If your Branch account has had no activity for an extended period of time, you may be charged a monthly inactivity fee. This article explains what counts as account activity, how the fee works, and what you can do to stop it.
What triggers the inactivity fee
Your account is considered inactive (dormant) if there has been no movement of funds in or out for twelve (12) consecutive months. Starting on the first day of month 13, a fee of up to $5.00 per month will be deducted from your available balance in accordance with your state's law*.
The fee itself, provisional dispute credits, and final dispute credits do not count as account activity.
How to stop the fee
You can stop the inactivity fee at any time by completing at least one fund-related activity. Once you do, the fee stops and your 12-month countdown resets.
Any of the following count as activity:
- Sending, receiving, or transferring funds (including a direct deposit or disbursement)
- Making a purchase, payment, or ATM withdrawal
- Depositing or loading funds
Note: Transfer functionality isn't available on Essential and Minor accounts. To check your account type, tap the Account tab in the app. Your account type is listed just below your name.
What happens if the fee continues
The fee will continue to be deducted from your balance each month until one of the following occurs:
- You complete a fund-related activity and reactivate your account
- Your balance reaches $0
- Your account is closed
If your account remains inactive for 18 consecutive months, it will be closed automatically.
Closing your account instead
If you no longer plan to use your Branch account, you can avoid the fee by closing it. Before requesting closure, transfer any remaining funds to an external account. To get started, contact Branch Support through in-app chat.
If you request closure and funds remain in your account at the time of closure, any balance over $1.00 will be returned to you via mailed check to the address we have on file.
*Dormant Account Fees will not be charged to accountholders residing in Alaska or Puerto Rico.
Related articles
- Why did I receive an account closure notice?
- How do I transfer money out of Branch?
- How do I delete my Branch account?
Branch is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC and Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, which are Branch’s bank partners. The name of the bank partner for your account is listed on the back of your debit card and can also be found in the Branch App under “Your Account Information”. FDIC insurance only applies to eligible accounts should the bank holding your funds fail. Branch Mastercard Debit Cards are issued by Evolve Bank & Trust or Lead Bank, Member FDIC, as applicable, pursuant to a license from Mastercard and may be used everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted.