You can close a Bank of America savings account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and balance

The fastest way to close a Bank of America savings account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and walk you through the process. If your account has a balance, they'll tell you how the money will be returned—usually by check mailed to your address on file, or by transfer to another bank account you provide.

You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. The teller will process the closure and handle your remaining balance the same way. Online closure is available for some account types through your Bank of America login, though savings accounts often require a phone call or branch visit.

Before you close, check whether you have any pending transactions, automatic bill payments, or direct deposits linked to the account. Bank of America won't close an account with outstanding holds or uncleared checks. If you have a low balance or owe fees, settle those first.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number ready to close over the phone, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Visit any Bank of America branch in person with your ID to close immediately and receive your balance by check or transfer.
  • Your remaining balance will be returned by check or transferred to another account, but this can take 5 to 10 business days.
  • Cancel any automatic payments, direct deposits, or pending transactions before closing to avoid problems with bills or paychecks.
  • If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, Bank of America will not close the account until those are resolved.

What happens to your money when you close

Bank of America will not simply delete your balance. If you have money in the account, you must tell the representative how you want it returned. The two main options are a check mailed to your address on file, or a transfer to another bank account (yours or someone else's). If you choose the check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer, provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank.

If your account is overdrawn—meaning you owe Bank of America money—you must pay the negative balance before they will close it. They may deduct the amount from a linked account or ask you to pay by check or debit card during the closure process.

Canceling automatic payments and direct deposits first

Before you call or visit, log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and review all automatic payments and recurring transfers linked to the savings account. Common ones include utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, and loan payments. Cancel each one individually or contact the company directly to update your payment method.

If you receive direct deposit paychecks, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new bank account number before closing. If you don't update this in time, your paycheck may be rejected or delayed. The same applies to government benefits like Social Security or tax refunds—update your banking information with the relevant agency before closing the account.

After you've canceled everything, wait a few days to make sure no unexpected charges or transfers hit the account. Then proceed with closure.

Closing online versus phone versus in person

Bank of America's online closure tool is available through your account settings for some account types, but savings accounts often require a phone call or branch visit. If you see a "Close Account" option in your online banking menu, you can start there—it will guide you through the steps and may let you arrange your balance transfer immediately. However, if the option doesn't appear, you'll need to use the phone or branch method.

Phone closure is the most common route. Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, with shorter hours on weekends). Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The representative will confirm your identity, ask a few questions, and process the closure immediately. You'll receive written confirmation by mail.

In-person closure at a branch is instant and gives you a receipt on the spot. You can also ask the teller questions about your balance or payment options face-to-face. Find your nearest branch on Bank of America's website and check its hours before you go.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Once Bank of America processes your closure request, the account is closed immediately. However, it can take 5 to 10 business days for your remaining balance to reach you by check or transfer, depending on the method you chose. During this time, the account is closed but not yet fully settled.

You'll receive written confirmation of the closure by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. Keep this letter for your records. If you don't receive it or if there's a problem with your balance transfer, call customer service again with your former account number.

After closure, you won't be able to access the account online or by debit card. Any checks you wrote from the account before closure may still clear—the bank will honor them even after the account is closed, as long as the funds are available. If you're worried about pending checks, ask the representative about this during closure.

Reasons Bank of America may refuse to close your account

Bank of America will not close a savings account if there are uncleared checks, pending transactions, or holds on the account. They also won't close if you owe a negative balance or have unpaid fees. In rare cases, if the account is flagged for fraud investigation or is part of a legal dispute, closure may be delayed or denied until the issue is resolved.

If you encounter a refusal, ask the representative specifically what's blocking closure. Most issues can be resolved by paying fees, clearing pending items, or waiting for holds to lift. If you believe the refusal is unfair, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay the negative balance first. Bank of America may deduct it from a linked account or ask you to pay by check or card during the closure call. Once the balance is settled, the account can be closed.

What if I have a pending direct deposit that hasn't cleared yet?

Contact your employer or the agency sending the deposit and update your banking information before closing. If the deposit arrives after closure, Bank of America will reject it and return it to the sender. This can delay your paycheck or benefits, so update your information first.

How long does it take to get my money back after closing?

If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer to another bank, it depends on that bank's processing time, usually 1 to 3 business days. Ask the representative for an estimated date when you close.

Can I close the account online?

Some Bank of America account types allow online closure through your account settings, but savings accounts often require a phone call to 1-800-432-1000 or a visit to a branch. Check your online banking menu first; if you don't see a close option, call or visit in person.

Will closing my savings account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not appear on your credit report and has no impact on your credit score. Only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit affect your score.