Can You Close an SBI Account Online Through YONO?
Short answer: No, still in 2026, there is no direct online method, including SBI netbanking.
While the YONO app is a powerful tool for transactions, the direct reason is that it’s all about security. They need to physically collect and destroy your unused chequebook and ATM/Debit card. This is their way of making 100% sure the account is closed and cannot be misused later if someone finds your old card or checks.
As per the Indian Express, there were over 42 crore Savings Bank Accounts with SBI in 2017. If we count in 2026, the State Bank of India (SBI) serves over 50 crore customers in total. That’s nearly one-third of India’s population banking with a single institution. But, closing an SBI account is not as smooth as opening one on YONO in 5 minutes.
Unlike e-FDs or digital loans, SBI does NOT allow closing Savings or Current Accounts online — not through:
- YONO
- SBI online
- Email request
- However, you can generate a request for closure via customer care. They can help and guide you.
Even if:
- The account was opened via YONO
- It is a Video-KYC “Digital Savings” account
- You never visited a branch before
➡ Closure = Home Branch + Hand-Signed Form Only.
Why SBI Forces Branch Visit?
Banks must legally verify:
- Customer consent
- No cheating/joint-holder disputes
- Return/cancel instruments (debit card/cheques)
- Zero dues, no pending auto-debits
- Dormat Account process
- KYC and physical signature
So security and calculation are more important than convenience.
Eligibility, Rules & Terms for Closure
| Rule / Condition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Branch Visit | Must go to your home branch where the account is held. In case your home branch is far, you can check it using the YONO app. |
| Joint Account | Every holder must sign the closure request |
| Dormant/Inoperative | If no customer-induced activity for 2+ years, you have to first reactivate with updated KYC. Otherwise, the closure form gets rejected |
| Zero Balance Required | Withdraw or transfer balance before signing |
| Linked Services Must End | UPI auto-pay, EMI, demat link, SIP mandates, etc. |
| Debit Card or Cheque Book Return | Take it to your branch (if issued) |
| ID Verification | Aadhaar/PAN needed physically |
| Negative Balance | In any case, if your account balance shows below zero, you have to fix it. Simply, download the statement and check. Why is it negative? |
If you don’t return the passbook or debit card, don’t worry, this is not mandatory; however, most branches may ask you to provide a handwritten application just to declare your closure.
What are the SBI Account closure Charges?
Hey, charges on closing your SBI account—it’s pretty easy and might be free, but it depends on when you opened it.
Here’s the simple rule:
- If you close it super fast (within the first 14 days), it’s FREE. No charge at all.
- If you close it within the first year (15 days up to 12 months), they charge a fee, which is ₹500 + GST (around ₹590 total).
- After one year, it’s FREE. No charge anytime you deactivate it.
So, the main thing to remember is that sweet spot after the first year where they don’t charge anything!
Note – For BSBD, PMJDY savings account, and other selected schemes Zero-Balance Accounts, there are no charges in SBI anytime you close.
Before You Visit an SBI Branch: Complete Checklist
Unlike other blogs claiming “just visit the branch,” — this is the real-world prep:
- Transfer entire balance
- Disable all auto-payments and your UPI mandates
- Stop standing instructions (EMI/ECS/Bills)
- Download statements for the record
- You will need a Xerox copy or an original of your Aadhaar/PAN
- Debit card + cheque-book + passbook ready to surrender
- Closure Form printed + filled properly (To learn how to fill up, read below)
Do NOT walk in with a negative balance — they won’t process it. You have to write an application to the branch manager if your negative balance is irrelevant. However, the decision for account closure with a negative balance depends on the banking internal system.
Special Situation: Digital YONO Account Users
Reality check:
| If your account is | You must |
|---|---|
| Opened online but fully KYC verified | Follow the same closure rules |
| Video-KYC completed, but you never visited your branch | Still must visit the branch one final time |
| Just opened, unused | No charges if within 14 days |
Even the most digital account ends offline.
Step-by-Step Process: Close SBI Account at Branch
- Step 1: Go to your Home Branch – As I already said, go to your home branch only; if not possible, you can use the branch address to send your closure form with documents; however, you may find a delay in the process. To find the address, check your passbook or cheque leaf.
- Step 2: Ask for a Closure Application Form – The offline process needs a single-page SBI Closure form. You can ask at the “Help” counter of SBI, the branch officer will tell you what additional documents you may need, such as a “handwritten application form”, or you can download the closure form PDF below.
- Step 3: Identity Verification + Signatures – This is an important part; the branch needs your physical signature for declaration, your signature must be clear, and the form must be non-overwriting. If a joint account → everyone signs in front of the officer.
- Step 4: Your documents – You will need your Aadhaar, PAN xerox copy and original. Also, the bank may ask for an application, chequebook and ATM, but only if Active.
- Step 5: Charges Deduction (if applicable) – If you are trying to close in between 1 year, → ₹500+GST will be deducted. Your account must have around 600rs if you are closing in this period. If the balance is zero, it may stop the deactivation process. Also, you can confirm with the branch.
- Step 6: Acknowledgement Receipt – Your bank branch will provide you with the Acknowledgement Receipt. This is legal proof to track your request. However, you will get an SMS on your account-linked mobile number when the bank permanently closes your account.
- How much time does SBI take to close a savings account? In 2025-2026, it takes just 3 to 5 working days; however, you may find it extended to 7–10 working days, but it’s branch load dependent.
- Account balance Refund – If you choose a refund via cash, it is instant and eligible for 20,000 only. The DD or cheque takes 7 to 10 working days, and NEFT/RTGS online transfer takes 24 hours.
How to download the SBI Account Closure Form
Here is a table with the easiest ways to get the form:
| Source | Type | Download Method |
|---|---|---|
| Official SBI – Forms Section (Footer of SBI website) | Verified | Visit SBI → Scroll to footer → “Forms” → “Account Closure” |
| Easemoney Alternate Link (Your Download) | Direct PDF | SBI Original Account closure PDF Application |
| Printed Copy from Branch | Hand-filled | Ask counter staff |
Note – Most of the tier 2, tier 3, or rural area SBI branches Also Demand a Handwritten account closure Application with the reason. However, below, we are attaching a sample application form for a better idea, how to write.
How to Fill SBI Closure Form – Real steps with Example
You will need a blue or black pen. Simply print it out or ask for a printed physical form from the branch. Start with the top, use Capital words and write slowly. Below, we set a table with examples, tips, and how you can write it easily. If something is irrelevant to you, simply write NIL on it. such as you never have a SBI cheque book of SBI.
| Field in Form | What to Fill | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Today’s date | Simply which date you visitng branch – 04/12/2026 |
| Name of A/C Holder (1/2) | All account holders exactly as per bank records | RAJESH KUMAR / ANITA KUMAR |
| Account No. | Full 11-digit account number | 12345678901 |
| Mobile No. | Registered number only | 9876543210 |
| Reason (above main text line) | Simple reason | “Not required or maintaining another account” |
| Balance Payout Option | Tick one | ✔ Transfer to A/c No. XXXXXXXX |
| Branch / Bank / IFSC | If transferring to another bank | HDFC BANK / HSR Layout / HDFC000789 |
| Cheque-book declaration section | Strike the part not applicable | “No cheque book issued or NIL” |
| Signature boxes | As per the bank record, preferably in front of an officer | (Your signature) |
Simple & Practical Question & Answer
Can I close my SBI account and open another account in the same bank?
Yes, you can. Just complete closure properly and open a new account with updated KYC. No restrictions on having another SBI savings account.
How can I close an SBI NRI/NRE/NRO account?
Download the SBI NRI closure form, sign it, attach supporting documents, and send it to your home branch or designated SBI NRI cell for processing.
Can the SBI account of a deceased person be closed easily?
Only the nominee or legal heirs can close it after submitting the death certificate and claim documents. Funds are settled before closure.
How do I write an application to close a bank account due to death?
Write the deceased’s name, account number, date of death, attach the death certificate, mention your relationship, and request the settlement of the balance.
What if my SBI account has a negative balance?
Closure may pause until dues are cleared. Pay the charges or request a waiver if the negative balance is bank-generated.
Does closing my SBI account affect my CIBIL score?
No. Savings account closure does not impact credit history unless there are unpaid dues or linked loan accounts.
Does SBI send any final confirmation after closing the savings account?
Yes. State Bank of India sends an SMS to your registered mobile once the account status changes to “Closed.” If no SMS arrives within 7 days, follow up with the acknowledgement receipt.
Can SBI refuse closure if the account is marked dormant for years?
Yes. Dormant accounts must be reactivated first with KYC. SBI will not directly close an inactive account without updating the identity and signature, even if the balance is zero.
Is a handwritten application mandatory along with the SBI closure form?
In many Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural branches, yes. SBI may ask for a handwritten request addressed to the Branch Manager, especially if cheque book or debit card is missing.
What happens if I forget to cancel UPI AutoPay before closing the SBI account?
The account may still close, but future auto-debits will fail, causing merchant issues. SBI does not auto-cancel UPI mandates, so disabling them beforehand avoids service disruption.
Does SBI allow balance transfer to another bank during closure?
Yes. SBI supports NEFT/RTGS transfer of remaining balance during closure. Cash payout is usually capped at ₹20,000, while cheque or NEFT may take 1–3 working days.
Join 60,000 readers who get exclusive credit and banking deals, RBI updates, and investment insights from Easemoney.
