Closing ADCB account from abroad: everything you need to know

If you previously lived in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE you may still have a bank account with ADCB®¹. While there is a fee to close your ADCB bank account, it’s still a smart plan to do so if you’ve now moved back to the US.

Closing your account prevents it from being treated as dormant by the bank, and also removes the risk of the account being used fraudulently. This guide on how to close an ADCB bank account from abroad covers all you need to know.

Can you close ADCB account from abroad?

Yes. You can close your personal ADCB account through the ADCB mobile or online banking system², which you can access from abroad. You can also close some business accounts by completing and sending in an account close request form³.

If you’re not sure which is the correct route to close your account, the ADCB team can advise you.

It’s important to note that you can only close your ADCB account if it’s in good standing. That means that you don’t have an active overdraft or any debts to the bank. If you have any outstanding fees to pay, loans, or similar, the bank is likely to ask you to settle up before your account closure request will be processed.

So what happens if you don’t close down your ADCB account when you leave the country? Accounts which are not used for a period of time may be treated as dormant. If there’s no balance in the account - or if the balance amount is very small - the bank may force the closure of the account.

At this point the account closure fee becomes due, which can lead to unnecessary complications if you don’t have sufficient balance in your account to cover the cost. Get ahead of the game by closing your account yourself once you no longer need it.

Can you close an ADCB account online?

Yes. You can close your ADCB account online as long as you still have access to your normal online or mobile banking system.

Closing your account requires you to receive a verification code which is sent by phone or email, depending on how you’ve set up your online banking.

If you no longer have access to the contact information you used when you set up your account you’ll need to reach out to the ADCB service team to ask what you should do.

Closing your ADCB account from abroad: step by step

Generally, you’ll be able to close your ADCB bank account from abroad with the bank’s online or mobile banking system. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Log into your online banking

Log in to the ADCB mobile banking app and navigate to the Accounts section.

Request the account closure

Select the account you would like to close and then tap Request Account Closure in the Service Requests dropdown. You’ll need to select a reason for closure from the dropdown list, for the bank’s records.

Read the account closure information

You’ll be prompted to read and agree to the account closure information document. Once you’ve done this, you can simply tap Submit. You may need to pay the account closure fee at this stage.

Wait for confirmation

Tap to confirm your account closure request. You’ll be sent a one-time password to your registered mobile number or email address, which you’ll now need to enter into the online banking system for verification. If you run into any problems you can call ADCB, 24/7 on +971 2 6210090.

Your account will be closed within about 5 - 7 days.

What’s the best way to send money internationally?

Banks are certainly one option for sending money internationally, as are services like PayPal. But the problem with banks is they can often be slow, expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, there’s a better alternative out there.

You can send money worldwide with Wise for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s easy and quick to set up a payment online, and you’re guaranteed secure transfers even when sending large sums.

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How much does it cost to close an ADCB account?

There’s a fee to close your ADCB account, which is usually 105 AED for Aspire, Privilege Club and Excellency customers⁴. This fee is waived if you close your ADCB account within 30 days of opening it.

How long does closing an ADCB account take?

If you’re closing your account through mobile banking, the closure request will be reviewed by the bank, and updated within 5 to 7 working days. Bear in mind that you can’t close your account if you have outstanding debts or liabilities. If there are any charges to your account you’ll need to settle them before you can close it.

Tips and challenges for closing your ADCB account

Closing your ADCB account from abroad shouldn’t be too much of a headache. Let’s cover a few more tips to make sure the process goes smoothly for you:

Leaving unused bank accounts open can be a risk, so closing your ADCB account when you no longer need it is a good plan. Generally you won’t have any problem closing a personal ADCB account from abroad so long as you still have access to your online or mobile banking information. Use this guide to get your account sorted out, hassle free.

Sources:

1. ADCB
2. ADCB - Close account online
3. ADCB account closure request from
4. ADCB fee schedule