In today’s time, everyone has more than one bank accounts. Many times we do not use our bank account for a long time due to some reason, which makes the account closed or inactive. If your bank account has also been closed for 2 years and you want to activate it again, then this article is for you.
Here we will tell you in easy language what is the Dormant Bank Account, what is the whole process of activating it, which documents are required, and how to protect the account from being dormant in future.
What is a passive bank account? (What is the inactive account?)
Dormant Bank Account means a bank account in which no transaction has been done for the last 2 years. According to the rules of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), if you do not have a transaction (such as deposit, withdrawing, withdrawing, depositing, online transfer etc.), if you do not have a transaction made by any customer for 24 months i.e. 2 years, then the bank declares that account as a dormant or inopervative.
You can neither withdraw money in such an account, nor use facilities like online banking, ATM or checkbook. However, the amount deposited in the account is safe and interest is also available on it.
Passive bank account observation table
| Acquaintance | Description |
| What is Dormant Account? | Bank account closed for 2 years without transaction |
| Which account applied? | Savings account, current account |
| When is Dormant? | If there is no customer-related transaction for 24 months |
| Activation process | Branch Visit, KYC update, application, a transaction |
| Required documents | Aadhaar, PAN, Address Proof, Passport Size Photo |
| Fee/charge | No charge, activation for free |
| Time in activation | Usually 1-3 working day |
| How to avoid future? | Do at least one transaction every year, keep KYC updates |
Why is a dormant account? (Why Bank Account Backets Dormant?)
- No transaction for 2 years in account
- KYC documents not updating
- Not to respond to the notifications sent by the bank
- Do not forget or use account
Rana of inactive bank account (loss of passive account)
- It is not possible to withdraw or deposit money from an account
- Facilities like ATM, NET Banking, Check Book are closed
- No service is available from the bank
- If there is money in the account for a long time, the bank can transfer it to RBI’s Unclaimed Deposit Fund
Dormant Account Reactivation Process (How to re -activate Dormant Account?)
If your bank account has become dormant, there is no need to panic. It is very easy to activate it again. Follow the steps below:
1. Visit branch
- First of all you have to go to the nearest branch of your bank.
- Dormant account from online or mobile banking cannot be activated.
2. Give the application/request letter
- Go to the bank and write an application or request letter in which you demand to reactivate the account again.
- Give information about account number, name, mobile number, address etc. in the application.
3. Submit KYC documents
- Give self-attached copy of your identity and address proof documents (eg Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, driving license etc.).
- Passport size photo also apply together.
- If the signature has changed, then also give a new specimen signature card.
4. Verification by bank
- The bank will check your documents and applications.
- If needed, the bank can ask for more information or signature verification from you.
5. Do a transaction
- As soon as the account is activated, do a small transaction in it (like ₹ 100 depositing or extract).
- This will let the bank know that the account is now active.
6. Take confirmation
- Take confirmation from the bank that your account has become active.
- You can also check with SMS, email or bank statement.
List of Documents required for Reactivation
- Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement etc.)
- Passport Size Photo (1-2)
- Application or Request Letter
- Specimen Signature Card (if the signature has changed)
- PAN Card or Form 60 (if PAN is not)
Talks of attention during bank account activation
- There is no charge or fee to activate the Dormant Account.
- It is necessary to update KYC documents.
- If the account is joint, then all the account holders will have to go to the branch and sign the signature.
- The bank usually activates the account in 1-3 days, but sometimes it may take longer.
- Do a transaction immediately after activation.
Inactive account connected FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Q1. Are the money deposited in the Dormant Account safe?
Yes, the amount deposited in the account is completely safe and interest is also available on it.
Q2. Bank takes a charge to activate the Dormant Account?
No, it is absolutely free to activate the Dormant Account.
Q3. Will online banking start in Dormant Account?
Yes, facilities like Net Banking, ATM, Check Book start again as soon as the account is activated.
Q4. Can you transfer or withdraw money to a dormant account?
After the account is activated, you can normally withdraw money or transfer.
Q5. How long is the Dormant Account activated?
The account in 1-3 working days is usually activated.
How to protect the Dormant Account from being dormant again?
- Do at least one transaction every year.
- Maintain activity in account with mobile wallet, UPI, or automatic bill payment.
- Keep an eye on notifications, SMS, emails related to the bank.
- KYC documents update from time to time.
- If you are going out for a long time, inform the bank.
Inactive account activation process: phase table by step
| Step | Description |
| 1. Branch Visit | Go to the nearest bank branch |
| 2. Application | Give app to activate the account |
| 3. KYC documents | Submit a copy of identity and address proof |
| 4. Photo | Give passport size photo |
| 5. Signature | Give Specimen Signature Card (if needed) |
| 6. Bank Verification | Bank documents will verify |
| 7. Transaction | ₹ 100 or any amount deposited/withdrawn |
| 8. Confirmation | Take activation confirmation from the bank |
Inactive account activation: Important suggestions
- Just visit the branch for reactivation, the online process is limited.
- Keep self-interested copy of all documents.
- Give any additional document sought by the bank immediately.
- Do not forget to transact in the account after activation.
- Use from time to time to protect the account from getting dormant in future.
Passive account
If the bank account remains dormant for 10 years and does not claim any claim, the bank transfers that amount to RBI’s Depositor Education & Awareness (DEA) Fund. However, you or your nominee can claim that amount under the appropriate process even later.
Conclusion
Activating the Dormant Bank Account is a great and free process. Just you have to go to your bank branch and submit KYC documents and an application. As soon as the account is activated, do a small transaction in it and use it periodically to protect the account from becoming dormant in the future. This will not only protect your money, but will also continue to get banking facilities continuously.
Disclaimer:
This information is for general guide. The process of Dormant Account Activation is the same in almost all banks, but the rules of the bank may change from time to time. Please go to the nearest branch of your bank and get complete information. It is not a government scheme or scheme, but is part of the banking rules laid down by RBI. The amount deposited in the account is completely safe and you can activate it again under appropriate procedure.
