Closing a Discover savings account takes one phone call or a few minutes online
You can close your Discover savings account by calling Discover Bank's customer service at 1-800-347-2000 or by logging into your online account and submitting a closure request through the website. Discover does not charge a fee to close the account. Before you close, make sure you have withdrawn or transferred all your money — Discover will not hold funds after the account is closed, and any remaining balance may be returned to you by check, which takes additional time.
The closure itself is immediate once you initiate it, but you should plan for a few days if you need to move money first. If you have automatic deposits or payments linked to the account, cancel or redirect those before closing so they do not fail.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-347-2000 or use your online Discover account to request closure — there is no fee and no waiting period.
- Withdraw or transfer all money from the account before closing, because Discover will not hold funds after the account shuts down.
- Cancel or redirect any automatic deposits, transfers, or bill payments linked to the account so transactions do not fail.
- If money remains in the account after closure, Discover will mail it to you by check, which can take one to two weeks.
- You do not need a reason to close the account, and Discover will not ask you to explain your decision.
Withdrawing or transferring your money before closure
Move all funds out of your Discover savings account before you request closure. You can transfer money to another bank account you own by setting up an external transfer through your Discover online account, or you can withdraw cash at an ATM if you have a Discover debit card linked to the account. External transfers typically take one to three business days.
If you are moving money to another bank, log into Discover, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer to another bank." You will need the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. Discover will verify the account with small test deposits (usually two small amounts under $1 each) before allowing the full transfer — this verification step takes one to two business days. Once verified, future transfers are faster.
If you leave money in the account after closure, Discover will mail it to you by check. This process can take one to two weeks, and you will not earn interest on the balance during that time.
Stopping automatic deposits and payments
Before you close the account, redirect or cancel any automatic deposits or bill payments tied to it. If your paycheck, Social Security, or other regular deposits go to this Discover account, contact your employer or the paying organization and provide them with your new account details. If you have set up automatic bill payments from this account, log into each biller's website and update the payment method or cancel the automatic payment.
If you close the account without redirecting these transactions, deposits will fail and go unpaid, which can result in late fees or missed payments. Billers may also charge you a fee if a payment bounces. Give yourself at least one week before closing to make sure all redirects are in place and working.
Closing the account by phone
Call Discover Bank customer service at 1-800-347-2000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero (or ask what you want to do with any remaining funds), verify your identity, and process the closure. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number or reference number for the closure. Keep this number in case you need to follow up or verify that the account was closed. The representative may also ask why you are closing the account — you do not have to provide a reason, but some customers choose to mention if they are moving to another bank or consolidating accounts.
Closing the account online
Log into your Discover account at discover.com, go to Account Settings or Profile, and look for an option to close the account. The exact location varies depending on whether you are using the website or the mobile app. On the website, this is usually under "Account Services" or "Manage Account." On the app, it may be under Settings or the menu icon.
Discover will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and will request a reason for closure (optional). After you submit the request, you will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email confirmation. The account closure is processed immediately, though it may take one business day for the closure to appear in your account history.
What happens after you close the account
Once your Discover savings account is closed, you can no longer deposit money, withdraw funds, or access the account online. If you had a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working. Any pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days after closure, so monitor your email for any activity notifications.
If you need to reopen a Discover savings account in the future, you can do so by visiting discover.com or calling customer service. Discover does not penalize you for closing and reopening accounts. Your account history and statements remain available for download for a limited time after closure — save any documents you need before the account is fully closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Discover charge me a fee to close my savings account?
No. Discover does not charge a fee to close a savings account. There are no early closure penalties or account closure fees.
What if I have a pending deposit or transfer when I close the account?
Pending transactions may still post after closure. If a deposit or transfer is in progress, wait for it to complete before closing the account. If a transaction posts after closure, contact Discover customer service to have it reversed or redirected.
Can I reopen a Discover savings account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new Discover savings account at any time. Discover does not restrict reopening, and you will not face penalties for having closed an account previously.
How long does it take to close my account?
The closure request is processed immediately when you submit it by phone or online. The account may take one business day to fully close and stop appearing as active in your account dashboard.
What if I forgot to withdraw money before closing?
Discover will mail any remaining balance to you by check. This process takes one to two weeks. Contact Discover customer service if you want to confirm the mailing address or check on the status of your refund check.