How NRIs Close HDFC Bank Account Online and Offline? 

Every month, several NRIs face this dilemma. There are several reasons NRIs close HDFC accounts. It includes returning to India permanently, avoiding maintenance charges on a dormant account, or consolidating their finances. Generally, to close a bank account, you need to complete the account closure form, settle any outstanding payments, and submit the required documents. The process is generally done offline; there is no fully online option, so you need to submit the documents by email or courier.

Well, the confusion is real. Considering this, to help you out, this blog provides you with complete information about how can NRIs close HDFC bank accounts online and offline. So read on and clear all your doubts.

Who Can Close an HDFC Bank Account?

An individual needs to close their HDFC bank account if, under FEMA rules, they are classified as an NRI for a financial year. It is because once your resident status changes to NRI, you cannot hold the same resident savings account under FEMA and tax guidelines in India. This applies to NRIs who held an HDFC savings account in their own name, or who previously had a resident savings account and later moved overseas.

Additionally, instead of closing your HDFC bank account after a residential status change, you can also convert it into an HDFC NRO bank account. They can also open an NRE account. To do this, you need to provide your ID proof and other documents for KYC verification. Further, a joint account holder can also request to close the bank account; however, he/she need to obtain consent from all holders.

This was all about who can close an HDFC bank account. However, there are several more reasons why NRIs opt to close their HDFC bank account. To know, read the next section.

Common Reasons NRIs Close HDFC Bank Account

Many NRIs close HDFC bank accounts due to the following reasons:

• Due to changes in residential status from resident to NRI, not allowed to hold a resident savings account.
• Requirement to convert the resident savings account to an NRO account.
• Long-term inactivity or maintenance charges are imposed on a dormant account.
• Having multiple bank account, becoming difficult to manage them all, also leading to closing the inactive ones.
• Not able to maintain a minimum account balance, as HDFC Bank requires customers to have a certain balance in their accounts. Further, failure in it results in penalty charges.
• Excessive transaction fees for transfers, withdrawals, and other services make bank account maintenance expensive.
• No ongoing financial transactions or income in India.

These are some of the common reasons for NRIs closing their HDFC bank accounts. Moving forward, let's look at how they can close the bank account online.

How Can NRIs Close an HDFC Bank Account Online?

Unfortunately, the HDFC bank account closure process is not available online. Although you can initiate the account closure process online using the HDFC E-closure option, you still need to visit the branch to complete the process. Here is how you can do so:

• Log in to the HDFC E-closure Platform: Visit the HDFC E-closure platform and, using your ID and password, log in to your account.
• Mention OTP for Verification: On your registered mobile number and email ID, you will receive an OTP. Mention it to proceed.
• E-Sign the Closure Form: Click on "E-sign Now" and accept the mentioned terms and conditions.
• Provide Aadhaar Verification: Mention your Aadhaar card number and verify it via OTP.
• Submit the Form: Once your application is submitted successfully, you will get a confirmation message on your screen.

Although the HDFC account closure process started online, to complete the formalities, you may need to visit your nearest HDFC branch. Additionally, for further verification sent the closure application form and other documents via courier or mail to the bank.

So, this was all about how NRIs close HDFC bank accounts online. Moving ahead, let's know the steps to close the bank account offline.

Steps for NRI to Close an HDFC Bank Account Offline

Follow the steps below to close an HDFC bank account offline:

• Step 1: If any, clear all your outstanding payments and take out the whole amount from your HDFC bank account before initiating the closure process.
• Step 2: Visit the official HDFC Bank website and download the HDFC Bank account closure form.
• Step 3: Fill out the form using the capital letters and accurate information.
• Step 4: Once you fill out the HDFC account closure form, along with all the requested documents, visit your HDFC bank branch where your account was opened.
• Step 5: Submit the form to the bank officer. Once it is verified, within 7-10 working days, your account will be closed.

This is how NRIs close an HDFC Bank account offline. Moving further, let's know the things to check before closing the bank account.

Things to Check Before Closing an HDFC Bank Account

Before starting the HDFC bank account closure process, NRIs need to consider the following things:

• If any automatic payments like mobile recharges, electricity bills, OTT subscriptions, or EMI payments are linked with your HDFC bank account, first unlink them. If you do not unlink them, missed payments can lead to service disruptions and penalties.
• If you do not have an active NRI bank account, before closing the HDFC account, first open one. It ensures that your investment returns, salary credits, or other financial transactions continue without any issue.
• Clear any outstanding overdrafts, loans, or credit card bills connected with your HDFC Bank account.
• Even after closing your HDFC Bank account, it is advisable to retain past bank statements for a minimum of one year. It can further serve as your income proof for tax filing or loan application purposes.
• While closing the HDFC Bank account, return your unused debit cards, cheques, and other documents issued by the bank.

These were some of the following things that you need to consider before closing your HDFC Bank account. Moving ahead, let's know the documents required for NRIs to close an HDFC bank account.

Documents Required to Close HDFC Bank Account

NRIs need the following documents to close an HDFC Bank account:

• Duly filled HDFC account closure form
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, or Driver's license)
• Overseas address proof (rental agreement or utility bill)
• Unused debit cards and cheques issued by HDFC Bank

These are the documents NRIs generally require to close an HDFC Bank account. Moving further, let's know the charges and time taken to close an NRI HDFC Bank account.

Charges and Time Taken for Closing an NRI HDFC Bank Account

The table below showcases the fee charges upon closing an HDFC Bank account:

HDFC Bank typically closes accounts within 7–14 working days after receiving complete documents, but timelines may vary depending on account type, verification, and pending transactions. However, due to several factors, it may longer time to process the application. These are as follows:

• Delays due to pending transactions
• Incomplete documentation
• Closure of corporate or joint accounts
• Inactive accounts without transactions

This was all about the charges and time taken for closing an NRI HDFC Bank account. Moving ahead, let's know the steps to take after closing your bank account.

Steps to Take After Closing Your HDFC Bank Account

Closing a bank account is not only about submitting the account closure form and returning unused debit cards or cheques. To ensure a finacial transactions run smoothly, following several steps is vital. Considering this, here are some things NRIs need to consider after closing their HDFC Bank account:

• Once you have submitted your account closure form, confirm that it has been closed officially. Through mobile banking, visit the branch in person or contact customer service to check the account closure status.
• If you have any amount in the account, make sure before closing it make sure you withdraw it. Additionally, you can also transfer the amount to another bank account. After that, before finalising the closure, to check for unprocessed funds, go to the bank.
• From UPI applications like PhonePe, Paytm, or Google Pay, unlink your HDFC bank account. This action is vital for smooth financial transactions in the future.
• Update your banking information for salary and investments.
• Additionally, it is advisable to get a written confirmation either via email or in hard copy. It verifies the successful closure of your bank account. In case a dispute arises, you may need this account.

Further, these are some of the steps NRIs should consider after closing the bank account.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, here is how NRIs close HDFC Bank accounts online and offline. Knowing about the procedure in advance makes it more convenient. After filling out the HDFC account closure form, download it and submit it at the bank branch along with other documents where you opened the account. Additionally, if needed, also pay the additional charges.

Further, for NRI-related issues such as banking, finances, transaction or repatriation, connect with Savetaxs. We have a team of financial experts making the complex documentation easier for you. We are 24*7 available to help you.