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The bank is closing its branch in our town. Now the nearest one will be 50 miles away. Can the bank do this?

Yes, it can. You should have received advance notice of the branch closing.

Generally, the bank is required to notify customers of the branch closing by

  • mailing notices at least 90 days before the closing date of the branch, and
  • posting a public notice at the branch 30 days before the closing date.

In addition, a bank proposing to close a branch located in a low- or moderate-income area must include in its notice to customers a statement that customers may direct comments about the proposed closing to the district licensing office and the address of that licensing office.

Although the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has no authority to prohibit national banks and federal savings associations from closing branch offices, the OCC collects and reviews comments from the public about branch closures.

For other branch closings, you can submit a public comment letter to the OCC. Comments and related communications should be sent to the following address:

Comptroller of the Currency
Licensing
400 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20219-0001

Last Reviewed: April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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