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Inactive, dormant or unclaimed accounts

Find out how to reactivate or close an unused account.

What's the difference between inactive, dormant and unclaimed?

If you haven't accessed your account in a while, we may class it as inactive, dormant or unclaimed. This means you won't be able to use it.

  • Inactive: If there's no activity on your account for around 9 months we'll contact you to let you know it's inactive
  • Dormant: After 2 years of no activity, your account becomes dormant
  • Unclaimed: After 3 years of no activity, your account becomes unclaimed

Reactivating an inactive account

There are two ways to reactivate your account:

In branch

Make a deposit or withdrawal from your account at one of our branches (you'll need to show valid ID).

Use your debit card

Use your debit card to make a purchase or to make a deposit or withdrawal at an HSBC ATM.

Reactivating a dormant or unclaimed account

There are two ways to reactivate your account:

In branch

You can reactivate your account, and any others you hold with us, at one of our branches.

You'll need to complete an account reactivation form and provide:

  • Valid photo ID - passport, or Bermudian citizens can use driver's license, voter's card, ID card or Special Person's Card
  • Proof of address
  • Individual self-certification form
  • Acceptable tie to Bermuda (for non-Bermudians) - for example, work permit/letter from employer, certificate of naturalization, permanent residency certificate, proof of property ownership or proof of marriage to a Bermudian

In writing

You can reactivate your account by writing to us at:

Middle Office HV3, HSBC Bank Bermuda, 37 Front Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda

You'll need to include:

  • An original signed letter of instruction which should state the account number(s) 
  • Valid certified photo ID
  • Certified copy of proof of address
  • Completed CRS individual self-certification form
  • Acceptable tie to Bermuda (for non-Bermudians) - for example, work permit/letter from employer, certificate of naturalization, permanent residency certificate, proof of property ownership or proof of marriage to a Bermudian

Closing an inactive, dormant or unclaimed account

If you no longer need your account, there are two ways to close it.

In branch

You can complete an account closure form at any of our branches (you'll need to bring valid ID with you).

If there are any funds in the account, you'll also need to tell us where you'd like to move them to, so make sure you have the relevant transfer details with you.

In writing

You can close your account by writing to us at:

Middle Office HV3, HSBC Bank Bermuda, 37 Front Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda

You'll need to include:

  • An original signed letter of instruction which should state the account number(s) 
  • Valid certified copy of ID

If there are any funds in the account, you'll also need to tell us where you'd like to move them to, so make sure you include all the relevant transfer details.

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Additional information

Issued by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, of 37 Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda, which is licensed to conduct Banking and Investment Business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

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