Let’s be honest. We open a new Digital bank account, such as 811, faster than we close one. Sometimes, it was for a cashback offer; sometimes, it was because the new company wanted our salary there; sometimes, that moment felt right, and later, the same account became unused, stuck with minimum balance rules and random alerts.
If your extra account is with Kotak Bank, and you want to close it down smoothly without multiple branch visits, without new charges, and can close it online, here is the process and documents you will need for account closure.
Let’s do it properly so you don’t pay unnecessary charges or waste time arguing with branch staff.
What documents will you need to carry?
Kotak wants everything verified and cleared before Physical closure. Without proper items, the bank will simply say, “Come again tomorrow”. So let’s not give them that chance. Here is the list, you will require –
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Your Original ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License/Passport) | Final identity verification (original or photocopy) |
| Closure form | You can take it from the branch or download it below. |
| Debit card linked to the account | Must be surrendered or cut (not mandatory to take the branch, but if you have, take it) |
| Chequebook (if issued) | Unused leaves must be cancelled (only if the cheque is active and not older than 90 days) |
| Passbook (if you received one) | Bank will stump closure or take it back (if you have, usually a digital account does not provide a passbook) |
| Printed closure form filled properly | Saves time at the branch |
| Account number noted clearly | Keep handy for the form |
| A black pen | For matching signature (bank prefers black) |
Real tip: Keep your signature style exactly as used when opening the account or as you do on your cheque. Kotak takes signature mismatch seriously.
What rules do you need to know
Here are a few simple rules, if you follow, the closure process must be faster and smoother for you –
- All dues, negative balance or penalties must be settled first. if a negative balance, find the reason and settle it via customer care.
- If any fixed deposit, locker, demat or any investment account is linked to this savings account, you must tell what to do with those.
- Have you set any auto-pay subscriptions on this account? If yes, shift them first. Netflix, phone bills, LIC, Wifi Fibre, whatever. You can change it using the Mobile banking app or the UPI app like Paytm or phonepe.
- Your Kotak credit card will not close with your savings account.
- If any active EMI, SIP, or Credit card bills are linked with your account, remove or change them. You can do it via NetBanking or mobile banking.
- Charges depend on account age. We will discuss in the charges section below.
- For 811 and a digital account, as per the Kotak chatbot, you can visit any Kotak branch.
How to close a Kotak Bank Account online
This section will save you from a ton of misinformation online. Kotak does not allow full online account closure; you cannot close it via the Kotak mobile banking app, nor from the AI chatbot of Kotak, even from customer care. Kotak customer care can generate a token for you for any negative balance, but for the final closure, you will need to visit your branch. Yes, even if you opened a 100% digital 811, closure is not fully digital.
The new 2025 kotak bank mobile app also does not support any closure button, however, kotak chatbot says if kotak 811 digital account you can close it any branch instead only home branch, it must be direct if your home branch far from home, however, if your nearest branch not agree for closure, you can visit this online kotak change home branch portal and change it online.
Let’s explore how to close an official Kotak Bank account via a branch
Here’s the real-world branch process in the right order.
- Bring the account balance to zero – Shift funds out → use UPI or NEFT.
- Carry a chequebook + a passbook. Surrender both.
- Fill the closure form in capital letters and use a black or blue regular pen. We will explain each field in the next section below.
- Add your Xerox (photocopy) of your PAN and aadhaar with your form. (If no aadhaar, add another Valid proof)
- Visit the branch at a calm time – Avoid lunch hours and end-of-day peak.
- Submit everything at the service desk – Ask them to stamp and sign your acknowledgement copy.
- You will get SMS/email on your account-linked mobile number within 7–10 days, closure complete. However, nowadays, it happens within 3 working days.
Expected signals:
| Status | What happens |
|---|---|
| Account closed | App login stops showing the account |
| Remaining funds transferred | Check the destination account |
| No more SMS on transactions | Confirm final shutdown |
Once done, you are free. No future negative surprises.
For closing via the branch, you will need a Kotak account closure form, which you can download online.
How to download Kotak Closure Form PDF
Kotak uses a single form to close:
- Savings accounts
- 811 accounts
- Current accounts
- Investment-linked accounts
- Salary account, but need company application as well.
| Format / Language | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Closure Form – English (Official PDF) | Kotak Official Account Closure PDF Link (By official website) |
If you want Hindi or another language, here are the steps –
- Go to the New Kotak Bank Website
- scroll to the footer section.
- Under the Customer Services section, tap on Download Forms
- Go to the Personal Banking
- Scroll down to Account Closure
- Tap on the zip button to download it.
- In the zip file, you will get 11 to 12 languages.
Languages available: Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Kannada and others.
- Pro tip: Print 2 copies. If you make a mistake, good to have a backup.
How to fill up the Kotak Bank Account closure Application form completely
The closure form has 2 pages. Don’t get confused by the form size; only Page 1 is for you. Page 2 is for the bank officials and your acknowledgement slip.
What to fill on Page-1
| Form Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Date | Date of submission (when you visit the branch and submit it) |
| Full Name | As per account records (if joint account, enter both holder names in boxes) |
| Account Number | Carefully write 10 to 14 digits |
| Linked products | Ignore FD/locker/investment if not applicable, if have, tick and enter account number |
| Proceeds of Closure | Choose: credit to another Kotak account OR NEFT/RTGS to another bank- simply enter your any other bank account number (must be on your name) |
| Beneficiary details | Name, account number, IFSC, bank name, branch |
| Reason for closure | Select or mention a short reason – such as High AMB or Left job |
| Declaration | Tick confirming surrender of cards/cheques |
| Signature | Same signature as bank records – for joint account, sign all holders. |
Important: If a joint account → all holders must sign together.
Page 2: Acknowledgement Slip
You do not fill this. The bank tears it off and gives you a receipt. Store it safely until final closure confirmation arrives.
How to track status afterwards
- Log in to the app — the account should disappear after closure
- Check SMS/email updates
- If no update after 10 days → visit the same branch with the acknowledgement slip
What are the charges, and how to save from it
Kotak charges only in a specific window of time.
| Account Age | Closure Charge |
|---|---|
| Closed within the first 30 days | Free |
| Closed between 31–181 days (1–6 months) | ₹600 |
| Closed after 181+ days | Free |
Smart move:
If your account is 4 months old, and no emergency — wait for the 6-month mark → save ₹600.
Common money-saving example:
Let’s say you opened on 5 April.
Today is 20 July — 3.5 months old.
If you wait till 6 October — no fee.
That’s how real people win.
Special cases: Kotak Account Closure
Some accounts need a little more effort:
| Scenario | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Joint account | Everyone must sign together |
| Minor account | Guardian signature + ID required |
| Senior citizen | Standard steps, but keep ID handy – You can book doorstep banking. |
| Account holder passed away | Nominee/legal heir + death certificate |
| Locker attached to this account | Locker must be closed/delinked first |
| Dormant/frozen account | Reactivate by updating KYC before closure |
In short: If more people depend on the account, more documents are required.
Negative balance solution
A negative balance means the bank sees unpaid dues. Closure will not move forward until dues are cleared.
How to fix smoothly:
- Ask the branch for the exact outstanding amount and the reason behind it; sometimes, it can be debit card charges. if your account have 50rs, and the charges, is 500 + GST, the remaining 450 + GST amount is your negative balance. Also, sometimes, Kotak offer add-on insurance while opening a savings account; you have to use the policy number to close it.
- Pay the amount on the spot, or if you feel the charges are irrelevant, you can talk to the branch manager or complain to Kotak Nodal officers.
- Bring balance to zero
- Immediately submit the form
- Remove future auto-debits to avoid repeated negative
Also, avoid accumulating non-maintenance charges after the closure submission by delaying. Sometimes the smartest step is just closing the account properly instead of letting it stay negative and rot.
FAQs
How long does Kotak account closure take?
The branch submission takes only 20 minutes, but usually takes 7–10 days after you submit the form at the branch. If signature mismatch or pending charges, it may stretch longer. Keep the acknowledgement slip safe.
Can I close my Kotak account through SMS?
No. SMS is only for alerts. No closure allowed by SMS or email. Avoid relying on shortcuts — the bank won’t cancel your account without paperwork.
Do I need to visit the same branch where I opened the account?
For 811 accounts, any branch should accept. If they refuse, change your home branch online first, then resubmit easily at your nearby branch.
What if my Kotak account has a negative balance?
First, clear the dues at the branch. Kotak won’t close until the balance becomes zero. Delay increases penalties. Fix it early, then close the account.
What if my chequebook or debit card is lost?
Tell the bank in the form. They will mark items as lost. You may need to sign a small declaration so that no fraud complaint arises later.
What if my Kotak account is dormant or frozen?
When you stop using the account for 6 to 12 or more months, the bank puts that account in dormate. Update KYC first to reactivate. Only then closure request accepted. Frozen accounts don’t close directly due to compliance rules.
Does Kotak Bank send any final confirmation after account closure?
Yes. Kotak Mahindra Bank sends an SMS and sometimes an email once the account is permanently closed. If no update comes within 10 days, revisit the branch with an acknowledgement.
How can I confirm my Kotak account is permanently closed, not inactive?
Try logging into the Kotak app after 7–10 days. A closed account disappears completely. Inactive accounts still appear but show restricted access — that’s the clear difference.
Can Kotak delay closure due to a signature mismatch?
Yes. Signature mismatch is a common delay reason. The branch will ask you to re-sign in front of an officer with ID proof, after which closure usually resumes within 2–3 working days.
Will Kotak refund the remaining balance automatically after closure?
Yes. Balance is refunded via NEFT or internal transfer, as chosen in the form. Cash payout is rare. NEFT credits usually reflect within 24–48 working hours after approval.
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