No, a bank cannot simply seize your money for its own benefit upon closing your account. If a bank chooses to end its relationship with you, it is legally obligated to return your funds to you. However, the process for returning those funds can vary depending on why the account was closed. If the account was flagged for potential fraud or illegal activity, the bank may place a temporary hold on the funds while they conduct an internal investigation or coordinate with law enforcement agencies. During this time, the money is not "kept" by the bank in the sense of ownership, but it is held securely until the investigation concludes. Once the legal requirements are satisfied and no forfeiture orders are in place, the bank will typically issue a cashier's check for the remaining balance and mail it to the address they have on file, ensuring you ultimately receive your property.