The fastest way to close your account

You can close a Bank of America savings account in person at any branch, by phone, or online through your account settings. The in-person route is fastest if you have cash or checks to withdraw—the banker can process the closure and hand you your remaining balance on the spot. Phone closure takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your account number and Social Security number to verify your identity. Online closure is available through the Bank of America website or mobile app if your account has a zero balance.

Before you close, check your account for pending transactions, automatic bill payments, or direct deposits linked to this account. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, so you must withdraw or transfer all funds first. If you have checks still in circulation, wait until they clear—typically three to five business days after you stop writing them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close your savings account; withdraw or transfer all remaining money first.
  • In-person closure at a branch is the fastest method and gives you immediate confirmation, while phone and online closures take one to two business days to process.
  • Cancel any automatic transfers, bill payments, or direct deposits tied to the account before you request closure.
  • Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks.
  • If you have a linked checking account, closing the savings account does not affect it unless you specifically request that closure too.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to close your savings account. Tell the banker you want to withdraw your remaining balance and close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the account balance, and process the closure on the spot. If your balance is small enough, they can hand you cash; otherwise, they can issue a cashier's check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.

Bring your government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have your debit card or account statements, bring those too, though the banker can look up your account using your name and Social Security number. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a receipt confirming the closure immediately, and Bank of America will mail you a final written confirmation within one to two weeks.

Closing your account by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and ask how you want to receive your remaining funds—by check, transfer to another account, or cash withdrawal at a branch.

Phone closure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The representative will process the request and send you written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. If your account has a balance, the representative will arrange for a check to be mailed to you or will transfer the funds to another account you provide. If the account has a zero balance, the closure is immediate.

Closing online through your Bank of America account

Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app, go to your savings account details, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. This route is only available if your account has a zero balance. Bank of America will not let you initiate online closure if money remains in the account.

If you see the close option, click it and follow the prompts to confirm. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm that you want to close the account. Once you submit, the closure is processed within one to two business days. You will receive an email confirmation immediately and a mailed confirmation within one to two weeks. If you do not see a close option in your account settings, your balance is not zero, or you will need to use the phone or in-person method instead.

What to do before you close

Stop any automatic transfers or bill payments that pull from this savings account. Log into your account and review the "Transfers" or "Bill Pay" section to see what is linked. Cancel each one individually or contact the companies that pull from this account directly and give them your new account number if you are moving to a different bank. Bank of America will not process the closure if automatic payments are still scheduled.

If you receive direct deposits into this savings account—such as paychecks or government benefits—update your employer or benefits administrator with your new account information before you close. Deposits that arrive after the account is closed will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can delay your money by several days.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. You can transfer money to another Bank of America account you own, to an account at a different bank, or withdraw it as cash at a branch. If you are moving to a new bank, set up your new account first, then transfer your funds over, then request the closure.

What happens after you close

Bank of America will mail you a final account statement and a written closure confirmation within one to two weeks. Keep this confirmation for your records. Your account number will no longer be active, and you will no longer be able to access the account online or by phone.

If you have a linked checking account, closing your savings account does not affect it. Your checking account will remain open unless you specifically request to close that too. If you had overdraft protection set up between your savings and checking accounts, that link will be removed when the savings account closes.

If you want to reopen the account later

You can open a new Bank of America savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or opening one online. It will have a different account number than your closed account. If you closed the account in good standing—meaning you did not have outstanding fees or a negative balance—you can open a new one without any waiting period.

If the account was closed due to inactivity or low balance, Bank of America may ask you to maintain a minimum balance in the new account. Contact a banker or customer service representative to learn what requirements apply to your situation before you open the new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if I still have money in it?

No. You must withdraw or transfer all funds to bring the balance to zero before Bank of America will close the account. You can do this at a branch, through online transfer, or by requesting a check be mailed to you.

How long does it take to close a Bank of America savings account?

In-person closure is immediate—you walk out with confirmation the same day. Phone and online closures take one to two business days to process. You will receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks.

Will closing my savings account affect my checking account?

No. Closing your savings account does not close your checking account or any other accounts you have with Bank of America. You must request each account closure separately if you want to close more than one.

What if I have pending checks or transfers when I close?

Wait until pending transactions clear before you close—usually three to five business days. If you close with pending items, they may bounce or be rejected. Contact Bank of America if you are unsure whether a transaction has cleared.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close by phone, online, or in person. Phone and online are convenient if you do not have a branch nearby. In-person closure is fastest if you need your remaining balance immediately or want to hand off cash or checks to the banker.