How to close a Royal Bank of Scotland account

No longer use your Royal Bank of Scotland current account, or looking to move banks? Whichever is the case, we’re here to help.

In this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know on how to close a Royal Bank of Scotland account. This includes the quickest and easiest way to do it, and whether there are any charges to watch out for.

And if you fancy a change from a traditional bank account, we’ll show you an alternative - the Wise multi-currency account.

But first, let’s focus on getting that RBS account closed for you.

How to close an account with Royal Bank of Scotland - your options

There are a few different ways you can close your account with RBS. You can do it through online banking, the RBS mobile app, in a branch or by sending a request in writing. We’ll run through all the details you need below.

But a quick note before you start. If you’re leaving RBS to switch to another bank, you might find it easier to use the Current Account Switch Service.

Closing an RBS account online

One of the easiest ways to close your Royal Bank of Scotland account is through online banking.

To close your current account online, simply follow these steps¹:

1. Log into Digital Banking
2. Head to the ‘Account Summary’ page for the account you’d like to close
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the mini statement for that account, until you find ‘View account details’
4. Below the account details, select 'If you need to close your current account we can help you with this form.'
5. Fill in the requested information on the form and click submit.

Once you’ve submitted your request, your account should be closed within 72 hours.

Closing an account through the RBS mobile app

If you’ve registered for the Royal Bank of Scotland mobile banking app, you can close your account by following these steps¹:

1. Login to the app and click on your current account
2. Under ‘My Current Account’, select the option to ‘Close this Account’
3. Fill in the form and submit.

Just like with closure requests made through online banking, it should take around 72 hours for your account to be closed.

Closing an RBS account in branch¹

Prefer to close your account in person? Find your nearest Royal Bank of Scotland branch here. You shouldn’t need to make an appointment, but make sure you take your debit card, PIN and proof of ID along with you.

Send a letter to close your RBS account

The last available option is to write to RBS, to request the closure of your account in writing. Make sure to include your name, bank details and contact information, and send your letter to¹:

Royal Bank of Scotland,

Mailroom Scanning,

Account Closures,

1 Hardman Boulevard,

Manchester

M3 3AQ.

Is there any charge to close a Royal Bank of Scotland account?

Royal Bank of Scotland doesn’t charge any closure fees², so there’s nothing to pay if you decide to leave. You can also close your account at any time, and for any reason.

Things to consider before closing your Royal Bank of Scotland account

Just before you close your RBS account, check that you’ve done the following¹:

• Downloaded or printed your online statement history (if you want it) - as you may not have access after the account has been closed.
• Cancelled or transferred pending regular payments
• Made sure that there are no charges or overdrafts outstanding.
• Withdrawn or transferred all money so that your account has a nil balance.

Wise - a money-saving alternative to banks

Now that you’ve moved on from RBS, you may be starting to shop around for a new account. Remember that traditional banks aren’t the only option available.

If you send or receive money internationally, or have an overseas trip planned, check out Wise.

Open a Wise multi-currency account online and you’ll be able to make fast, secure international transfers all over the world. Best of all, you’ll only pay low, transparent fees and you’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate.

From your Wise account, you can manage 50+ currencies at once and receive money from abroad for free.

You can even get a Wise international debit card for low-cost spending like a local in 200+ countries. This clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the best rate whenever you spend.

Join Wise today

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Sources used for this article:

1. RBS - how do I close an account
2. RBS - account terms

Sources checked on 11-Jul-2022.