Can You Close a Monzo Account? What the Rules Say
Yes — you can close a Monzo Bank account at any time. Monzo is FCA-authorised under firm reference number 730427 and is bound by the FCA's Banking Conduct of Business Sourcebook (BCOBS), which gives customers the right to close their account and take their business elsewhere. Monzo's own terms and conditions state that you can close your account by contacting support through the app, and Monzo is required to action a closure request promptly and without placing unreasonable barriers in the way.
This guide covers the step-by-step closure process, what to do with your balance and direct debits first, how to retrieve your statements, and what to expect from Monzo's timelines.
Before You Close: Pre-Closure Checklist
Closing your account before completing these steps can result in missed payments, returned direct debits, or a stranded balance:
- ▸Transfer your balance out — move all funds to another account. If you use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) to move to a new bank, the CASS process handles the balance transfer for you.
- ▸Cancel or redirect all direct debits and standing orders — or use CASS to redirect them automatically.
- ▸Update your salary or benefit payment details — notify your employer's payroll department or DWP/HMRC of your new account's sort code and account number.
- ▸Download your statements — once your account is closed, you will lose in-app access to your transaction history. Download statements as PDFs from the Monzo app before closing.
- ▸Redeem any outstanding Monzo Plus/Premium cashback — any pending cashback will be credited before the account closes; check the Rewards section of your app.
- ▸Cancel Monzo Plus or Premium subscription — the paid subscription should be cancelled in Account > Manage > Subscription before initiating the closure to avoid further billing.
How to Download Your Monzo Bank Statements
- ▸Open the Monzo app and tap the Account tab.
- ▸Scroll down and tap Statements.
- ▸Select the month or custom date range you need.
- ▸Choose Download as PDF or Export as CSV.
- ▸Share or save the file to your phone or email it to yourself.
Monzo also allows you to download a full transaction export (CSV) covering your entire account history via Account > Export Data. This is recommended before closing.
Step-by-Step: How to Close Your Monzo Account (App Method)
- ▸Open the Monzo app and tap Account at the bottom of the screen.
- ▸Scroll to the bottom of the Account screen and tap Close account.
- ▸Monzo will ask you to confirm there are no outstanding direct debits and that your balance is zero (or close to it). If there is a remaining balance, Monzo will prompt you to transfer it out.
- ▸Select a reason for closing (Monzo collects this for regulatory and service improvement purposes).
- ▸Confirm the closure request. Monzo will send you a confirmation message in-app and by email.
- ▸The closure is typically processed within a few minutes to 24 hours. Your debit card will stop working immediately on closure.
Closing via the Current Account Switch Service (CASS)
If you are moving to a new bank, the easiest way to close your Monzo account is to use CASS at the receiving bank. CASS will:
- ▸Transfer your remaining balance from Monzo to your new account on the switch date.
- ▸Redirect all incoming payments (salary, benefits) from your old Monzo sort code and account number to the new account for at least 36 months.
- ▸Move all active direct debits and standing orders to the new account.
- ▸Close the Monzo account on your behalf.
CASS is free, takes seven working days, and is guaranteed. If anything goes wrong during the switch (e.g., a payment is misdirected), you are entitled to a refund of any charges and losses under the CASS guarantee. Note: you must download your Monzo statements before initiating a CASS switch, as you will lose in-app access immediately on closure.
Monzo Account Closure: Key Timelines
| Step |
Typical Timeframe |
| Account closure confirmation |
Immediate to 24 hours |
| Debit card stops working |
Immediately on closure |
| In-app access removed |
Immediately on closure |
| Stranded balance returned (if applicable) |
Up to 5 working days |
| CASS switch completion (if using) |
7 working days |
What Happens If There Is a Balance Left at Closure?
If your Monzo account is closed with a remaining balance (for example, because you used CASS and a payment arrived late into the old account), Monzo will hold the funds temporarily and contact you. Monzo's terms state that any residual balance will be returned to the account holder via BACS transfer to a nominated account. If Monzo cannot contact you, the funds are held in accordance with FCA requirements for unclaimed balances. The FSCS continues to protect your funds up to £85,000 during this holding period.
Case Scenario 1: Switching to a Traditional Bank
Scenario: A customer decides to leave Monzo and move to Lloyds Bank for a mortgage-linked current account. She opens a Lloyds account and initiates a CASS switch. She first downloads 24 months of Monzo statements as PDF files and a full CSV export. On the switch date, her Monzo account is closed automatically, her £347.20 balance moves to Lloyds, her three direct debits (broadband, gym, streaming service) are transferred, and her employer's next payroll uses her new Lloyds account details automatically via the CASS redirection service.
Case Scenario 2: Closing a Monzo Joint Account
Scenario: Two housemates who opened a Monzo joint account decide to close it when one moves out. Both need to agree to the closure — Monzo requires both joint account holders to confirm the request in their respective apps. They first transfer the remaining balance equally into their individual accounts, then both initiate the closure from within the joint account settings. The account closes once both confirmations are received. Both download their own copy of the joint account statements before closing.
Related reading: Monzo UK Complete Guide 2026 | Monzo Personal Account Review 2026 | Switch to Monzo via CASS
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify the closure process directly with Monzo and check Monzo's published terms and conditions at monzo.com before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I close my Monzo account?
Open the Monzo app, go to Account, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Close account." Transfer out any remaining balance first and ensure all direct debits have been cancelled or redirected. The closure is typically processed within 24 hours.
Can I close my Monzo account by phone or online?
Monzo is an app-first bank with no phone banking service for general account management. The closure process is handled entirely within the app. If you are unable to access the app, contact Monzo support via the in-app chat.
Will closing my Monzo account affect my credit score?
Closing a current account does not directly damage your credit score. However, it removes a credit account from your credit file, which can reduce the average age of your accounts — a factor some credit scoring models consider. If you have been using a Monzo overdraft, ensure it is repaid before closing.
How long does Monzo keep my data after account closure?
Monzo's privacy policy states that it retains customer data for up to six years after account closure, in line with HMRC requirements for financial records and FCA anti-money laundering obligations. You can request a data export under GDPR via data.monzo.com before or after closing.
Can Monzo refuse to close my account?
Monzo can delay or decline closure in limited circumstances — for example, if there is an outstanding debt or overdraft on the account, or if there is a regulatory hold related to a fraud investigation. The FCA's BCOBS rules require banks to act in customers' interests and not impose unreasonable barriers to closure.
Can I reopen a Monzo account after closing?
Yes, in most cases. If you close your Monzo account and later wish to return, you can apply for a new account via the Monzo app. Your previous transaction history will not be restored, but Monzo may retain some records as noted above. A new credit and identity check will apply.
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