Once upon a time, escrow accounts were optional for almost all borrowers. These days, lenders require escrow accounts on all loans with less than 20 percent down. Without an escrow account, the borrower must exercise disciplined savings practices, or face the consequences when the big tax bill comes due. If you do not have an escrow account, but you want one, most lenders are happy to put one in place for you. However, once you have an escrow account and decide you no longer want it, it can be tough to get rid of it.