5 things to remember while transferring your savings bank account branch from one city to another

Branch transfer, or changing your bank account branch from one area to another, entails a change in your IFSC code, which is an 11-character alphanumeric code that is unique to a specific bank branch in India. Some banks, like Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI and State Bank of India (SBI), allow account holders to request the transfer of their bank account branch from one location, or city, to another online.

Those preferring to do this online can fill out a transfer request form and submit it to the current branch.

While account holders can apply for a branch transfer for their account, this option would not be available for those accounts where KYC, or know your customer, formalities have not been completed. Additionally, frozen bank accounts, or inoperative bank accounts, where there have been no financial transactions consecutively for 2 years or more, will also not be eligible for such branch transfers.

Review all auto-pay services that have been linked to the bank account you are transferring to a new branch, since they might be linked to the existing branch's IFSC. Also, if your account has any pending loans or overdrafts, the branch transfer process could take long.

You would need an identity proof, which generally includes documents such as a passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, PAN card, or driving licence. Along with this, you will need an address proof and, importantly, your account details, which can be found in your bank account statement or passbook. These generally mention your account type, number and the name of your current branch. Keep your cheque book issued by your current bank branch handy during the transfer process.

Note that if you are availing locker facilities at your current branch, they may not automatically shift to the new branch. It is advisable to check with your current bank branch regarding the details of locker transfer. Generally, in case someone wants to move their lockers, they have to surrender their locker at their current branch and apply for a new locker at the branch where they are shifting to.