How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State (2024)

How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State (1)

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You’re in the middle of a major move to another state and your to-do list is a mile long. One thing on that list? Figuring out how to change banks when moving out of state.Obviously, knowing how to switch banks when moving is important because you’ll need to be able to access money in your new home. This guide will make it simple for you to figure out how to open a new bank account in your new state, and whether you even need to do so.

Can You Keep Your Bank Account if You Move to Another State?

Before you go down the rabbit hole on this subject, a question: can you keep your bank account if you move to another state?The answer: absolutely, though if your bank doesn’t have branches in your new state, you won’t be able to conduct business in person. If you want to apply for a loan or deposit a check at a branch, you’ll want to open a new account at a different bank.Also, your old bank might charge you a fee if you use an ATM from a different bank, so this can get expensive over time.If your bank is 100% online, however, there’s no need for you to close this account and open a new one, since location is irrelevant for an online bank.If you do decide you want to change banks when moving out of state, here are the steps to do so.

Step 1: Research New Banks

The first step in how to change banks when moving out of state is to decide what bank you will use in your new home.Start by seeing what banks have locations in your new town. If you don’t need in-person access to a bank, consider opening an account online with an online-only bank.See where the closest branch of a bank is if you need to visit a branch for services regularly. If you’re in a big city, a bank with one branch 30 minutes away probably isn’t what you’re looking for.Banks usually offer several account options, so consider what your needs are. Do you make many transactions each month? Need paper checks? Have a high bank balance? Want a fee-free account?Take your time comparing banks and accounts to find the right fit for your needs. One perk of opening a new account with a new bank is that you may be able to get higher interest on savings accounts or lower fees on a checking account. And some banks offer incentives to new customers, such as a cash bonus if you deposit a certain amount of money.Now, let’s look at how to switch banks.

Step 2: Open a New Account

When it comes to opening a bank account, you may be able to take care of this online before you move. However, the bank may require you to come to a branch in person to open the account.Find out what you’ll need to open the account, which may include one or two forms of photo ID, your new address, Social Security number, and details of your old bank account if you want to transfer funds.While you’re there, consider what other types of accounts you might need, such as a money market or high-yield savings account. It may be easier to open all the accounts you want at the same time.

Step 3: Transfer Funds and Set Up Automatic Payments

The next step in how to transfer banks when moving out of state is getting your money from the old bank into your new account. Start by linking bank accounts so that you can transfer funds. It may take a few days, so allow for the time.Before you transfer all your money out of the old account, check to see if you have any automatic payments scheduled to be debited from that account. The last thing you want is for a debit to process with no money in your account.Don’t forget to let your employer know that you’re switching banks, too, so your direct deposit for your paycheck can find you.Review any websites where you might have saved your old debit card information for payments and update it with your new card details. Don’t overlook your mobile wallet, as well.Once you’re certain you’ve cleared all payments, transfer all the money to the new account.

Step 4: Close Your Old Accounts

The next step, once all transfers have cleared, is closing your old bank account. Find out from your old bank what the process is to close your accounts. You may need to go to a branch in person, so plan ahead before you leave the state. You may also be able to write a letter stating your intent to close the account. Be aware that some banks may charge a fee to close your account.Do you have to close your old account? No, but it could be a good idea, especially if you are charged a fee to use it. Once that fee kicks in and you have no money in the account, you risk going into overdraft and having additional fees. So close the account sooner rather than later.

Tips for Moving Your Money to a New Bank

Get written confirmation from your old bank verifying that your account is closed. And keeping statements from your last few months of activity with the old bank might be a good idea, in case you lose access to your online account and need to review a past transaction.You might also consider switching to a new credit card with your new bank, though you certainly can keep your old one if you’ve built up a history of using it.Remember to change both your payment information and your address everywhere you shop online. You don’t want items you ordered to be shipped to your old address!

The Takeaway

Now that you know how to change banks when moving out of state, you’ve got one less hassle on your to-do list. The further out you do the legwork to transition to a new bank account, the better prepared you’ll be once you move.Lantern can help you find accounts that can move with you! Get high interest and tons of perks when you open an account today.Compare high-interest savings accounts with Lantern by SoFi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to switch banks when I move?

What to do with bank accounts when moving out of state?

Can you bank in one state and live in another?

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About the Author

How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State (3)

Susan Guillory

Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi. She writes about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards.

How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State (2024)

FAQs

How to Change Banks When Moving Out of State? ›

Even if you bank entirely online and have gone paper-free, it is still crucial that you take the time to give your bank or credit union your new address. It is important that you provide your new information to other financial institutions, such as your credit card provider or mortgage or auto lender.

How to switch banks when moving states? ›

Here's a guide on how to switch banks, broken down into six steps, for a smooth transition.
  1. Find a new bank or credit union. ...
  2. Choose your next account. ...
  3. Keep track of automatic transactions and direct deposits. ...
  4. Open your new account. ...
  5. Redirect your payments and direct deposits. ...
  6. Close your old account.
May 1, 2024

Do I have to tell my bank if I move? ›

Even if you bank entirely online and have gone paper-free, it is still crucial that you take the time to give your bank or credit union your new address. It is important that you provide your new information to other financial institutions, such as your credit card provider or mortgage or auto lender.

Should I close my bank account when I move to another state? ›

Establish a New Bank Account

If your checking account and credit cards are through a large national bank such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, there may be branches available in your new area. If not, prepare to close your accounts before you leave. Then, reopen relevant accounts once you move.

How do I open a new bank account in a different state? ›

Most national and larger regional banks allow you to complete your application and open your account on their websites. Some smaller local and regional banks also may have a similar degree of accessibility, or you may have to visit a branch in person.

How do I let my bank know I'm going out of state? ›

If you choose to set a travel alert, you can usually do it over the phone, online or in your bank's or credit card issuer's mobile app. But it's a good idea to check with your bank or card issuer to see if it's necessary to set a travel notice.

What is the process of switching banks? ›

Here's how to switch banks:
  1. Open the New Account.
  2. Take Inventory.
  3. Redirect Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits.
  4. Link Your Savings and Checking Accounts.
  5. Keep Both Accounts Open.
  6. Close the Old Account.
Jul 26, 2023

Can I keep the same bank if I move out of state? ›

Even if you are moving to another state, you may not have to switch banks, especially if your current account is with an online bank or a large national brick-and-mortar bank. If you have a traditional account and want the same services in your new location, switching to a new bank may be necessary.

Do I need to let my bank know I'm moving? ›

Banks and building societies - This is an extremely important one as it ties in with so many areas of your life. Let your banks and building societies know about your change of address as soon as possible, failing to do so could open you up to identity theft and other fraudulent activity.

What happens to my bank account if I move states? ›

Your decision to switch banks when moving out of state means that you're going to have to transfer all the money from the old bank account to the new one. There are several ways to move your money from one financial institution to another.

Can you have a bank account in one state and live in another? ›

The answer: absolutely, though if your bank doesn't have branches in your new state, you won't be able to conduct business in person. If you want to apply for a loan or deposit a check at a branch, you'll want to open a new account at a different bank.

How do I relocate my bank account? ›

Step-By-Step Guide to Transfer a Bank Account to Another Branch
  1. Step 1 – File a bank account transfer application. You need to submit a written bank branch transfer application to your home branch (the old one) or the new branch. ...
  2. Step 2 – Surrender your cheque book and passbook. ...
  3. Step 3 – Submit the necessary documents.
Dec 25, 2023

Can I switch banks without closing? ›

You have two choices when switching bank accounts. You can decide to move everything to your new account and close your old one, which is known as a full switch. Alternatively, you can move some payments across and keep the existing account open, which is instead known as a partial switch.

Can you have two bank accounts in different states? ›

There are no restrictions on the number of checking and savings accounts you can open or the number of banks or credit unions with which you can have accounts.

Can you direct deposit to a bank in another state? ›

Will I be eligible for Direct Deposit if I work out-of-state? Yes. Payroll funds can be deposited in any financial institution within the United States, as long as your institution is participating in the program for automated deposits.

How do I open a bank account with a new address? ›

You can provide a utility bill such as electricity bill to show proof of address. As proof of identity provide your Aadhar card, driving license, pan card anything can be provided. Once the bank verifies your details they will change your address and provide you with a new passbook.

Do I need to tell my bank I'm traveling to another state? ›

Risks of not filing a credit card travel notice

If the company starts to see charges on your credit card from a different state or country, it may flag these transactions as fraud. The credit card issuer may then put your account on hold and prevent you from making any purchases until you can authorize the charges.

How do I transfer my bank account to another state? ›

The steps below will guide you throughout the process of changing banks when moving out of state:
  1. Select a new bank. ...
  2. Make a list of all automatic payments. ...
  3. Open an account with the new bank. ...
  4. Transfer the money to the new bank account. ...
  5. Update all automatic payments. ...
  6. Close the old bank account.
Oct 30, 2023

When should I tell my bank I'm moving? ›

Banks or Building societies - You should let your bank or building society know about your change of address as close to your move date as possible. Your place of residence is an important factor for proving your identity and forgetting to update this information might put you at risk of identity theft.

How do I transfer my bank account to another location? ›

How do I transfer my bank account to another bank? You can transfer your bank account to another branch by writing an application to the bank manager stating to him/her the reason for doing so. Also, you need to provide the new branch's name and address, along with the details of your present bank account.

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