You can close a Bank of America savings account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have a balance
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app or website if your account is may be able to access for online closure. The fastest route is usually the phone, which takes about 10 minutes. Before you call, have your account number ready and decide what to do with any remaining balance — the bank will not close the account until the money goes somewhere, either to another account you own or as a check mailed to your address.
If your account has a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay that amount before closure. If there are pending transactions or holds on the account, the bank may delay closure until those clear. Some accounts tied to credit products or investment services may require additional steps before the savings account itself can be closed.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, or visit a branch with your ID and account information.
- You must move or withdraw any remaining balance before the account closes — the bank will not hold a balance in a closed account.
- If your account has a negative balance, you must pay it in full before closure is processed.
- Online closure through the app or website is available for some accounts but not all; the phone or branch method works for every account type.
- Confirmation of closure usually arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Closing by phone or in person
Calling 1-800-432-1000 is the most direct method. A representative will verify your identity, confirm you want to close the account, and ask where your remaining balance should go. You can direct the funds to another Bank of America account you own, request a check, or arrange a wire transfer. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The bank will send written confirmation of the closure to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued ID and your account number. Bring any debit card associated with the account — the branch can deactivate it immediately. The teller will process the closure the same way as a phone representative: confirm your identity, handle your remaining balance, and provide a receipt. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash immediately or if you have questions the representative needs to explain face-to-face.
Closing through the mobile app or website
Bank of America's mobile app and website offer account closure for some savings accounts, but not all. Log into your account, navigate to the account settings or account details section, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. If the button appears, you can initiate closure online. If it does not appear, your account type does not support online closure, and you will need to call or visit a branch.
Online closure still requires you to move your balance before the process completes. The system will prompt you to transfer funds to another account or request a check. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and a follow-up email. Written confirmation arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, the same as phone or branch closure.
What happens to your remaining balance
Bank of America will not close an account with money in it. Before closure is final, you must move that balance somewhere. Your options are: transfer the funds to another Bank of America account you own (the fastest option, completed instantly), request a check mailed to your address (takes 7 to 10 business days), or arrange a wire transfer to an account at another bank (usually completes within one business day, though fees may apply).
If you have a very small balance — sometimes less than $1 — the bank may close the account and mail you a check for that amount without requiring you to direct it first. Ask the representative handling your closure whether this applies to your account. Do not assume the bank will keep the money; if you do not direct the balance, the closure process will stall.
Handling a negative balance or outstanding fees
If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), you owe the bank that amount before closure. Pay the full balance by transferring funds from another account, making a deposit at a branch, or arranging a payment over the phone. The representative will tell you the exact amount owed, including any overdraft fees. Once you pay, the account can close.
If there are pending fees or holds on the account — for example, a returned check fee that has not yet posted — the bank may delay closure until those transactions clear. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Ask the representative whether any holds or pending items will delay your closure date.
Deactivating your debit card and stopping automatic payments
When you close a savings account, any debit card linked to it becomes inactive, but you should not rely on the closure alone to stop it from being used. If you are closing the account in person, ask the teller to deactivate the card immediately. If you are closing by phone or online, deactivate the card yourself through the app or website before initiating closure, or call the debit card customer service line at 1-800-432-1000.
Before you close the account, review any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to it. Subscriptions, bill payments, or transfers set up to pull from this account will fail once it closes, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions. Log into your account and cancel or redirect these payments to another account first. The bank will not automatically move them.
Timeline and confirmation
Closure is not instant. When you initiate the process — whether by phone, in person, or online — the bank begins processing it that day. If your balance is moved or withdrawn immediately, the account typically closes within 1 to 3 business days. If you requested a check, closure may take longer because the bank waits to confirm the check has cleared before finalizing.
You will receive written confirmation by mail. This letter includes the closure date, your final balance, and the method used to return any remaining funds. Keep this letter for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within 10 business days, call customer service to confirm the account is closed and ask for a written copy of the closure confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after closing it?
Yes. You can open a new savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or using the website or app. There is no waiting period. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or policy violation, the bank may restrict you from opening new accounts.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or transfer scheduled after I close the account?
Any deposits or transfers scheduled to hit the account after closure will be rejected. Contact your employer or the sending institution to redirect the deposit to another account before you close. If a deposit arrives after closure, the bank will return it to the sender, which can delay your access to those funds by several days.
Do I need to close the account in person if I have a large balance?
No. You can move a large balance by phone, online, or in person. If you are transferring to another Bank of America account, it happens instantly regardless of the amount. If you are requesting a check or wire, the amount does not change the process — just the time it takes to receive the funds.
Will closing my savings account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit impact your credit history.
What if the bank says my account cannot be closed online?
Some account types — particularly those linked to investment services, credit products, or business accounts — do not support online closure. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. A representative can close any account type by phone or in person, even if the app or website does not offer the option.