How to close your National Australia Bank account.

Roberto Efflandrin

National Australia Bank, also known as NAB, is one of Australia's Big Four banks. Millions of people choose to hold accounts with them, but the way of life is that things change. You may find yourself wanting to close your NAB accounts because of the fees, an overseas move or you’re changing to an alternative service.

In this guide we’ll look at what you need to know to be able to close your NAB accounts properly and how you can do it.

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How to close your account with NAB

Closing your accounts with National Australia Bank is relatively easy but before you start there are a couple of things you might need to take care of.

  • If your account still has funds you’ll need to empty them out. This can be done by withdrawing the money, moving the balance to another Australian bank account or transferring it to an overseas account. If you need to send money to a bank abroad, Wise is one of the easier and cheaper ways to do it.
  • Other services attached to your accounts need to be closed or transferred. This includes personal loans, home loans, credit cards, scheduled direct debit payments, credit cards and overdrafts.
  • NAB iSaver accounts must be closed before a linked NAB Classic Banking Account can be closed⁴.

🚨 Another thing to remember is that once you close your accounts you’ll lose online access to your bank statements and history. For convenience sake it might be worth downloading a copy of any information you want to keep using your NAB Internet Banking portal.

When you're ready to close your accounts you can do it online, using the app, over the phone or in person at a branch.

How to close your NAB account online

You can close your account online using your secure NAB Internet Banking portal¹.

  • Log in to your NAB Internet Banking
  • Click on the “Chat” icon to start a secure chat
  • Type “Close account” into the chat
  • Select “Chat with a specialist”

You’ll then be connected to NAB customer service who can assist you with closing your account.

How to close your NAB account using the NAB app

If you have the NAB app on your smartphone or tablet you can follow this procedure to close your account¹.

  • Log in to the NAB app
  • Go to the “Accounts” screen
  • Click on the “Chat” icon to access the secure chat feature
  • Type “Close account” into the chat
  • Select “Chat with a specialist”

Once a consultant is available you’ll be connected with them and they can help you to close your account.

How to close your NAB account over the phone

To close your National Australia Bank account over the phone you can call them on 13 22 65, Monday to Sunday during certain hours. Make sure you have your bank documents and ID’s ready because the consultant will start by verifying that you are the owner of the account. Once you have been identified they can then assist you through the process.

How to close your NAB account at a bank branch

You can visit any NAB branch during opening hours to close your account. You will need to identify yourself to the teller first and they will ask why you are closing the account. They can also assist in transferring your funds to another account, but be aware there is a $30 fee for their help you are sending money to an overseas account⁵.

How to close a transaction or saving account with NAB?

Transaction and savings accounts can be closed using any of the methods described above¹.

How to close your joint account with NAB?

A joint account can be closed over the phone or in a branch and requires the authority of all owners². This applies even if it was opened as a “One-to-sign” account. The only exception is if the account holder is a minor².

How to close your Credit card with NAB?

You can close any attached NAB credit cards over the phone, in a branch or using NAB Internet Banking or the NAB app³.

NAB Internet Banking

  • Log in to your NAB Internet Banking portal
  • Click on the “Chat” icon to access the secure chat function
  • Type “Close credit card” into the chat
  • Select “Chat with a specialist”

NAB App

  • Log in to the NAB app using your details
  • Go to the “Accounts” screen
  • Click on the “Chat” icon to access the secure chat function
  • Type “Close credit card” into the chat
  • Select “Chat with a specialist”

When you cancel your credit card you’ll need to pay the amount due as soon as possible³. Until you do, the NAB Credit Card terms and conditions will still apply. Keep in mind the amount due may include the card balance, pending transactions, interest, fees and charges.

Do I need to go to a bank branch, can I do this from overseas?

You don’t need to go into a branch to close your NAB accounts. You can close your account from overseas. Instead you can use the NAB app, NAB Internet Banking or call them.

If you are overseas you can use the app, online banking or call the NAB international phone number which is +61 3 8641 9083.

Keep in mind that the NAB opening hours are listed in AEST (GMT+11) which becomes AEDT (GMT+10) during daylight savings.

What else do I need to know?

Once your accounts are successfully cancelled your NAB cards will be deactivated and you can destroy them.

You can find out more by contacting NAB here

You can get support from NAB staff by contacting them:

  • At a branch
  • Using the secure chat feature in your NAB Internet Banking
  • 24/7 on Facebook Messenger, Twitter or Whatsapp
  • Calling on 13 22 65 within Australia or +61 3 8641 9083 from overseas.

Are there any costs to close this account with NAB, or is it free?

There are no fees listed in the fees schedule for closing a personal bank account with NAB. You may, depending on your account package, have to pay a bank transfer fee if you are moving your funds to another account.

Alternative banks/financial services

When you leave National Australia Bank you’ll need to choose someone new to bank with. You could look at one of the traditional options including the other three Big Four banks, Westpac, ANZ or Commbank. Alternatively, you might want to try Wise — a new way of banking that is flexible, efficient and stress-free.

Open your Wise account in minutes 🚀

Check Wise out

Wise has a Multi-currency account that is cheap and easy to use. You’ll get your very own AUD account details that can be used to transfer money directly from your closing NAB account with just a simple local transfer.

Plus, if you’re moving overseas, already living abroad or are planning some international travel, Wise can be used to transfer AUD to your new location using the real exchange rate and small fees.

You can use the pricing calculator below to see how much you can save sending your NAB balance abroad with Wise.


Sources:

  1. NAB — Manage Your Transaction or Savings Account
  2. NAB — Opening a Joint Account with NAB
  3. NAB — How to Make Changes to Your Credit Card Account
  4. NAB — Personal Transaction and Saving Products, Terms and conditions
  5. NAB — A Guide to Fees & Charges Personal Banking Fees Effective 19 October 2020
    Sources checked: 7 November 2021

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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