Bank accounts are pretty important for us. We use our accounts in the bank almost every single day to do one more or money transaction. But wait this does not end here. On the other hand, we will also have the bank accounts which we have not used for a long period of time.
Such bank accounts are called inoperative or unused bank accounts. Even the bank will wait for a limited period of time before it turns your account inoperative. If there are no transactions happening in the account for a long period of time like months and years.
The banks will understand that this account is not being used by the account holder. This is when the account is turned inoperative. However, these days the bank has got so advance that these things are totally automated. This means there will no person handling this transition from operative account to inoperative.
But if you want to get your bank account back then you can still do that. In that case, a real human employee of the bank will take your request and helps you to get your bank account back. For that, you will have to write an application letter addressing your bank.
You have to mention the reason why you are not using the bank account for a long period of time. And also you have to assure that you will not regularly use the same bank account. The bank might even charge you some fees. The fees are taken in very rare cases where you have not used the account for years of time.
But Wait I Don’t Want to Use it Anymore!
This was about what exactly the inoperative bank accounts are and the way to get the account bank.
But what if you don’t want to use it anymore in the future?
In such cases, you can permanently close the account. If you want to close the bank account then you can refer to the steps that I have explained below.
What are the Steps to Close Inoperative Bank Account?
If you have already taken your decision to close down your bank account which is not inoperative. Then follow the steps below.
But let me tell you that you have somewhat taken the right decision. And that is because of the reasons like,
- You don’t use it anymore.
- And you don’t want to use it in the future as well.
- The third one is it is not a good thing to have multiple bank accounts in your name if you are not using them.
Step 1: Collect the Documents
You have to collect all the things you had received from the bank related to your inoperative account. I am talking about your passbook, checkbook, and the debit card that is linked to your account. Along with these things you also have to take anyone ID proof document of yours.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Branch
Find out the address of the bank branch that is near to you. And visit the branch. This is necessary because almost no banks normally allow their customers to close the inoperative bank accounts online or by sending a written request to their address.
Step 3: Tell the Bank Employees
Once you are in the branch of the bank you should go to the concerned department and tell the bank employees working there about the matter. Tell them that you have an account with the bank. And the account has turned inoperative now. As you don’t use it you have made your decision to close the account.
Step 4: Ask the Charges (if any)
As I have already mentioned there are some banks that charge their customers when they are closing inoperative accounts. This is not in the case of all the banks so you should ask the bank employees if they charge anything. If they say Yes, then you have to pay the charges and there is no way to skip the charge.
Step 5: Return the Documents and Complete the Formalities
Now you have to return the passbook, checkbook, and debit card to the bank. Along with that if the bank demands a written application from you. Then you have to write on addressing them. Once you complete these formalities your account which is inoperative will be closed.