When you might want to close your bank account
There are many reasons to close a bank account — for example, because you are switching to a different bank. The good news: in most banking apps, you can close an account online today without visiting a branch. Just follow the steps below in order. You cannot break anything by doing this — if a screen looks different from what is described, don't worry, just go slowly and look for similar words.
Before you start: what to check first
Before closing an account, two things should be sorted out. First: are there still standing orders or direct debits running on this account? A standing order is an automatic, recurring transfer, for example for rent. A direct debit is a payment where a company — such as an electricity provider — takes the money directly from your account. You need to move these to another account first. Second: do you already have a new account to receive your remaining money? If not, you can look at our comparison of current accounts before closing the old one.
Step by step: closing your account in the app
- Open your bank's app on your smartphone. This is the small, square icon with your bank's logo that you usually find on your phone's home screen.
- Log in to the app the way you always do — for example, with your PIN (a personal secret number), your fingerprint, or your face.
- On the app's home screen, under "Transactions" or "Account overview," check whether any standing orders or direct debits are still active on this account.
- Find the app's menu. This is usually an icon with three small horizontal lines, three dots, or a gear wheel (the symbol for settings), often in the top right or bottom of the app.
- Tap "Settings" or "Service" — the exact wording differs from bank to bank.
- In this menu, look for an option such as "Close account," "Cancel account," or "Terminate account."
- Tap this option to start the closure process.
- Read the notice that now appears. It usually explains what happens to any open standing orders and to your remaining balance — the money still left in the account.
- Enter the IBAN (the international account number) of the account that should receive your remaining money.
- If asked, choose a reason for closing from the list offered. This is usually optional and only used by the bank for statistics.
- Confirm the closure by tapping the button labeled "Close now" or "Confirm closure."
- Confirm your identity with your PIN, fingerprint, face, or a one-time SMS code (a single-use string of numbers your bank sends you by text message).
- Wait for the confirmation message in the app telling you the closure request has been received.
- Save this confirmation, or keep the confirmation email your bank usually also sends you.
Important safety note
A one-time SMS code is meant only for you. Never share this code with anyone else — not even over the phone. Your bank will never call you and ask for this code to supposedly "confirm the account closure" or "protect your account." If someone calls you and asks for exactly that, it is a scam. Hang up. Then call your bank back using the phone number printed on your bank card — never a number the caller gave you.
What to do if something goes wrong
Don't worry if something doesn't work on the first try. That's completely normal.
- You can't find the "close account" option in the app? Not every bank offers closure directly in the app. Look for a "Message the bank" or "Chat" feature and write there that you want to close your account. Alternatively, call your bank's service number — you'll find it on your bank card or on your account statements.
- There are still standing orders or direct debits running? Move these to your new account first, before confirming the closure for good. It's best to inform companies you have direct debits with, such as electricity or phone providers, directly about your new account number.
- Your remaining balance hasn't been transferred? This can take a few business days. Check your new account after about a week. If the money still hasn't arrived, call your bank using the number on your card.
- You're unsure about a step? Simply cancel the process and try again later. You cannot break anything by tapping the wrong spot.
Summary
Here's how to close your bank account in a few steps: