You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have pending transactions
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using online banking if your account is may be able to access. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or savings account statement, which takes about 10 minutes. If you close in person, bring a photo ID and any debit cards tied to the account. Online closure is available for some account types but not all—the system will tell you whether your account can be closed that way.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or move any remaining funds to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance, and they will not close it if there are pending deposits or withdrawals still processing. If you have automatic transfers or bill payments set up, cancel those first so they do not bounce after closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call the customer service number on your account statement or debit card to close by phone, which typically takes 10 minutes and requires no branch visit.
- Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID to close in person; bring your debit card and ask the teller to confirm the account is fully closed before you leave.
- Move your remaining balance to another account before closing, because Bank of America will not close an account with money in it or with a negative balance.
- Cancel any automatic bill payments or transfers linked to the account at least a few days before closure to prevent failed transactions.
- Ask for written confirmation of closure, either by email or in the mail, so you have proof the account is no longer active.
Closing by phone is the fastest option for most people
Call the Bank of America customer service number listed on the back of your debit card, your savings account statement, or the Bank of America website. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account—this is routine and does not affect whether they will close it.
The representative will then process the closure, which is immediate on their end. However, it can take 5 to 10 business days for the account to fully disappear from your online banking portal and for any pending transactions to clear. Ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the closure by email or mail so you have a record.
If you have a negative balance (meaning you owe Bank of America money), they will not close the account until you pay it. Ask the representative how much you owe and whether you can pay it over the phone with a debit card or bank account.
Closing in person at a branch requires a photo ID
Walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Bring your debit card if you have one. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account and provide your account number if you know it; if not, they can look it up with your ID.
The teller will confirm your account balance is zero. If it is not, they will help you transfer the remaining funds to another account or withdraw it in cash. They will then process the closure on the spot. Ask them to print or email you a confirmation receipt before you leave so you have proof the account is closed.
Closing in person is useful if you also want to discuss other accounts, report a lost card, or handle other banking needs at the same time. It also gives you immediate confirmation rather than waiting for email or mail.
Online closure through Bank of America's website or app
Log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app and look for account settings or account management. Not all account types can be closed online—if the option does not appear, you will need to call or visit a branch instead. The system will tell you whether your account is may be able to access for online closure.
If online closure is available, you will be asked to confirm your account balance is zero and to review the closure terms. The process takes a few minutes. After you submit, you should receive an email confirmation within a few hours, though the account may take 5 to 10 business days to fully close in the system.
Online closure works well if you have already moved your money out and do not need to speak to anyone. However, if anything goes wrong or you have questions, you will need to call customer service anyway, so phone closure is often simpler.
What to do before you close: move money and cancel automatic payments
Transfer or withdraw any remaining balance before you close. You can move money to another Bank of America account, to an account at a different bank, or withdraw it as cash at a teller or ATM. Bank of America will not close an account that still has funds in it.
Cancel any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits linked to the account. Log into your online banking and check the bill pay and transfers sections. If you have direct deposit set up, update your employer or benefits provider with your new account number at least a week before closure. If you miss this step, payments may bounce or be returned, which can trigger late fees or missed payments on your end.
Check whether you have any pending transactions—deposits that have not cleared yet or withdrawals that are still processing. If you do, wait for them to complete before closing. Closing an account with pending transactions can cause them to fail.
What happens to your debit card and online access after closure
Your debit card will stop working immediately or within a few hours of closure. You do not need to do anything with it—it will simply decline at checkout or ATM. If you want to destroy it, you can cut it up or shred it. You do not need to return it to Bank of America.
Your online banking login will still work for a few days, but you will not be able to see the closed account. After 5 to 10 business days, the account will disappear from your account list entirely. You will still be able to access any other accounts you have with Bank of America.
If you have a Bank of America credit card or checking account, closing your savings account does not affect those. Only the savings account closes.
If Bank of America will not close your account
Bank of America may refuse to close your account if you have a negative balance, pending transactions, or if there is a hold or dispute on the account. If there is a hold, it is usually because of a returned check, a chargeback, or fraud investigation. Call customer service to find out why the account cannot be closed and what you need to do to resolve it.
If you have a negative balance, you must pay it before closure. If you have pending transactions, wait for them to clear. If there is a fraud investigation or chargeback, you may need to wait for Bank of America to finish investigating before you can close.
In rare cases, Bank of America may close an account on their own if it has been inactive for a long time or if they suspect fraud. If this happens, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining why.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Bank of America savings account to fully close?
The account closes immediately when you process the closure, but it can take 5 to 10 business days to disappear from your online banking and for all pending transactions to clear. You should not see any charges or activity after closure, but allow up to two weeks to be completely sure.
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new savings account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Bank of America may review your history before opening a new one. If you simply want to close and reopen the same account type, you can do so immediately.
What if I close my account but still have checks or automatic payments pending?
Cancel all automatic payments and bill pay before you close. If a payment tries to go through after closure, it will be rejected and returned to the sender. This can result in late fees or missed payments on your end, so cancel everything first.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Phone closure is usually faster and just as effective. You only need to go in person if you want to withdraw cash, if online or phone closure is not available for your account type, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Will closing my savings account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.