damaged credit score. For a detailed breakdown of what happens to each payment type, see the guide to what happens to direct debits when you switch banks.

Income to redirect:

• Salary payments
• Benefits
• Pension
• Tax refunds
• Rental income

Direct Debits to move:

• Mortgage or rent
• Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
• Council tax
• Insurance policies
• Subscriptions (streaming, gym, software)
• Loan repayments
• Phone contracts

Standing Orders to move:

• Savings transfers
• Regular payments to family
• Charity donations

3. Decide: Switch or Close?

If you are opening a new current account, use CASS. It moves all your direct debits, standing orders, and redirects incoming payments automatically — at no cost to you.

How to Close Using the Current Account Switch Service

CASS is the easiest way to close a UK bank account while opening a new one. For a full walkthrough of how it works, see the Current Account Switch Service guide.

How CASS Works

1. Open your new account — the new bank handles the switch process
2. Pick a switch date — at least 7 working days ahead
3. CASS transfers everything:
   • Direct debits moved automatically
   • Standing orders transferred
   • Balance transferred
   • Old account closed
   • Payments redirected for 3 years

The Switch Guarantee

Using CASS — Step by Step

1. Choose your new bank and apply for an account — if you are unsure which to pick, see the best current accounts comparison
2. Complete the switch request (your new bank provides the forms)
3. Select your switch date
4. Confirm which direct debits and standing orders to transfer
5. Wait 7 working days — your old account closes automatically

How to Close Without Switching

If you are closing an account without moving to a new bank:

Online Closure

Many banks allow online closure:

1. Log into online banking or app
2. Navigate to account settings
3. Look for “Close account” option
4. Follow the prompts
5. Transfer any remaining balance

Banks offering in-app or online closure:

• Monzo
• Starling
• Revolut
• Chase
• First Direct (most accounts)

Phone Closure

1. Call your bank’s customer service number
2. Pass security verification
3. Request account closure
4. Confirm where to transfer any remaining balance
5. Ask for written or in-app confirmation

Branch Closure

1. Visit a branch with:
   • Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
   • Proof of address
   • Your debit card
2. Request closure at the counter
3. Transfer or withdraw remaining balance
4. Get written confirmation

Closing Specific Account Types

Joint Accounts

Savings Accounts

• Check for early withdrawal penalties on fixed-rate accounts
• Notice accounts may require 30–90 days’ notice
• ISA accounts — always transfer rather than withdraw to preserve the tax benefits

Business Accounts

• Clear all outstanding payments and cancel business direct debits
• Download full transaction history for accounting records
• Notify HMRC of the new account if you pay tax via Self Assessment

Student Accounts

• Ask your bank about converting to a graduate or standard account
• Consider keeping the account open to use the 0% overdraft period
• Check whether any benefits (such as a railcard) will end at closure

What Happens to Your Overdraft

Arranged Overdraft

Your Options for Clearing an Overdraft

1. Transfer funds from another account to make the balance positive
2. Gradual repayment — reduce the overdraft over time before closing
3. Overdraft to loan — some banks let you convert the overdraft balance to a personal loan at a lower interest rate

Warning: Never abandon an overdrawn account. The debt remains, the account will be recorded as a default, and your credit score will be damaged significantly.

After Closing Your Account

Keep Records

Monitor Your Credit Report

Check your credit file within 30 days of closure to confirm:

• Account is marked as closed (not defaulted)
• No incorrect negative markers
• Overdraft balance shows as zero

Cancel Paper Statements

Paper statements stop automatically on closure, but it is worth confirming with your bank if you want to avoid any residual correspondence.

Special Situations

Deceased Person’s Account

1. Obtain the death certificate
2. Contact the bank to notify them — the account will be frozen immediately
3. Provide grant of probate or letters of administration
4. The executor handles the final closure once the estate is settled

Bank-Initiated Closure

Banks can close a personal account with two months’ written notice under FCA rules. If this happens:

1. Open a replacement account immediately
2. Move direct debits before the closure date
3. Ask the bank why — they must tell you on request
4. If struggling to open elsewhere, a basic bank account is available without a credit check

Fraud or Compromise

If you are closing because the account has been compromised:

1. Report the fraud to your bank immediately
2. Obtain a crime reference number from Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
3. The bank will freeze and close the account
4. Update all linked services with your new details promptly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting a direct debit — always list everything before you close
• Closing with a negative balance — damages your credit score and the debt remains
• Not getting written confirmation — always obtain proof of closure
• Rushing the process — allow at least 7 working days, more if transactions are pending
• Ignoring joint accounts — both parties must consent
• Withdrawing ISA funds — transfer instead to preserve the annual allowance

Checklist Before Closing

• Balance is at zero or positive
• All direct debits and standing orders listed
• Salary and income redirected to new account
• New payment details given to all organisations
• Overdraft cleared
• ISAs transferred (not withdrawn)
• Transaction history downloaded
• Written confirmation of closure requested

Summary

Closing a UK bank account is straightforward when you prepare properly. Use the Current Account Switch Service if you are moving to a new bank — it is free, guaranteed, and handles everything automatically in 7 working days. For a manual closure, ensure all payments are moved, your balance is cleared, and you have written confirmation from the bank.

For more on choosing where to move your money, see the Bank Account Switching hub.