6 Reasons Your Bank Can Close Your Account

1. Your Account Is Inactive

Your bank could decide to close your account if you haven't been using it enough (or at all). If there have been no debit or check transactions for at least three years, the bank might consider the account abandoned and refer it to your state's unclaimed property program.

To prevent this, it's a good idea to make occasional transactions with your account, like making a purchase or paying a bill every few months. Banks are usually required to try contacting you before closing the account, but rules regarding unclaimed property can vary between states. Contact your bank if you have questions.

2. You Have Too Many Bounced Checks or Overdraft Fees

If you frequently overdraw your account or have a history of insufficient funds, the bank may decide to close your account due to concerns about your ability to manage your finances responsibly. Making a budget can help you take control of your financial life and avoid bouncing checks and paying a lot in overdraft fees.

3. Your Account Has a Negative Balance

When a bank account is in the negative, it means you owe money to the bank because you've spent more than you had in the account. Your bank might close your account if it consistently remains negative.

If you find yourself in this position, do what you can to get your account into good standing by depositing money to cover the negative balance right away. If it's happening a lot, it might also be time to look into cutting expenses or increasing your income.

4. Your Account Is Flagged for Suspicious Activity

Banks are legally required to monitor accounts for suspicious transactions or activities that could indicate money laundering, fraud or other illicit activities. Suspicious activities that commonly get flagged include unusual patterns of cash deposits, many international wire payments or electronic transfers, potential links to illegal businesses or scams, large cash withdrawals and trouble verifying your identity.

If your account is flagged for suspicious behavior and the bank can't verify the legitimacy of your transactions, they may choose to close your account to reduce risk and comply with regulations.

5. You Violated Your Account Policy

When you signed up for your bank account, you agreed to follow specific rules that govern how the account works. One common reason accounts get closed is violation of these rules, known as terms and conditions. For example, some banks won't allow you to use a business account for personal purposes and vice versa, although there are exceptions. If you're considering using your account differently, check with your bank beforehand to ensure your actions are within your account's rules.

6. You Have a Criminal Conviction

Sometimes, a bank might close an account if they discover a client has a criminal history, especially if the conviction is financial in nature (such as fraud or money laundering). A run-in with the law doesn't mean your account will automatically be closed, but it's possible. If you're in this position and think an account closure is likely to happen to you, take some time to find backup financial institutions you could use if your current account were to be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Banks close accounts for various reasons, from suspecting fraudulent activity to prolonged inactivity. The best way to protect your account is to keep enough money in it, be proactive about knowing your bank's policies and follow any rules associated with it. But if you find yourself dealing with a closed account anyway, know there are steps you can take to get back on track, manage your money and keep your finances secure for the future.