You can close a Bank of America savings account online through the mobile app or website, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America lets you close a savings account from your phone or computer without calling or visiting a branch, but the process has hard limits. The account must have exactly zero dollars in it—you cannot close it while money sits in the account. Any pending deposits, withdrawals, or transfers must clear first. If you meet those conditions, the closure takes a few minutes and happens when ready.
If your account has a balance, you will need to transfer or withdraw the money before you can proceed. If you have pending activity, you must wait for those transactions to settle. Once both conditions are met, the account closes right away and you will no longer see it in your account list.
Key Takeaways
- Your savings account must show a zero balance and have no pending transactions before Bank of America will let you close it online.
- You can close the account through the mobile app or the website by navigating to account settings and selecting the close option.
- The closure is when ready once you confirm, and the account disappears from your account list within minutes.
- If you cannot close it online because of a balance or pending activity, you can call Bank of America at the number on the back of your card or visit a branch.
How to close your account through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. Go to the account you want to close and tap on it to open the account details. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or three dots) and select it. Scroll down until you find an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Settings"—the exact wording varies depending on your app version.
Tap "Close Account." The app will show you a confirmation screen that lists the account number and current balance. If the balance is not zero, you cannot proceed—go back and transfer or withdraw the remaining money first. If the balance is zero, the app will ask you to confirm the closure one more time. Tap to confirm, and the account closes when ready.
How to close your account through the website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on the savings account you want to close from your account list. Look for a "Settings" or "Account Options" link, usually near the top right of the account details page. Click it and scroll down to find "Close This Account."
Click the close option. The website will display your account number and current balance. If the balance is zero and there are no pending transactions, you will see a confirmation prompt. Read it carefully, then click to confirm the closure. The account closes right away and will no longer appear in your account list.
What to do if you have a balance or pending transactions
If your account shows a balance, you must move that money before you can close the account. You can transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or withdraw it in cash at an ATM or branch. You can also request a check be mailed to you, though this takes several business days. Once the balance reaches zero, wait for any pending transactions to clear—this usually takes one to three business days depending on the type of transaction.
Check your account again after pending activity settles. If the balance is still zero and no new pending transactions appear, you can proceed with closing the account online. If new transactions keep appearing, contact Bank of America before attempting to close, because the system may reject the closure request if activity is still processing.
When you cannot close the account online
Some situations prevent online closure. If you have a negative balance (the account owes money), Bank of America will not let you close it until the debt is paid. If the account is linked to a credit card, loan, or other product, you may need to unlink it first. If you have a dispute or claim pending on the account, closure is blocked until the dispute resolves.
In these cases, call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a local branch. A representative can tell you exactly what is preventing closure and walk you through the steps to resolve it. Closure by phone or in person takes longer than online closure—usually a few business days—because the bank needs to verify your identity and process the request through their system.
What happens after your account closes
Once the account closes, it disappears from your account list in the app and website within minutes. You will no longer receive statements for that account. Any automatic transfers or bill payments linked to that account will fail on their next scheduled date, so update those before you close the account if you want them to continue.
Bank of America keeps a record of the closed account for your file, and you can request documentation of the closure if you need it for tax or record-keeping purposes. If you change your mind and want to reopen a savings account, you can open a new one at any time through the app, website, or branch—there is no waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my savings account if I have pending deposits?
No. The account must have zero balance and no pending activity. Wait for all pending deposits to post and then withdraw or transfer the balance to zero before attempting to close the account online.
Will closing my savings account affect my checking account or credit card?
No. Closing one account does not affect other accounts you have with Bank of America. However, if you have automatic transfers set up between the accounts, those transfers will fail once the savings account closes, so update them beforehand if you need them to continue.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The closure is when ready once you confirm online. The account disappears from your account list within minutes. Bank of America may take a few business days to process the closure on their back-end systems, but you will not see the account or be able to use it right away.
What if I closed my account by mistake?
Contact Bank of America right away by phone or visit a branch. If the closure just happened, a representative may be able to reopen the account. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to reverse. Have your account number ready when you call.
Do I need to close my account before switching banks?
No. You can leave the account open even if you stop using it. However, if Bank of America charges a monthly maintenance fee and you are not using the account, closing it saves you money. Check your account agreement to see if a fee applies.