Can you close a bank account with a negative balance?

Generally, you cannot close a bank account with a negative balance. Most banks require you to settle all outstanding dues, including overdrafts and pending fees, before processing a closure request. If an account remains negative for a long period, the bank may forcibly close it and report the default to agencies like CIBIL or specialized banking databases. This can negatively impact your credit score and make it difficult to open new accounts in the future. Always clear your balance to ensure a smooth closure.