How to close SBI NRI account online

If you're trying to do this completely online, I'd first ask SBI whether they currently support fully digital closure for your specific NRE/NRO savings account.

SBI's NRI services are available online, but that doesn't necessarily mean every account-service request can be completed digitally.

Before submitting a closure request, I'd check:

• Account type — NRE or NRO
• Whether there is any linked fixed deposit
• Outstanding charges or pending transactions
• Linked debit card/chequebook
• Standing instructions or ECS mandates
• Where the remaining balance should be transferred
• Whether overseas document attestation is required

If you have an NRO account and want the remaining funds sent overseas, don't assume the same process applies as transferring money from an NRE account. The remittance may be subject to applicable rules and documentation.

SBI's official NRI portal is the best starting point because forms and procedures can change.

I looked into this recently because I wanted to close an NRE account from Canada.

The important thing is to distinguish closing the savings account from closing an NRE/NRO term deposit.

For deposits, SBI has a specific NRI-6 request form for closure or premature closure of NRE/NRO/FCNR(B) deposits. The form asks for the deposit details and instructions for how the proceeds should be handled.

For a savings account, I would contact SBI's NRI/home branch and ask which current closure form and document-attestation requirements apply.

I also wouldn't leave the account unused thinking it will automatically disappear. There can still be outstanding charges, mandates, or other issues that need to be settled.

My experience was that the branch gave me the exact instructions after I provided my account number and explained that I was residing overseas.

I had to close my SBI NRO account while living abroad. In my case, I couldn't simply close it through Internet Banking like changing some account settings.

SBI asked me to submit the account-closure request through the prescribed process. I contacted my home branch first because the exact procedure can depend on the account and branch.

I would recommend contacting the branch where the NRI account is maintained before sending documents. SBI has specific NRI forms, and its current NRI documentation includes forms for different account-related requests.

Also make sure you decide where you want the remaining balance sent before submitting the closure request.

If you're outside India, document attestation can become an issue. SBI's NRI forms indicate that documents submitted from outside the branch may need appropriate attestation, depending on the request.

I wouldn't assume that logging into SBI OnlineSBI and clicking an account-closure option will close an NRO/NRE account.