Getting Ready to Close Your Account
When you decide it’s time to move your banking elsewhere or just want to tidy up some old accounts, closing a Bankwest account is generally a straightforward process. You won't usually need to wait in line at a branch or fill out complex paperwork for your everyday banking products.
For standard transaction accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards, Bankwest lets you handle the closure yourself directly through their mobile app. However, if you are dealing with joint accounts, term deposits, or home loans, you might need a bit of extra help from their support team through secure messaging.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Methods | Bankwest App (self-serve) or secure in-app messaging |
| Processing Time | Usually immediate for everyday accounts with a zero balance |
| Eligibility | Primary account holder logged in with their own PAN |
| Key Requirements | The account must have a $0 balance and no pending transactions |
How to Close Your Account in the App
To close an everyday account or a credit card on your own, here is the typical flow you'll follow:
- Log in to the Bankwest App using your PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID.
- Tap on the Money tab at the bottom of the screen, then navigate to Accounts.
- Choose the specific account you want to close from your active list.
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top right-hand corner, then look for the Close account option.
- Follow the prompts to confirm. Remember, your balance usually needs to be exactly $0 before the system will let you proceed.
Troubleshooting Common Closure Issues
Sometimes you might run into a roadblock when trying to finalize things. Here is how to handle the most common issues:
- MFA / Login issues: If you are trying to authorize a final transfer out of your account to bring the balance to zero, but the SMS security code doesn't arrive, it's often due to a weak mobile signal. Step outside for better reception and request a new code. If the text still fails, you'll likely need to call Bankwest to check your registered phone number.
- Browser or app errors: You might tap 'Close account', but the app throws an error message preventing the closure. This almost always means you have pending transactions, uncleared funds, or a negative balance. You'll need to wait a day or two for those pending card swipes to settle, clear any overdrawn amounts, and then try again.
- Locked account / access issues: If you don't see the 'Close account' option at all in your settings menu, it's typically because you're looking at a joint account, personal loan, or term deposit. The app doesn't allow self-serve closures for these product types. You'll need to use the secure "Message us" feature inside the app to ask a support agent to handle the closure for you.
Pro-Tip: Before you hit that final close button, make sure you download all your past bank statements. Once an account is officially closed, it usually disappears from your app and online banking dashboard completely, making it much harder to retrieve those records later if you suddenly need them for tax purposes or a new loan application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bankwest credit card if I still owe money?
Yes, you can start the process, but the account won't disappear immediately. When you select 'Close account' in the app, Bankwest typically cancels the physical card right away so no new purchases can be made. However, you'll still get monthly statements and must keep making at least your minimum payments until the debt is cleared. The bank generally finalizes the complete account closure 30 days after your balance hits zero. Your best move is to lock the card in the app now, then focus on paying off the remaining balance.
Why can't I close my joint account using the app button?
The automatic closure button only works for accounts held solely in your name. When an account is shared with someone else, standard banking procedures usually require specific authorization to make sure both parties agree to the closure. To close a joint account, you'll need to open a secure chat in the Bankwest App and ask a support specialist to guide you through the shared closure process.
What should I do about my direct debits before closing?
If you close your account while a gym membership or streaming service is still set to pull money from it, those payments will bounce, which often leads to annoying late fees from the merchant. In most cases, you should look back over your last three months of statements to spot all your automated bills. You'll need to contact those companies and give them your new bank details before you officially close your Bankwest account.
