You can close a Bank of America savings account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have a linked checking account

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest is usually a phone call — you can reach them at 1-800-432-1000 and have the account closed within minutes. If you go in person, bring your ID and account number. Online closure works only for certain account types and only if you have no outstanding holds or pending transactions.

Before you close, move any remaining balance to another account (yours or someone else's) or request a check. Bank of America will not hold the money — it goes where you direct it. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to this account, change those first, or they will fail after closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and works for all account types; you will need your account number and ID.
  • You must move your remaining balance before closing — Bank of America will not mail it to you automatically.
  • Change any automatic payments, direct deposits, or linked transfers before you close, or they will fail.
  • If you have a linked checking account or outstanding holds, you may need to close in person or by phone rather than online.
  • There is no fee to close a savings account, and closure is permanent — you cannot reopen the same account number.

Closing by phone is the most straightforward route

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready, plus a form of ID to verify your identity. The representative will confirm your current balance, ask where you want the money sent, and process the closure on the call. If your balance is zero, the process takes about five minutes. If you have money in the account, they will either transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, send it to an external account via wire or ACH, or mail you a check.

Bank of America customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays. If you are calling from outside the United States, use the international number on the back of your debit card.

In-person closure at a branch requires your ID and account number

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to close your savings account. The banker will pull up your account, confirm your balance, and process the closure. Bring a form of government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have a balance, tell the banker how you want the money: transferred to another account you own, wired to an external account, or mailed as a check.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website to find the nearest branch and its hours before you go. If you have a large balance or complex account setup, calling ahead to make sure a banker is available can save you a trip.

Online closure works only for certain account types

Bank of America's online banking portal lets you close some savings accounts without calling or visiting a branch. Log into your account, go to the settings or account management section, and look for a "close account" option. This method works only if your account has a zero balance, no holds, no pending transactions, and no linked automatic payments or transfers.

If you see no closure option in your online account, or if the system tells you the account cannot be closed online, use the phone or in-person method instead. Online closure is not available for all account types — for example, some promotional savings accounts or accounts with special terms may require phone or in-person closure.

Move your money and stop automatic payments before closure

Before you close, transfer any remaining balance out of the account. You can move it to another Bank of America account you own, to an external bank account, or request a check. If you leave money in the account when it closes, Bank of America will send it where you directed, but the process takes longer than if you move it yourself first.

Check for any automatic payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits tied to this account. If your paycheck goes to this savings account, change your direct deposit to a different account before closure. If you have automatic bill payments or transfers set up, update those as well. After the account closes, any transaction that tries to hit this account will be rejected and may trigger overdraft fees at the receiving institution.

What happens when ready after closure

Your account closes on the day you request it, or within one business day if you close online. You will no longer be able to access the account, and any card or checkbook tied to it becomes inactive. Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you have pending transactions — a check you wrote that has not cleared, or a transfer that is in progress — those will still process even after closure. The money will come out of the account before it fully closes, or Bank of America will hold the closure until the transaction clears. This is why calling or visiting in person is safer than online closure if you have any uncertainty about pending activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen the same account number after I close it?

No. Once you close a Bank of America savings account, that account number is retired permanently. If you want a savings account later, you will open a new one with a different number. The closure is final and cannot be reversed.

What if I have a joint account — can I close it alone?

No. If the account is in both your names, both owners must request closure together, either in person or by phone. Bank of America will not close a joint account on the request of one owner alone. You and the other owner can call together, or one of you can visit a branch with written authorization from the other.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts do not appear on your credit report. Only credit accounts — credit cards, loans, lines of credit — show up in your credit history. Closing a savings account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.

How long does it take for the money to arrive after I close?

If you transfer the balance to another Bank of America account you own, it arrives the same day or next business day. If you request a wire to an external bank, it typically arrives within one to two business days. If you request a check by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery, plus time for the check to clear at your bank.

Is there a fee to close a savings account?

No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account. Closure is free regardless of how long you held the account or how much money was in it.