Understanding Dormant Accounts at ESSA Bank

If you received a notification that your account has become dormant, it means your account has been inactive for 1+ years. We want to help you understand what this means and how to easily keep your account active and secure.

What is a Dormant Account?

A deposit account automatically enters a dormant status when there has been no activity for an extended period (typically 12 months or more).

Potential Consequences

Once an account becomes dormant, it is important to take action to avoid the following:

  • Dormancy Fees
    A monthly fee of $10 is assessed to any dormant account with a balance of $50 or less.

  • Account Closure
    For personal accounts, these fees will be applied until the balance reaches zero, at which point the account is typically closed within 30 days. Business accounts may be subject to overdraft if fees continue past a zero balance.

  • Loss of Interest
    Dormant accounts may stop earning interest.

  • Unclaimed Property
    If an account remains dormant for 3 to 5 years, the funds must be turned over to the state. This process occurs in April for Pennsylvania and November for Ohio, New York, and Virginia.

How to Reactivate and Keep Your Account Active

Keeping your bank account active is a simple process. Here are ways to reactivate your account and ensure it remains open:

Contact ESSA Bank

We recommend visiting your local office or calling/texting to start the reactivation process. We will verify your identity and confirm your intent to keep the account open.

Make a Transaction

To officially reactivate the account and reset the dormancy clock, simply perform one of the following: make a deposit, perform a withdrawal, or initiate a transfer.

Monitor Your Mail

If your account is nearing the state escheatment deadline (3 to 5 years of inactivity), our Account Services team will mail three formal notices to your address on file to provide a final opportunity to claim your funds.

ESSA Solution Center

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