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 an outstanding balance

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a local branch in person, or using the mobile app or website if your account is in good standing. The fastest route is usually the phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. If you have a zero balance, the process is straightforward. If you still have money in the account, Bank of America will issue a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify—you choose which.

Before you call or visit, gather your account number (on your debit card or recent statement) and have a government-issued ID ready. If you're closing the account because of a problem—overdraft fees, unwanted transfers, or fraud—mention that when you contact them, because some issues can be reversed or waived. If you're simply moving to another bank, you don't need to explain; just proceed with the closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes; have your account number and ID ready.
  • Bank of America will send remaining funds as a check or transfer them to another account you name during the closure call.
  • Close the account only after you've moved any automatic payments or direct deposits elsewhere, or they will fail.
  • If you have an outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or a negative balance, resolve those before closure or the account may stay open until the debt is cleared.
  • Closing a savings account does not affect your checking account or other Bank of America products unless you close those separately.

What to do before you close the account

Stop any automatic transfers or bill payments linked to the savings account at least a week before closure. If a payment tries to process after the account closes, it will be rejected and may trigger an overdraft fee or late payment on the bill itself. Log into your Bank of America account online or call 1-800-432-1000 to review what's connected to the savings account.

If you receive direct deposits into this savings account—such as a paycheck or government benefit—redirect that deposit to another account before closing. You can change your direct deposit instructions through your employer's payroll system or the government agency sending the payment. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead.

If the account has a negative balance or outstanding fees, Bank of America will not close it until the debt is paid. Transfer money in from another account or deposit cash at a branch to bring the balance to zero. Once the balance is positive and any fees are resolved, you can proceed with closure.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number and a government-issued ID available—they may ask for your Social Security number or other identifying information to verify you own the account. The representative will confirm your current balance and ask how you want the remaining funds handled.

You have two options for the remaining balance: Bank of America can mail you a check, or they can transfer the funds to another bank account you provide (yours or someone else's). If you choose a transfer, provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you choose a check, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

The representative will confirm the closure date—usually the same day or the next business day—and provide a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date. The account will no longer accept deposits or withdrawals after that date.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit your local Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close your savings account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance, and ask how you want remaining funds handled—check or transfer to another account. The process takes about 15 minutes.

If you choose a check, the teller may print it on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the branch's procedures. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. Ask the teller for a written confirmation of the closure, including the date and confirmation number.

In-person closure is useful if you have questions about fees or want to discuss why you're leaving. Some branch managers can reverse certain fees or address complaints before you close, so mention any problems you've had.

Closing through the mobile app or website

Log into your Bank of America mobile app or website and navigate to your savings account details. Look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option—the exact wording varies by app version. Select it and follow the prompts. You'll confirm your identity, review your balance, and choose how to receive remaining funds.

Online closure works only if your account is in good standing (no negative balance, no outstanding fees, and no fraud holds). If you see an error or the option doesn't appear, your account may not be may be able to access for online closure. In that case, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch.

After you submit the closure request online, you'll receive a confirmation number. The account typically closes within one to two business days. Check your email for a confirmation message from Bank of America.

What happens after the account closes

Once closed, the account cannot receive deposits or process withdrawals. Any automatic payments or direct deposits directed to this account will fail. If a bill payment fails because the account is closed, the biller may charge you a late fee or report the missed payment to credit bureaus, so confirm all payments and deposits have been redirected before closure.

Your Bank of America checking account, credit card, and other products remain open unless you close them separately. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score or credit history. Bank of America will keep records of the closed account for your reference.

If you need to reopen a savings account with Bank of America later, you can do so by visiting a branch or calling 1-800-432-1000. There is no penalty for reopening, though you'll need to meet current account requirements (minimum balance, direct deposit, or other conditions depending on the account type).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if it has a negative balance?

No. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance or outstanding fees. Deposit money to bring the balance to zero, then wait for any pending fees to clear. Once the balance is positive, you can proceed with closure. If you're unsure of the exact amount owed, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the current balance and any outstanding charges.

How long does it take to receive my money after I close the account?

If you choose a check, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer to another bank account, the funds typically arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving bank's processing speed. Ask for a confirmation number when you close so you can track the transfer if needed.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score or credit report. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit history. Savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus.

What if I closed my account but money is still being deposited into it?

Contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-432-1000. If deposits are still processing after closure, the bank may hold the funds or return them to the sender. Redirect the source of the deposit (payroll, government benefit, or transfer) to your new account as soon as possible to prevent further deposits to the closed account.

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

No. Online closure is only available for accounts in good standing with a zero or positive balance. If your account has a negative balance or outstanding fees, you must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to close it. Resolve the balance first, then you may be able to close online.