An account is considered inactive — and eventually dormant — when it goes a long time with no customer-initiated activity, such as deposits, withdrawals, or sign-ins. It is a normal status, but it is worth understanding.
Why accounts become dormant: sometimes a member opens an account and stops using it, moves without updating contact information, or simply forgets about an old account. After an extended period of no activity and no contact, the bank flags the account as dormant.
What happens to a dormant account:
- Access may be limited to protect the account from fraud.
- If an account stays dormant for a long enough period — and the bank cannot reach the owner — state unclaimed property laws may eventually require the funds to be turned over to the state. This is called escheatment.
How to keep an account active:
- Sign in to MyRMO or make a transaction from time to time.
- Keep your contact information current so RMO can always reach you.
How to reactivate a dormant account: contact RMO or visit a Retail Center with valid ID. If the funds were already turned over to the state, they are not lost — you can typically reclaim them through your state's unclaimed property office.
If you no longer need an account, it is cleaner to formally close it than to let it go dormant.