Closing Bank Account Will Cost You, Group Finds

It could cost as much as $55 to close your bank account.

Thats the finding of the advocacy group Consumers Union. The group surveyed the 10 largest banks in the country, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank and Wells Fargo.

REPORT: Trapped At The Bank

It found that people who want to close their accounts at big banks and switch to a smaller bank can face costly obstacles. Consumers Union says none of the 10 banks will make a same-day electronic transfer, and all 10 charge for wire transfers or certified checks. Certified checks can cost up to $10 and wire transfers $30.

US Bank, Citi, HSBC, BB&T and PNC Bank charge customers a $25 fee to close an account that has been open for fewer than 90 or 180 days.