Call Navy Federal or visit a branch to close your savings account
Navy Federal will close your savings account when you ask them to, either by phone, in person, or through their online banking portal. You do not need a reason. Before you close, make sure you have withdrawn or transferred any remaining balance — Navy Federal will not hold money in a closed account, and unclaimed funds follow state escheat laws.
The process itself takes minutes, but the account may take a few business days to fully close in their system. If you have automatic transfers or bill payments tied to this account, cancel or redirect those first. Navy Federal will not automatically move them to another account you hold with them.
If you have a Navy Federal checking account or other products with them, closing just the savings account will not affect those. You can keep your membership and other accounts active while closing only the savings product.
Key Takeaways
- Contact Navy Federal by phone at 1-888-842-6328, visit a branch in person, or use their online banking portal to request closure.
- Withdraw or transfer your full balance before closing, because Navy Federal will not hold money in a closed account.
- Cancel any automatic transfers, recurring deposits, or bill payments linked to the savings account before you close it.
- Closing your savings account does not close your Navy Federal membership or any other accounts you hold with them.
- The account closure typically completes within a few business days, though the funds reach you immediately if you withdraw them first.
Withdraw or transfer your balance before closing
Navy Federal requires your account to have a zero balance before they will close it. If money remains in the account when closure is processed, Navy Federal will hold it and eventually report it as unclaimed property to your state's treasurer office. Retrieving unclaimed funds later is slower and more complicated than moving the money yourself now.
You have two options: withdraw the full balance in cash at a Navy Federal branch or ATM, or transfer it to another account. If you have a checking account with Navy Federal, you can move the money there in seconds through their online banking system. If you want to move it to a different bank, use an external transfer through Navy Federal's portal, or ask Navy Federal to issue a check.
Transfers between Navy Federal accounts happen immediately. Transfers to other banks typically take one to three business days. If you need the money faster, withdraw cash or request a check at a branch.
Stop automatic deposits and payments before you close
If you have automatic transfers into your savings account — such as direct deposit of a portion of your paycheck, or recurring transfers from your checking account — those will fail once the account closes. Navy Federal will not automatically redirect them to another account. You need to cancel or change these before you close.
Log into your Navy Federal online banking account and review the "Transfers" or "Scheduled Transactions" section. Look for any recurring deposits or payments tied to the savings account. For paycheck deposits, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number if you want the money to go elsewhere. For transfers you set up yourself, cancel them through Navy Federal's portal or call customer service.
If you forget to cancel an automatic deposit and it fails after closure, your employer or the sending bank will typically retry it, but the timing is unpredictable. Cancelling first prevents confusion and ensures your money reaches the right place on schedule.
Contact Navy Federal to request closure
You can close your account through three channels: phone, in person, or online. Phone is fastest if you have already withdrawn your balance and cancelled automatic transactions.
By phone: Call Navy Federal's member services line at 1-888-842-6328. Have your account number ready. Tell them you want to close your savings account. They will confirm your identity, verify the balance is zero, and process the closure. The call takes about five minutes.
In person: Visit any Navy Federal branch with a photo ID and your account number. A representative will verify your identity, confirm the balance, and close the account on the spot. This is useful if you want to withdraw cash at the same time.
Online: Some Navy Federal members can close accounts through the mobile app or website under account settings. Log in, find the savings account, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. Not all account types support online closure, so if you do not see the option, use phone or in-person closure instead.
What happens after you close the account
Once Navy Federal processes your closure request, the account will stop accepting deposits or withdrawals. Any pending transactions may still post for a few days as they clear through the system. The account will disappear from your online banking dashboard within one to three business days, though Navy Federal keeps records of closed accounts for their own purposes.
If you closed the account but still see it in your online banking after a week, call Navy Federal to confirm the closure went through. Occasionally a request does not process fully and needs to be resubmitted.
You will remain a Navy Federal member even after closing the savings account. Your membership status is separate from any individual product. If you want to close your membership entirely — meaning you would lose access to Navy Federal's services — that is a separate request and requires closing all accounts you hold with them first.
Reopening a closed Navy Federal savings account
If you close your savings account and later decide you want it back, Navy Federal can reopen it for you. Call member services or visit a branch and ask to reopen a savings account. They will treat it as a new account, so you will get a new account number. Any old account numbers or references to the closed account will not work.
Reopening is usually faster than opening a brand-new account because Navy Federal already has your information on file. There is no waiting period — you can reopen immediately after closing if you change your mind. However, if you closed the account because of a dispute or compliance issue with Navy Federal, they may decline to reopen it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my savings account still has money in it?
Navy Federal will not close an account with a balance. You must withdraw or transfer the full amount first. If you have trouble accessing the account or do not remember how much is in it, call Navy Federal at 1-888-842-6328 and they will tell you the balance and help you move the money.
Will closing my savings account affect my checking account or credit card?
No. Closing one product does not close others. Your checking account, credit card, and any other Navy Federal accounts remain open and active. Only the savings account closes.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The closure request processes immediately when you submit it, but the account may take one to three business days to disappear from your online banking. If you need confirmation, Navy Federal can provide a closure letter by mail or email.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
If your account is overdrawn, Navy Federal will not close it until the negative balance is paid. Deposit funds to bring the balance to zero, then request closure. If you dispute the negative balance, contact Navy Federal's disputes department before attempting to close.
What if I have a joint savings account?
Both account holders must request closure together, or one account holder can request it on behalf of both if they have power of attorney. Call Navy Federal to confirm their policy for your specific situation, as it may vary by account type.