You can close a Bank of America savings account online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have linked accounts

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward if your account has no money in it and you have no outstanding holds or pending transactions. If your account still holds funds, you will need to transfer or withdraw the balance first — the bank will not close an account with money sitting in it.

The actual closure happens in your account settings under "Close Account" or similar language in the menu. The exact wording and location shift occasionally as Bank of America updates their interface, so if you cannot find it when ready, their online help search or a phone call to customer service will point you to the right place.

Key Takeaways

  • Your savings account must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close it — transfer or withdraw any remaining funds first.
  • You can start the closure process through the Bank of America website or mobile app by finding the account settings or "Close Account" option.
  • If you have linked this savings account to other accounts (for overdraft protection or transfers), you may need to remove those links before closing.
  • The closure typically completes within a few business days, and you will receive a confirmation by mail or through your online messages.
  • If you cannot close the account online, calling Bank of America customer service at the number on your card will let you close it over the phone.

What you need to do before closing

Before you attempt to close the account, make sure the balance is zero. Log into your Bank of America account and check the current balance in the savings account you want to close. If there is money in it, transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or withdraw it at an ATM or branch.

Check whether this savings account is linked to anything else. Some people set up overdraft protection, which means the savings account covers shortfalls in a checking account. Others use the savings account as a transfer destination for automatic deposits. If any of these links exist, you will usually need to remove them before the closure goes through. Look in your account settings under "Transfers" or "Linked Accounts" to see what is connected.

Make sure there are no pending transactions. If you recently made a transfer or withdrawal that has not cleared yet, wait for it to complete before closing the account. A pending transaction can block the closure or cause confusion about whether the balance is truly zero.

Steps to close the account online

Log into your Bank of America account through the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account you want to close — you should see it listed under your accounts.

Look for a settings or menu option within that account. This is often shown as a gear icon, three dots, or a "More" button. The exact location varies depending on whether you are using the website or app, and Bank of America periodically updates their interface. Once you find the menu, look for an option that says "Close Account," "Close This Account," or similar language.

Click or tap that option. Bank of America will usually show you a confirmation screen that lists the account number and asks you to confirm you want to close it. Read this screen carefully to make sure you are closing the right account — closing is permanent and you cannot undo it through the same process.

Confirm the closure. After you confirm, the account will typically close within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation, usually through your online messages or by mail to the address on file.

What happens if you cannot find the option online

If you have looked through your account settings and cannot locate a "Close Account" option, the account may not be may be able to access for online closure. This can happen if the account has a balance that did not transfer properly, if there are still linked accounts, or if there is a hold on the account for any reason.

Call Bank of America customer service using the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Tell them you want to close the savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and close it for you over the phone. This usually takes just a few minutes. You will still receive a written confirmation in the mail.

After your account closes

Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to access it or use any debit card associated with it. If you had a savings account debit card, it will stop working. Any automatic transfers or deposits set to go into this account will fail, so update those settings with a new account number if you have another Bank of America account, or with a different bank if you have moved your money elsewhere.

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account closure. Keep this for your records. If you ever need proof that the account is closed, you can refer to this statement or contact Bank of America to request a closure confirmation letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to close the account in person at a branch?

No. Bank of America allows online closure for most savings accounts. You only need to visit a branch if you cannot find the online option or if the bank tells you the account is not may be able to access for online closure.

What if I have a small balance I cannot transfer?

Withdraw it at an ATM or at a branch. Even a few cents will prevent the account from closing online. If the balance is very small and you cannot access it easily, call customer service and ask them to close the account with the remaining balance — they can do this manually.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track borrowing and repayment, not deposit accounts. You can close a savings account without any impact on your credit.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

Usually a few business days. You will see the account disappear from your account list once it is closed. Bank of America will send written confirmation by mail, which may take an additional week or two to arrive.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new savings account with Bank of America at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider leaving it open instead of closing it.