Closing One SBI Savings Account With Slight Name Variation – Any Tips?

[Mcdatptpssb]

Hey folks,
I could use some insight on a banking cleanup I’m working through.

I currently have two savings accounts with the State Bank of India, each opened at different branches. One is older (Account 1), where my name is listed as G Ramesh. The second one (Account 2) is more recent and uses my full name G Rao Ramesh — which is how it appears on my PAN and other ID proofs.

I’m planning to close the first account and continue with the second one. The name mismatch isn’t major, but I’m wondering:
- Will this variation cause any issues during closure?
- Should I proactively provide a name declaration or proof?
- What’s the most efficient way to close the old account without visiting the branch (if possible)?

For what it's worth, the newer account is better aligned with my KYC documents and is set up with digital banking, so I’d prefer keeping that going forward.

Would love to hear from anyone who's navigated something similar — especially if remote closure is doable or if the name variation raised any red flags. Thanks in advance!

 

[Anupama_Jha]

Same situation.

But my 2nd account was BSBDA, with an extra letter in last. BM said, no issue It can be closed. Need following docs

1. Application
2. Account closure form
3. Aadhar/PAN xerox
4. While opening that account, if u had gave any other doc like Voter, DL, etc,
5. Cancelled Cheque/Any other bank's passbook for balance transfer (if any)

@akash2401 can confirm or correct.

 

[Mcdatptpssb]

What If we don't have any documents from the old account..

 

[Ram1]

That wont be a problem, u can close account by filling physical form at branch.
Some may ask id proof, some wont.
Still It doesn't matter as U r ending relationship with that account.

Online closure not at all possible with sbi

 

[JSK111]

Simple solution is to go to the branch and fill out name change form by giving Aadhaar and Pan for account 1. It will be done in one day. Then no problem eith any of the account and you can close any of them without any problems.

 

[Deepak_9155]

I m also having same doubt
My name as per aadhar is sonu singh
But in my pnb account it is sonu kumar singh

Bcoz of name mismatch i want to close this pnb account. !!

Is affidavit from 1st class magistrate is required for this pnb account closure?

 

[Dazzwilliams]

You can submit aadhar/pan document for name correction of old account. It'll be done instantly once 2 staff approve.
You can decide to keep it or close it as you wish

 

[Deepak_9155]

You can submit aadhar/pan document for name correction of old account. It'll be done instantly once 2 staff approve.
You can decide to keep it or close it as you wish

The pnb bank staff told me to submit affidavit from 1st class magistrate for name change

Then only they can take account closure request !

I visited last time in june 2024

 

[Dazzwilliams]

The pnb bank staff told me to submit affidavit from 1st class magistrate for name change

Then only they can take account closure request !

I visited last time in june 2024

Not required. They're just troubling you. Regular KYC docs with your correct name are enough.
They can cross check PAN no + name on your PAN card, authentic enough.
You can argue that you had given the correct document, but bank staff made a mistake while feeding in system.

 

[JSK111]

The pnb bank staff told me to submit affidavit from 1st class magistrate for name change

Then only they can take account closure request !

I visited last time in june 2024

I think you are taking the issue to the next level. In this case it will depend on how we approach the problem. There are two things here one is name change and another is name correction. If you change your name from A to B you have folloe all legal process including givings ads in two local newspapers. But if you tell them it's only case of a mistake and correct the name in their system as per Aadhaar and PAN.

 

[akash2401akash2401 is verified member.]

Same situation.

But my 2nd account was BSBDA, with an extra letter in last. BM said, no issue It can be closed. Need following docs

1. Application
2. Account closure form
3. Aadhar/PAN xerox
4. While opening that account, if u had gave any other doc like Voter, DL, etc,
5. Cancelled Cheque/Any other bank's passbook for balance transfer (if any)

@akash2401 can confirm or correct.

I don't think 4 is required. But alas I haven't work in branch banking for the last 4 years. So my knowledge is a bit limited. After closing make sure to ask them to dedup both the CIF or inactive one cif