When does my bank account become dormant or unclaimed (escheat)?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Under BSP rules (Circular 928, 2016), a savings account is classified as dormant after two years with no deposit or withdrawal, and a current/demand (checking) account after one year — dormancy is a status flag, and the bank must notify you before it applies. A separate and much longer clock governs escheat: under the Unclaimed Balances Law (Act No. 3936, as amended), deposits left with no activity for ten years are reported to the Treasurer of the Philippines, published, and escheated (turned over) to the national government through a court proceeding. You keep your money as long as it is active or you claim it in time — a single qualifying transaction resets dormancy, and the bank must send you prior notices before both dormancy fees and any escheat.
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Frequently asked
How long until my account is dormant?
Under BSP Circular 928, a savings account after two years of no deposit or withdrawal, and a current/checking account after one year. Any qualifying transaction resets the clock, and the bank must notify you before dormancy takes effect.
Can the government take my money?
Only after ten years of inactivity under Act No. 3936 (Unclaimed Balances Law), and only after the deposit is reported to the Treasurer, published, and escheated through a court proceeding. You can claim it before then; the bank must give you prior notice.
How do I stop my account from being escheated?
Keep it active — make a deposit or withdrawal, or respond to the bank's dormancy/escheat notices and update your contact details so you receive them. A single qualifying transaction resets the inactivity clock.
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