How to Delete AWS Account? Complete Guide

This blog is perfect if you want to learn How to Delete an AWS Account. However, before you delete your Amazon Web Services (AWS) Account, you must carefully consider and prepare for it. This process involves permanently removing access to the AWS services and ensuring that all stored data is either backed up or intentionally discarded. Whether you're consolidating your Cloud services, migrating to another platform, or simply no longer need your AWS Account, it's crucial to follow the correct steps to avoid unintentional data loss or service interruptions.

Table of Contents

1) Factors to evaluate before removing an AWS Account

2) Steps to deleting a suspended AWS Account

3) How can you remove a credit card from an AWS Account?

4) What to expect after you close your account?

5) Conclusion

Factors to evaluate before removing an AWS Account

Before removing an AWS Account, it's essential to carefully evaluate several factors to ensure an easy transition and prevent unintended consequences. Here are key points to consider:

a) Data backup: External backup of AWS data (S3, EC2); data retrieval post-Account closure is impossible

b) Active services: Terminate all AWS services (EC2, RDS) to prevent further charges

c) Financial obligations: Settle all balances and review reserved instances/subscriptions for Account closure

d) Domain names: Transfer Route 53 domain names or confirm they are unnecessary

e) IAM users/roles: Arrange alternatives for critical IAM users/roles used elsewhere

f) Third-party applications: Unlink any third-party apps connected to the AWS Account

g) Compliance/Legal: Consider data deletion's effect on compliance and legal obligations

Steps to deleting a suspended AWS Account

Deleting a suspended AWS Account involves specific steps to ensure the process is smooth and complies with AWS policies. Here's a detailed approach:

a) Review suspension reason: Understand why the account was suspended. Common reasons include billing issues or policy violations. Addressing the root cause is essential before proceeding. 

b) Settle outstanding balances: If the suspension was due to unpaid bills, ensure all outstanding payments are cleared. This may involve updating payment methods or contacting AWS support for billing disputes. 

c) Backup important data: Even though the Account is suspended, consider backing up essential data if possible. Contact AWS support if you need temporary access to retrieve data.   

d) Resolve policy violations: If the suspension resulted from policy violations, work with AWS support to understand them and confirm that they have been addressed.

e) Contact AWS support: Since direct access to Account settings might be restricted, it is crucial to contact AWS support. They can help you resolve the suspension and move towards Account deletion.

f) Submit account closure request: Once the suspension issues are resolved, ask AWS support for the procedure to close the Account. Follow their guidance, as the standard account closure process might differ. 

g) Confirm account deletion: AWS will process the account closure after submitting the request. Confirm with AWS support that the Account has been successfully deleted.

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How can you remove a credit card from an AWS Account?

Removing a credit card from your AWS Account requires following a set of steps:

a) Log into your AWS Management Console with the root account credentials, as IAM users cannot alter billing information.  

b) Navigate to the "My Account" section, accessible from the menu in the top-right corner of the console.  

c) You need to click on the "Payment Methods" option under the Billing and Cost Management dashboard. This will display all the payment methods linked to your Account.

d) Identify the credit card you wish to remove. Before proceeding with its removal, ensure that you have another valid payment method set up if it's the only card linked to your Account; AWS mandates at least one payment method to be on file. 

e) Click the "Delete" or "Remove" button next to the credit card details you want to delete. AWS might prompt you for confirmation—confirm the action to proceed.

After removal, it's a good practice to set another payment method as your default to prevent service interruptions. AWS may send a confirmation email or display a notification in the console confirming the successful removal of your credit card. This process helps you manage your billing preferences securely and efficiently.

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What to expect after you close your account?

After closing your AWS Account, expect immediate termination of access to AWS services and deletion of all resources. Your account will enter a grace period for final billing adjustments; you'll receive a final bill afterwards. Personal and billing information will be retained according to legal requirements, but eventually, most data will be permanently deleted. Access restoration or data retrieval won't be possible post-closure. It's crucial to back up necessary data and resolve financial obligations before closing the account to avoid complications.

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Conclusion

We hope that from this blog you understood How to Delete an AWS Account. However, we advise you to consider these factors before closing your account, as this is a permanent act. Closing your AWS Account is a final step requiring careful planning and consideration. Ensure you've backed up essential data, settled all accounts, and understood the implications of data loss and service discontinuation. By meticulously preparing, you can smoothly transition away from AWS, securing your digital footprint and financial obligations.

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