Close your account in person, by phone, or by mail — but move your money first

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: walk into a branch with your ID, call customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or send a written request by mail. Before you close, transfer or withdraw your balance, because the account must be at zero. If you have pending transactions or automatic deposits set to hit the account, those can complicate the closure — pause them or redirect them first. The process itself takes a few minutes if you're in a branch, or about 15 minutes on the phone, but the account may take 5 to 10 business days to fully close on Bank of America's end.

The method you choose depends on what's fastest for you. In-branch closure gives you a confirmation number on the spot. Phone closure works if you can't visit a location. Mail closure is slowest but requires no travel. Whichever route you pick, the underlying steps are the same: empty the account, stop automatic transactions, submit the request, and monitor for confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • Move your money out of the account before you request closure, because Bank of America will not close an account with a balance.
  • If you have automatic deposits or bill payments tied to the account, redirect them to another account or cancel them before closing.
  • Closing in a branch is fastest if you have an ID and can get there; closing by phone works if you cannot visit a location.
  • After you request closure, check your statements for 30 days to confirm the account is gone and no stray charges appear.

Empty the account and stop automatic transactions

Bank of America will not close an account that still holds money. Log into your online banking or mobile app and transfer the full balance to another account — yours at Bank of America or elsewhere. If the balance is small, you can also withdraw it in cash at a teller or ATM.

Next, check whether you have set up any automatic deposits or payments on this savings account. Paycheck direct deposits, Social Security payments, or recurring bill payments that route to this account need to be redirected. Log into your employer's payroll system or the Social Security Administration's website to change where deposits land. For bills you pay automatically, log into each biller's website and update the account number, or call them directly. This step prevents the account from reopening or being flagged as problematic if money tries to land after closure.

Close the account at a Bank of America branch

Bring your government-issued ID and your savings account number (or debit card) to any Bank of America branch. Tell a teller you want to close the savings account. They will confirm the balance is zero, ask why you're closing (optional to answer), and process the closure on the spot. You'll receive a confirmation number or receipt — keep it for your records.

This is the fastest method if a branch is near you, because you walk out knowing the request is submitted. The account will still take several business days to fully close in the system, but the teller can tell you what to expect and answer questions about holds or pending items. If the teller says the account cannot close, ask them to explain why — it may be a pending charge or a linked product that needs to be unlinked first.

Close the account by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and ID ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and submit the closure request. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call.

Phone closure works well if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to. The downside is that you cannot see the representative's face, so if there are complications (like a hold on the account or a pending charge), it may take longer to resolve. If the representative says the account cannot close, ask why — it may be because a small charge is pending, or because the account is linked to another product like a credit card or overdraft protection.

Close the account by mail

Write a letter to Bank of America requesting closure of your savings account. Include your full name, account number, the date, and your signature. Mail it to the address on your statement or to Bank of America's general mailing address (check their website for the current address, as it varies by region). Include a copy of your ID if you feel comfortable doing so.

Mail closure is slowest — expect 2 to 3 weeks for the letter to arrive, plus another 5 to 10 business days for processing. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the letter arrived. This method works if you have no other option, but phone or in-person closure is faster and gives you immediate confirmation. Keep a copy of your letter and the certified mail receipt for your records.

What happens after you request closure

Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days. The account will stop accepting transactions, but it may remain visible in your online banking for 30 days or longer. Do not be alarmed if you see it listed — this is normal. Continue to monitor your statements and email for any unexpected charges or deposits.

If the account does not close within 30 days, or if you see activity after closure, call customer service again at 1-800-432-1000. Occasionally a pending transaction or a system error delays closure. Having your confirmation number from the initial request will speed up the investigation. If you closed by mail, reference the date you sent the letter and the certified mail tracking number.

Reasons Bank of America may refuse to close your account

The most common reason is that the account still has a balance or a pending charge. If a check you wrote has not cleared, or if a bill payment is in transit, the account cannot close until that transaction settles. Ask the representative how long to wait, then resubmit your closure request after the transaction clears.

Another reason is that the account is linked to another product — for example, if your savings account is tied to overdraft protection on a checking account, Bank of America may require you to remove that link first. A representative can walk you through unlinking the accounts. Rarely, an account may be flagged for fraud investigation or a dispute, which temporarily blocks closure; in that case, the representative will explain the hold and give you a timeline for when you can try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit report.

What if I have a pending deposit that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait for the deposit to clear before requesting closure. If you close the account while a deposit is in transit, it may bounce or be returned to the sender. Check your statement to confirm all pending items have settled, then close.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Yes, but Bank of America may treat it as a new account. You will need to provide ID and go through the account opening process again. If you closed due to a fee or service issue, ask a representative whether the problem has been resolved before reopening.

Do I need to close my debit card if I close my savings account?

Only if the debit card is linked solely to that savings account. If your debit card is tied to a checking account or another account, it will continue to work. If it is linked only to the savings account you are closing, contact Bank of America to deactivate the card or request a new one linked to a different account.

What if Bank of America says there is a hold on the account?

A hold usually means a transaction is pending or a dispute is under review. Ask the representative why the hold is in place and when it will be lifted. Once the hold is removed and the balance is zero, you can close the account. If the hold is related to fraud or a chargeback, the representative will explain the timeline.