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

The fastest way is to call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close your savings account. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your account has no holds or pending transactions, and process the closure. If you have a balance, they will ask how you want the money sent—usually a check mailed to your address or a transfer to another bank account you provide. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch. Bring a photo ID and your account number or debit card. A teller will handle the closure and can issue a check on the spot if you have a balance, or arrange a transfer. This is useful if you want to confirm the account is closed before leaving the branch.

Online closure is available for some account types through the Bank of America mobile app or website, but only if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions. Log into your account, navigate to account settings, and look for the close account option. Not all savings accounts offer this method, so you may need to call or visit a branch instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone; a representative will handle the closure and arrange payment of any balance within 5 to 10 business days.
  • Visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID and account number to close the account immediately and receive a check or arrange a transfer the same day.
  • You must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before closing; if you have automatic deposits or transfers set up, cancel those first.
  • If you have a negative balance or owe fees, the bank will deduct those from your remaining funds before sending you any money.
  • After closure, keep your confirmation number and any paperwork for your records in case questions arise about the account later.

What happens to your balance when you close

Bank of America will not close an account with a balance still in it. If you have money in the account, you must tell the representative or teller how you want it paid out. Your options are a check mailed to your address on file, or a direct transfer to another bank account (yours or someone else's). If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer, it usually posts within 1 to 3 business days if the receiving bank is also in the United States.

If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—Bank of America will not send you anything. Instead, they will keep any remaining funds to cover the debt. Common reasons for a negative balance are overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or insufficient funds when a transaction posted. Ask the representative what the negative balance is before you close the account so you know what to expect.

Cancel automatic deposits and transfers before closing

Before you call or visit to close the account, stop any automatic transactions linked to it. This includes direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments, transfers from other accounts, or recurring transfers to savings. If the bank tries to process one of these after you close the account, it will fail and may trigger a returned-transaction fee or cause problems with the company or person you were paying.

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the app and review the Transfers and Payments section. Cancel each recurring transaction individually. For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with a new account number if you are moving your paycheck elsewhere. For bills you pay automatically, log into each biller's website and update your payment method or account number. This step takes 10 to 20 minutes but prevents complications after closure.

Timing: how long closure takes

If you close the account in person at a branch, it is complete immediately. The teller will confirm the closure on the spot, and your account will be closed that day. If you close by phone, the representative will process it during the call, but the account may take 1 to 3 business days to fully close in the system. You will not be able to use the account after the call, but the official closure date may be a few days later.

If you have pending transactions—a check you wrote that has not cleared, or a transfer that is in progress—the bank may delay closure until those clear. This can add 3 to 7 business days. Ask the representative whether any transactions are pending before you hang up. If there are, ask when the account can close once they clear.

What to do if you have a linked checking account

If you have both a checking and savings account at Bank of America, closing the savings account does not affect the checking account. They are separate and can be closed independently. However, if you have set up transfers between them—for example, automatic transfers from checking to savings—you must cancel those transfers before closing the savings account, or they will fail.

If your checking account is linked to your savings account for overdraft protection, closing the savings account will remove that protection. This means if you overdraw your checking account in the future, the overdraft will not be covered by a transfer from savings. You can set up overdraft protection with another account or turn it off entirely through your account settings.

Keep records of the closure

When you close the account by phone, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot if they email it to you. If you close in person, ask the teller for a written confirmation or receipt showing the account is closed. Keep this documentation for at least one year in case Bank of America or another bank asks for proof that the account was closed.

If you chose to receive a check, keep the check stub or record of the amount. If you chose a transfer, save the confirmation number from the transfer and the date it posted to your new account. These records protect you if there is ever a dispute about whether the account was properly closed or whether your balance was paid out correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or using the Bank of America website or app. There is no waiting period. However, if the account was closed due to fraud or violation of the account agreement, Bank of America may refuse to open a new account for you.

What if I close my account but still receive mail from Bank of America about it?

This is normal. Banks continue to send statements or notices for 30 to 60 days after closure. If you receive mail after that period, contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the account is closed and ask them to stop sending mail. Keep the mail in case you need proof of the closure date later.

Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?

No. Bank of America is a national bank, so you can close the account from any branch, by phone, or online regardless of where you opened it. You do not need to return to the original branch.

What happens to my debit card if I close the savings account?

If you have a debit card linked only to the savings account, it will stop working after the account closes. If the card is linked to both a checking and savings account, it will continue to work but will only draw from the checking account. Contact Bank of America if you are unsure which accounts your card is linked to.

Can someone else close my account if I give them permission?

Bank of America will only close an account for the account holder or an authorized representative listed on the account. If you have a power of attorney or have added someone as an authorized user, they may be able to close it, but you should call the bank to confirm. Otherwise, you must close it yourself.