How can I close my AJ Bell account?

If you're thinking about leaving, we'd be very sorry to see you go.

If you're having any problems with your account or are unhappy with our service, please contact our customer services team by logging in to your account and sending us a secure message. We’ll do everything we can to help.

If you're set on closing your account, the information below should help.

What accounts can be closed online?

To close a Stocks and shares ISA or Dealing account, you can do so on our platform.

Due to the specialised nature of pension or Lifetime ISA accounts, these can’t be closed online. Instead, you’ll need to do the following:

• For funded Lifetime ISAs, please download our Lifetime ISA withdrawal form. Then, fill it out and send it across to withdrawal@ajbell.co.uk to begin the process.
• If you have an unfunded SIPP or Lifetime ISA (you’ve never paid money into your account), please log in and send us a secure message. Alternatively, you can send us an email on customercontributions@ajbell.co.uk.
• For a funded SIPP or Ready-made pension, please get in touch with us by calling 0345 54 32 600.

If you're within the first 30 days of opening your account, you can close it by contacting us in one of the above ways. However, you can only cancel a SIPP or Ready-made pension within the first 30 days if you haven't made any investments.

Please note that if you have multiple accounts with us that you wish to close, each account needs to be closed individually following the closure process outlined above.

How long does the process take?

Typically, the account closure process takes 3 to 5 business days. However, this may vary depending on any outstanding transactions or restrictions on the account.

You can track the status of your request from our account closure page on the platform.

Do I need to withdraw all my funds before closing the account?

You can choose to withdraw funds before initiating the closure. However, it may be wise to leave some funds in the account if there are pending account charges. Once those charges have been deducted, any remaining funds at the time of closure will be sent to your linked bank account.

To make this go smoothly, please ensure that your email, phone number, and bank account information are up to date.

What happens to the investments in my account?

Before closing your account, you’ll need to sell or transfer all securities or investments. If there are still investments present, we won’t be able to proceed with the account closure.

What happens to any pending transactions?

Pending transactions need to be completed or cancelled before your account can be closed. Please ensure you've resolved any pending activities prior to initiating the closure process.

What happens to my recurring payments or direct debits?

All regular payments and direct debits associated with your account will be cancelled upon initiating the account closure.

Can I still close my account if it has a negative balance?

Accounts with negative balances need to be settled before they can be closed. If you owe any outstanding charges, please top up your account or contact our customer services team for assistance.

You'll also need to keep enough cash left over to cover our final account charge. We'll apply this pro rata from the beginning of the month to the date on which you ask us to close your account.

Is there a fee associated with closing my account?

There is no fee to close your account. Please note that any outstanding fees or charges related to your account activities must be cleared before closure. For an account you close within the first month of opening, we’ll apply our account charges pro rata from the beginning of the month to the date on which you ask us to close your account.

See our full charges and rates page to learn more.

What happens to my dividends or interest after I close my account?

Before closing your account, you should ensure that all dividends and interest have been processed. If any dividends or interest are due to be paid after your account closure, they will be returned to the issuer.

Can I reopen my account once it’s closed?

If you change your mind after requesting an account closure, please contact our customer support team immediately to cancel the request.

Once closed, accounts can be re-opened. However, we may need to verify certain personal details. Please email us at newaccounts@ajbell.co.uk.

What happens to my personal data after my account is closed?

We respect your privacy. Upon account closure, your personal data will be retained for regulatory purposes for a specified period and then securely deleted. Please review our privacy policy for more details.

I have a joint account. Can one holder close the account?

Yes. For joint accounts, the holder with the login details can initiate the closure of the account.

Can I transfer my account to another provider instead of closing?

Yes, you can. For more details on this process, see our webpage on transferring to another provider.