You can close a Bank of America savings account online through your mobile app or website, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America does not offer a full account closure option in their online banking portal or mobile app. Instead, you must either visit a branch in person, call their customer service line, or use their secure messaging feature within online banking to request closure. The fastest route for most people is a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service number listed on your account statements.
Before you close the account, you need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with money still in it. You also need to make sure no automatic deposits, transfers, or pending transactions are tied to the account — these will block closure until they clear or are cancelled.
The entire process typically takes a few business days once you initiate it, though the exact timeline depends on which method you use and whether there are any holds or pending items on the account.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America does not allow you to close a savings account through their website or app — you must call, visit a branch, or use secure messaging.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before closure can be processed.
- Calling customer service at the number on your card is usually the fastest option and takes only a few minutes.
- After you request closure, allow three to five business days for the account to be fully closed and removed from your profile.
Why Bank of America requires a zero balance before closing
Bank of America's policy requires that you move all money out of the account before they will close it. This protects both you and the bank — if the account were closed with funds still inside, there would be no clear path for those funds to reach you, and the bank would face regulatory questions about what happened to the money.
To empty the account, you can transfer the balance to another Bank of America account you own, move it to an account at a different bank, or withdraw it in cash at a branch or ATM. Once the balance shows zero and any pending transactions have cleared, the account is ready for closure.
How to close your account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Bank of America debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero, check for any pending transactions or automatic transfers, and then process the closure request. They will give you a confirmation number and let you know when the account will be fully closed — usually within three to five business days. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to reference it later.
This method is direct and leaves a record of your request. Most calls take fewer than ten minutes.
Closing your account through a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the account you want to close. A teller or banker can process the closure on the spot, provided your balance is zero and there are no pending items. This is the fastest method if a branch is near you — the account can be closed immediately, and you receive a written confirmation.
If you have questions about the account or want to discuss moving your money before closure, a banker can help you set up transfers or withdrawals in the same visit. Bring your ID and have your account number available.
Using secure messaging to request closure online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account, navigate to the "Contact Us" or "Messages" section, and send a secure message to customer service requesting account closure. Include your full account number and confirm that the balance is zero.
Bank of America will respond within one to two business days to confirm receipt and may ask follow-up questions about pending transactions or automatic payments. Once they confirm everything is clear, they will process the closure. This method leaves a written trail but takes longer than a phone call or branch visit.
What happens to your account after closure
Once Bank of America closes your account, it will no longer appear in your online banking profile or mobile app. The account number becomes inactive and cannot be used for deposits or transfers. Any checks or debit cards linked to that account will stop working.
Bank of America will send you a written confirmation of the closure, usually within five to seven business days. Keep this confirmation for your records. If you ever need proof that the account was closed on a specific date, you can reference this letter or call customer service and ask them to pull the closure record using your Social Security number.
What to do if you have automatic payments or transfers linked to the account
Before you close the account, you must cancel or redirect any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers that use this savings account. Log into your online banking and review the "Transfers" and "Bill Pay" sections to find all active recurring transactions.
For each one, either delete it or change the linked account to a different Bank of America account or an external account. If you are not sure which transactions are tied to this specific account, call customer service and ask them to review your account activity. They can tell you exactly what is set up and help you change it before closure.
Closing an account with active automatic payments can cause those payments to fail, which may result in late fees or service interruptions. Taking five minutes to cancel or redirect these first saves you that headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America savings account if I still have a small balance?
No. You must withdraw or transfer the entire balance to zero before the account can be closed. If you have only a few dollars left, withdraw it at an ATM or transfer it to another account — it takes less than a minute.
How long does it take for Bank of America to close my account after I request it?
Most accounts close within three to five business days after you submit your request. If you close it in person at a branch, it can happen immediately. Phone and secure message requests take longer because they have to be processed by the back-office team.
Will closing my savings account affect my checking account or credit score?
Closing a savings account does not affect your checking account — they are separate. It also does not hurt your credit score because savings accounts do not appear on your credit report. Your credit is only affected by credit accounts like credit cards and loans.
What if I closed my account but it still shows up in my online banking?
Closed accounts sometimes remain visible in your online profile for a few weeks after closure. If it has been more than two weeks and the account still appears, call customer service to confirm it is actually closed. They can verify the closure date and remove it from your view if needed.
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account I just closed?
Yes. You can open a new savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using the mobile app. The new account will have a different account number, but you can link it to the same external bank accounts and set up transfers the same way.