If a Branch account has had no activity for an extended period of time, workers may be charged a monthly inactivity fee. This article explains what counts as account activity, how the fee works, and what can be done to stop it.
What triggers the inactivity fee
An 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 the available balance in accordance with the worker's state's law*.
The fee itself, provisional dispute credits, and final dispute credits do not count as account activity.
How to stop the fee
Workers can stop the inactivity fee at any time by completing at least one fund-related activity. Once they do, the fee stops and the 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 account type, tap the Account tab in the app. The account type is listed just below name.
What happens if the fee continues
The fee will continue to be deducted from the balance each month until one of the following occurs:
- Completing a fund-related activity and reactivate your account
- The balance reaches $0
- The account is closed
If the account remains inactive for 18 consecutive months, it will be closed automatically.
Closing the account instead
If workers no longer plan to use the Branch account, they 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 workers request closure and funds remain in the account at the time of closure, any balance over $1.00 will be returned 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.