How to Close a UK Bank Account from Overseas: A full Guide Here

You might expect closing a bank account - especially if you’re a non-resident - to be hard work. Actually, when it comes to UK banks, there’s usually a simple enough way you can close down your account and transfer out your balance.

This guide covers all you need, including the account closure options and processes used by major UK banks.

Major UK banks have options in place to allow customers to close accounts even if they’re not in the country. This may mean you can close your account online using online banking, through your banking app or by calling the customer service team. Most banks also give the option of closing your account by mail, although this may take slightly longer.

Check out the options for your own account - we’ve set out the process for closing accounts from major UK banks below to give you a starting point.

There’s not usually a fee for closing a bank account, although some account types may charge a penalty for early closure. This can happen if you’ve committed to a fixed term savings account for example, and need to withdraw your money before the term has expired.

It’s also good to know that there are some other costs you might run into which are connected with closing your account. Here are some to think about:

• If you withdraw your balance before outgoing payments have been processed you may run into overdraft or returned item charges
• If direct debits or other ongoing payments are processed after you’ve withdrawn or transferred your balance you may face penalties
• Closing a savings account early may result in a loss of interest payments or penalties
• You may pay fees to transfer your money out to an account in a foreign currency.

If you have a Lloyds current account you can only close it by phone or in person by visiting a branch. To do this:

• Call 0345 300 0000 if you’re in the UK
• Call +44 1733 347 007 from outside the UK
• Use the Lloyds branch finder to locate your closest Lloyds branch if you’d rather close your account in person

There are however some Lloyds accounts you may be able to close online. It’s important to note that this is only possible if you have another account with Lloyds which you can transfer your balance to. The accounts you can close online are:

• Cash ISA Saver
• Child Saver
• Club Lloyds Monthly Saver
• Club Lloyds Saver (Annual or monthly)
• Easy Saver
• Instant Cash ISA
• Online Saver
• Premier Saver
• Standard Saver

To close these accounts online you’ll need to take the following steps:

• Make sure your balance is £5 or less
• Log into online banking
• Go to your accounts overview list, and click ‘More actions’
• Click on ‘Account services’. Here you should find the option to close your account. If the option is not visible then you can not close your account online and will need to visit a branch or call customer services
• Select the Lloyds account you want to transfer your balance to
• You’ll be asked to confirm the reason for closing the account
• Click confirm once you’ve completed the form and you’re done

Barclays customers have a few options for closing accounts - the following are for current account holders, but there may be different instructions if you have another account type or if the account holder has died. Get the full details on the Barclays website.

Online/in app:

• You can close a Everyday Saver account online through your normal banking service
• Other accounts can be closed online but you’ll have to send a secure message requesting the closure
• Close accounts using the Barclays app through the live chat service or by initiating video banking

In writing:

• Download the account closure form and complete it
• Send to Barclays, Leicester, United Kingdom, LE87 2BB

By phone:

• Personal account holders call 0345 734 5345 or +44 (0)247 684 2099 from outside the UK
• Premier customers call 0800 085 1115 or +44 (0)161 869 8012 from outside the UK

In person:

• Head to your nearest branch to close your account in person
• You’ll need a photo ID document
• Take along your debit card and a checkbook if you have one with the account

HSBC UK has a number of different ways to close your account from outside the country - or you can pop into a branch if you happen to be visiting.

Online/in app:

• Log into online banking using your app or other device
• Look for the option to chat with customer support 
• Confirm your closure request - closing your account may take 7 days

By phone:

• Call HSBC on 03457 404404 
• Or use 03457 707070 for Premier Customers

By mail:

• Print and complete the account closure form 
• Mail your document to : Post Team Account Closure, HSBC Bank plc, Coventry District Service Centre, Harry Weston Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2BR

In person:

• Print and complete the account closure form 
• Take it along to your nearest branch to close your account in person

If you’re closing your UK account because you’re moving abroad or back to the US, you may need to transfer your balance from British pounds to another currency. Doing this through your bank’s standard service may be costly - not only in upfront fees, but also in hidden costs rolled into the exchange rates used. Choosing a specialist provider can mean you net a better deal. Here are some to consider.

Compared to closing a US based account, shutting your UK bank account shouldn’t be too tricky. Most major banks offer the opportunity to close your account online - or at least over the phone - which means not being in the country shouldn’t be a problem. Use this guide to help you get sorted, if you want to close or upgrade your account for a better deal today.