You can close a Bank of America savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: their website or mobile app, a phone call to customer service, or a visit to a physical branch. The fastest is usually online if you have no outstanding holds or pending transactions. If you have a balance, you'll need to move or withdraw that money first — the bank won't close an account with funds still in it. If you're closing because of an issue with the account, tell the representative; they may offer solutions before you proceed.
The entire process typically takes a few minutes if done online or by phone, though it can take up to 10 business days for the closure to fully process on the bank's end. During that window, don't attempt to use the account. Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to this account will fail once it closes, so update those with your new payment method before you initiate closure.
Key Takeaways
- Withdraw or transfer your full balance before closing; Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
- Update any automatic payments, bill pay arrangements, or direct deposits linked to this account before you close it.
- Online closure through the Bank of America website or app is the fastest method if your account is in good standing.
- If you have a negative balance or outstanding holds, you must resolve those before the account can close.
- Keep your account number and the closure confirmation for your records in case questions arise later.
Close your account online or through the mobile app
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Navigate to the settings or account management section — this is usually labeled "Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Services" depending on which platform you're using. Look for an option to close the account or manage your accounts. Bank of America's interface may ask you to confirm your identity and reason for closure.
Before you proceed, the system will verify that your balance is zero. If there's money in the account, transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or withdraw it. Once the balance is confirmed at zero, you can complete the closure request. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. Bank of America will send a confirmation email to the address on file within a few hours.
Close your account by phone
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They'll verify your identity, check your balance, and ask why you're closing the account — this is routine and doesn't affect your ability to close it.
If your balance is not zero, the representative will walk you through transferring or withdrawing the funds before proceeding. Once your balance is confirmed at zero, they'll process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date and time of the call. Ask the representative to note in your file that you initiated the closure, in case you need to reference it later.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued photo ID and your account number. Tell a representative you want to close your savings account. They'll pull up your account, confirm your identity, and check your balance. If you have funds in the account, they can help you withdraw cash on the spot or transfer the money to another account.
Once your balance is zero, the representative will process the closure and give you a written confirmation slip. This is the most thorough method because you have a paper record and can ask questions face-to-face. If you have concerns about pending transactions or holds, the branch representative can check those details before you close.
What to do if your account has a negative balance or holds
A negative balance means you owe Bank of America money — usually from overdraft fees or returned transactions. You cannot close the account until this is paid. Log into your account online or call 1-800-432-1000 to see the exact amount owed. Pay it through your Bank of America account, by check, or through an external transfer. Once the balance is positive or zero, you can proceed with closure.
A hold on your account means the bank is temporarily restricting access to funds, usually because of a large deposit, a dispute, or a security concern. You cannot close the account while a hold is active. Call customer service to find out why the hold is in place and when it will be removed. Once it's lifted and your balance is zero, you can close the account.
Update automatic payments and direct deposits before closing
Before you close the account, log in and review what's linked to it. Look for automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits from your employer or other sources. Each of these will fail once the account closes, which can result in late fees, missed payments, or delayed paychecks.
Contact each biller or your employer's payroll department to update your payment method or deposit account. If you're moving money to another Bank of America account, update those services with your new account number. If you're switching banks entirely, provide your new bank's routing number and account number. Do this at least a week before you close the savings account to avoid service interruptions.
What happens after you close the account
Bank of America will send a final confirmation email and may mail a letter to your address on file. The account will be marked as closed in their system, but it can take up to 10 business days for the closure to fully process. During this time, do not attempt to use the account or link new services to it.
Keep your confirmation number and the date of closure for your records. If you ever need proof that the account was closed, you can contact Bank of America with this information. If you later realize you need to access something related to this account — such as a transaction history or a statement — you can still request it from Bank of America even after closure, though you may need to do so by phone or mail rather than online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account I just closed?
Yes, you can open a new savings account with Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a problem — such as excessive fees or poor service — opening a new one won't change those underlying issues. If you're reopening, consider whether the account type or your banking habits need to change first.
What if I closed my account and then realized I forgot to update a bill payment?
Contact the biller immediately and provide your new payment method or account number. Explain that your old account was closed. Most billers can update your information within one business day. If a payment already failed, call to arrange a manual payment or ask about waiving any late fees. Bank of America cannot process payments to a closed account, so the biller needs to hear from you directly.
Do I need to close my savings account if I'm switching to a different bank?
No, you don't have to close it. You can keep your Bank of America savings account open and simply stop using it. However, if the account has monthly maintenance fees and you won't use it, closing it avoids those charges. If there are no fees, keeping it open gives you a backup account and doesn't hurt anything.
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. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not on deposit accounts. You can close a savings account without any concern about your credit.
What if Bank of America won't let me close my account?
This is rare, but it can happen if your account has a negative balance, an active hold, or pending fraud investigation. Resolve the underlying issue first — pay any amount owed, wait for holds to lift, or cooperate with any investigation. If you believe the bank is wrongfully refusing closure, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.