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. In person is fastest — bring your ID and debit card, tell a teller you want to close the account, and they will process it on the spot. By phone, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for account closure; expect to verify your identity and answer questions about why you are closing. Online closure is available through your Bank of America account dashboard under account settings, though some account types may require a phone call or branch visit to complete the process.
Before you close, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. Bank of America will not keep the money — they will either mail you a check or transfer it to another account you specify — but doing it yourself first avoids delays. If your account has a negative balance or pending transactions, the bank may hold the closure until those clear.
Key Takeaways
- Close your account in person at a branch with your ID, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through your online account dashboard.
- Withdraw or transfer your balance before closing to avoid waiting for a mailed check.
- If you have automatic deposits or bill payments linked to the account, change those to another account first or they will fail.
- Closing takes effect immediately in person or by phone, but may take one to two business days if done online.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account.
What to do with automatic payments and deposits before you close
Any paycheck, government benefit, or automatic deposit set to hit this savings account will bounce or be rejected once the account closes. Log into your Bank of America account and check the Transfers tab or contact your employer, the Social Security Administration, or whoever sends you regular deposits. Update the deposit destination to your new account at least one week before you close the savings account.
The same applies to automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers you have set up. If you use this savings account to pay a credit card, insurance premium, or loan, change the payment method now. Missed payments can damage your credit or result in late fees, even if the miss was caused by a closed account.
Closing in person versus by phone versus online
An in-person closure at a Bank of America branch is the clearest route. You walk out knowing the account is closed, you see your final balance, and the teller can answer questions about what happens next. Bring a government-issued ID and your debit card. If you do not have the card, bring your account number. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Find your nearest branch at bankofamerica.com or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Closing by phone works if you cannot reach a branch. Call 1-800-432-1000, select the option for account services, and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly recent transactions. The call takes 10 to 20 minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and to tell you how your remaining balance will be sent — they will usually mail a check within 5 to 10 business days if you do not have another Bank of America account to transfer it to.
Online closure through your Bank of America account dashboard is the fastest if your account type supports it. Log in, go to account settings, find the option to close account, and follow the prompts. Not all account types allow online closure — if the option does not appear, you will need to call or visit a branch. Online closures typically take one to two business days to process.
What happens to your money after you close
If you have a balance in the account when you close it, Bank of America will not keep it. You have three options: withdraw the money in cash at a branch before closing, transfer it to another account (at Bank of America or elsewhere), or let the bank mail you a check. If you choose the check route, it arrives within 5 to 10 business days. The check is mailed to the address on file for your account, so make sure that address is current before you close.
If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe the bank money — you must settle that before closing. This can happen if overdraft fees accumulated or if a transaction posted after your balance went negative. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to find out the exact amount owed, then deposit that amount before attempting to close.
Reasons the bank might refuse to close your account
Bank of America will not close an account if there are pending transactions, a negative balance, or an active dispute. If you recently made a deposit or transfer that has not cleared, the bank will ask you to wait until it posts. If you are disputing a transaction or have filed a fraud claim, the account may be frozen until the investigation ends. In these cases, ask the bank how long you need to wait and whether you can close the account once the issue resolves.
Some accounts tied to credit lines, investment accounts, or business services may have additional requirements. If you have a Bank of America credit card linked to this savings account as your primary deposit account, you may need to change that link before closing the savings account. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether any special conditions apply to your specific account.
After your account closes
Once closed, your debit card will stop working. Destroy it or cut it up — do not throw it away intact. Your online login will still work, but you will only be able to view closed account history for a limited time (usually 12 months). After that, you can request statements by calling 1-800-432-1000.
If you close your account and later realize you need to access old statements or dispute a charge, contact Bank of America customer service. They can pull records even after the account is closed, though it may take longer. Keep your own copies of recent statements before you close, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America charge a fee to close a savings account?
No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account. However, if your account has a negative balance due to overdraft fees or other charges, you must pay that balance before closing.
What if I close my account and then need to make a deposit?
Once closed, the account cannot receive deposits. If money is sent to it after closure, it will be returned to the sender or held by the bank. Open a new account if you need to deposit money again.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America savings account?
You can open a new savings account at Bank of America at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. The old account number is retired. Opening a new account takes a few minutes in person or online.
How long does it take for my check to arrive after I close my account?
Bank of America typically mails a check for your remaining balance within 5 to 10 business days of closure. The check is sent to the address on file for your account. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call 1-800-432-1000 to request a replacement.
What if I have direct deposit set up and I close my account?
Your next direct deposit will be rejected and returned to your employer or the agency sending it. Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider at least one week before you close the account, or your paycheck or benefits will not reach you.