Close an account
Full Access Users can close most types of accounts in Business Internet Banking. If you’re closing your last Business, Community or Charity Account with us, you’ll need to complete a form instead.
Steps to take
We'll guide you through it
Frequently asked questions
Closing an account in Business Internet Banking
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You’ll need to choose a Business Account for us to transfer any remaining balance, settle pending fees or charges, and pay any interest due. Once you’ve submitted your request, we’ll give you a reference number for your records.
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You may be making loan repayments from the account, one of our colleagues will be able to help you to get the account closed.
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You’ll need to transfer funds to bring the account balance to nil.
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You’ll need to transfer funds to bring the account under £10,000 credit.
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You’ll need to make this transfer through online banking before closing the account.
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You can nominate another account to pay/receive these.
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You’ll receive a reference number on the screen, and we’ll send confirmation by email and SMS.
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Products, lending and security are services offered by the Bank. Some of the most common examples are shown below:
Account products – Currency Accounts, Savings or Deposit Accounts
Lending products – Overdraft, Credit/Charge cards or Loans (including BBLS or any government backed lending)
Security – Legal Charge, Guarantees or Debentures -
You’ll need to speak to your new bank. They should be able to arrange a switch from your current bank account, which will move over any direct debits or standing orders you have on your Bank of Scotland account.
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You may not see the option to close your account online for one of the following reasons:
- You’re trying to close your only Business, Community or Charity account.
- You’re not a Full Access User. If so, you’ll see a message confirming this.
- The account type isn’t available for online closure.
This includes:
- Notice Accounts
- Fixed Term Deposit Accounts
- Loan accounts.
For details on how to close these accounts, use the relevant form in the If you can’t complete the task online FAQ.
Closing an account by form
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If you can close the account online, only one Full Access User needs to make the request.
If you’re using a form, it must be signed in line with your mandate before we can close the account. If you need to update your mandate, visit Change who can access your accounts.
If any signatories are no longer part of your business, you may need to complete a board resolution.
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There are a few reasons we might not have been able to close your account:
- The signatures on the form didn’t match what’s on your mandate. If you need to update your mandate, visit change who can access your accounts.
- You still have money in your account and haven’t told us where to send it. You’ll need to move your money to another account before we can close it.
- Your account is overdrawn. You’ll need to bring your account back in credit before we can close it.
- There are products, lending or security linked to your account. You’ll need to close, settle or discharge these services before we can close your account. If you have a loan, you can open a separate loan servicing account by contacting your Business Manager or Relationship Team.
If you still can’t close your account, contact your Business Manager or Relationship team.
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You can use our text or email service to get notified when we’ve received your completed form, and when we’ve closed your account.
You can sign up for the text or email service in Section 3 of the Account Closure form.
You will get a closing statement by post when the account has been closed.
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Whenever possible, you should close your account using Business Internet Banking - it’s usually the quickest and most efficient option. If you’re having trouble signing in, support is available. If you’re not yet registered, you can find out how to get started.
You should only use the form below when:
- You want to close one of the following account types:
- Fixed Term Deposit Account
- Notice Account
- Loan Account
- You need to close your whole relationship and you are closing:
- Business Account (if it's your only account)
- Community Account (if it's your only account)
- Charity Account (if it's your only account)
- Your business only uses Commercial Banking Online.
- You are unable to use Business Interenet Banking, for example, you don't have access, are not a Full User, or cannot reasonably complete the request online.
Select the correct form for your business:
Choose the form that applies to your business:
- If you don’t have a named Relationship Manager: Complete Request to Close an Account – For Business Customers (PDF, 166KB)
- If you have a Relationship Manager and your turnover is below £25 million: Complete Request to Close an Account – For Commercial Clients (PDF, 164KB)
- If you have a Relationship Manager and your turnover is above £25 million: Complete Request to Close an Account – For Commercial Corporate Clients (PDF, 146KB)
How to return your form:
- Details on how to return your form can be found in the ‘Returning this form’ section.
- To avoid delays please complete the form on your computer before printing. If you need to fill it in by hand, use a black pen only.