What would cause a bank to freeze an account?
Account freezes are normally the result of a court order, though the financial institution itself may initiate them in some cases. When an account is frozen, it's often because of money owed to another individual or business. The government can also cause an account to be frozen, such as for unpaid taxes.
In cases where the freeze is due to tax obligations or legal disputes, there's no set time limit. If you don't address the freeze, it will remain frozen until the matter is resolved, and in some cases, the account may be closed. 📝 Note: Unfreezing an account is at the bank's discretion and not guaranteed.
Bank accounts are typically frozen for suspected illegal activity, a creditor seeking payment, or by government request. A frozen account may also be a sign that you've been a victim of identity theft. Each situation requires specific actions to unfreeze the account.
Typically, banks will freeze your account then notify you of the action taken. This is mainly due to their security measures or concerns. There are only a few cases where bank can freeze your account without notifying, which may be due to legal reasons. Will a frozen bank account affect my credit score?
A judgment creditor does not have to give you specific notice before freezing your bank account. However, a creditor or debt collector is required to notify you (1) that it has filed a lawsuit against you; and (2) that it has obtained a judgment against you.
Having your bank account frozen means that you can't withdraw or transfer money from your account or make scheduled payments. However, you can still receive deposits. Not to worry, the funds in your frozen bank account remain, unless further action is required.
The Internal Revenue Service and some other creditors such as child support and student loan agencies can actually freeze (or “attach”) a debtor's account without a court judgement against the debtor. However, there are limits to the amount of money a creditor can extract from the account.
Alternatively, you can visit the nearest bank branch and discuss the issue with the Bank Manager. Once you are aware of the reason for your account being frozen, you can address the issue. For instance, if the KYC is incomplete, you can furnish details and unfreeze the account.
A court must approve and order any withdrawal of funds from a blocked account. The most common reason to petition a court to withdraw funds from a blocked account is to access a blocked account because the account was created for a minor who has subsequently turned 18.
Banks can take money from your checking account, savings accounts, and CDs when you owe the same bank money on loans. This is called the "right to offset." Banks will typically seize money from your accounts when you're behind on loan payments and not working with them to repay the debt.
Can a bank close my account and keep my money?
Of course, the bank must return any remaining funds in your account but may hold on to them to cover any negative balance or fees. In some cases, the bank may hold the funds if your account is flagged for suspicious activities, which is increasingly common.
In these cases, the bank may be required to verify the amount of assets held in an account to ensure they're divided properly. It may also be due to a lawsuit, or investigation of a suspected crime like embezzlement or money laundering. In any of these cases, the bank is legally obligated to follow these orders.
If your account is frozen, you have some alternatives while you try to reverse the freeze. If you have a check from a local bank, take it to that bank or a branch, and cash it. There is sometimes a fee, and you will need two forms of ID. Open a new checking account at a different bank.
Having your bank account frozen means that you can't withdraw or transfer money from your account or make scheduled payments. However, you can still receive deposits. Not to worry, the funds in your frozen bank account remain, unless further action is required.
Can a debt collector access my bank account? Yes, a debt collector can take money that you owe them directly from your bank account, but they have to win a lawsuit first. This is known as garnishing. The debt collector would warn you before they begin a lawsuit.
| Scenario | Action Required | Estimated Time to Unfreeze |
|---|---|---|
| Legal or Compliance Review | Completion of legal processes or compliance reviews. | Varies (could be weeks or months). |
| Security Concerns | Resolution of security issues such as suspected identity theft. | 5 to 30 days. |
Opening a Bank Account That No Creditor Can Touch. There are four ways to open a bank account that no creditor can touch: (1) use an exempt bank account, (2) establish a bank account in a state that prohibits garnishments, (3) open an offshore bank account, or (4) maintain a wage or government benefits account.
If contacting your bank directly does not help, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint page to: See which specific banking and credit services and products you can complain about through the CFPB.
Bank accounts solely for government benefits
Federal law ensures that creditors cannot touch certain federal benefits, such as Social Security funds and veterans' benefits. If you're receiving these benefits, they would not be subject to garnishment.
Generally, banks may close accounts, for any reason and without notice. Some reasons could include inactivity or low usage. Review your deposit account agreement for policies specific to your bank and your account.
Can I check my balance if my bank account is blocked?
You are able to check the balance and the movement of your Blocked Account in several ways. To learn more about this feature, you can read about it further below: How can I check the balance of my Blocked Account online? How can I download my Bank Statement?
Call and write your bank or credit union
Next, call your bank or credit union and say you have revoked authorization for the company to take automatic payments from your account. Customer service should be able to help you, and your bank or credit union might have a form for this online.
Don't worry, you can still use your debit card at ATMs and to pay for things. But you'll need to unlock it to use with your card reader in Online Banking.
Generally, a bank may take money from your deposit account to make a payment on a separate debt that you owe to the bank, such as a car loan, if you are not paying that loan on time and the terms of your contract(s) with the bank allow it. This is called the right of offset.
The IRS can take money out of your bank account when you have an unpaid tax bill, but levies aren't automatic. If you owe unpaid tax debts to the federal government, the IRS has to follow the proper procedures in order to take money from your bank account.
