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

The fastest route is usually a phone call to Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions, and process the closure. The account closes when ready, though any pending deposits or withdrawals may still post for a few days after.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker can close it on the spot. This method works well if you have questions about where your money is going or if you want to withdraw cash before closing.

Online closure is available through the Bank of America mobile app or website, but only for certain account types. Log in, navigate to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Not all savings accounts can be closed this way—if you don't see the option, you'll need to call or visit a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and works for all account types.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance before closing; you cannot close an account that is overdrawn.
  • Any pending direct deposits or automatic payments linked to the account should be redirected before you close it.
  • The account closes when ready by phone or in person, though posted transactions may appear for several business days afterward.
  • If the account is linked to a checking account or other services, closing it will not affect those other accounts.

What to do before you call or visit

Bring your account balance to zero. Bank of America will not close a savings account that is overdrawn or has a negative balance. If your account has a balance, you can transfer it to another account, withdraw it in cash, or ask the representative to mail you a check. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts happen when ready; transfers to another bank take one to three business days.

Check for any pending transactions. If you have automatic transfers set up—such as a monthly savings sweep from your checking account—cancel those before closing. If you have direct deposits going into this account, redirect them to another account or to your employer's payroll system. Bank of America will not process new deposits to a closed account, and your employer or the sending institution may charge a fee if the deposit bounces.

Gather any paperwork you might need. You do not need documents to close the account, but having your account number and a photo ID speeds up the process. If you are closing the account by phone, have a pen ready to write down the confirmation number the representative gives you.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for savings accounts or account services. You will be asked to verify your identity—usually your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of the account number. Have these ready before you call.

Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will confirm your current balance and ask where you want the money to go. You can request a check by mail, a transfer to another Bank of America account, or a transfer to an external bank account. If you choose an external transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

The representative will confirm the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write this down. The account closes when ready, and you should receive written confirmation in the mail within five to seven business days. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Closing in person at a branch

Bring a photo ID and your account number to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Ask to speak with a banker about closing your savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and ask where you want the money sent.

You can withdraw the balance in cash on the spot, transfer it to another account, or request a check. If you withdraw cash, ask for a receipt showing the account is closed. The account closes when ready, and you will receive written confirmation in the mail.

If you do not have a branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person, phone closure is just as final and takes about five minutes.

What happens after you close the account

The account number becomes inactive and cannot receive deposits. Any checks or transfers sent to the account after closure will be rejected. If you set up automatic payments or transfers from this account, those will fail—contact the companies or institutions involved to update your payment method.

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and the balance paid out. This usually arrives within five to seven business days. Keep this statement for your tax records and as proof the account is closed.

If the account was linked to overdraft protection on a checking account, that link is severed when the savings account closes. Your checking account will no longer have overdraft coverage from this savings account, though it may still have other overdraft options available.

If you change your mind

You cannot reopen a closed account with the same account number. If you want to save with Bank of America again, you will need to open a new savings account. This takes about 10 minutes online or in person and requires a photo ID and initial deposit (usually $25 to $100, depending on the account type).

If you closed the account by mistake and need to recover funds, contact Bank of America when ready. If the account was closed within the last few days and the balance has not yet been processed, a representative may be able to reverse the closure. After that window, the money has been sent to you and cannot be recovered through the account closure process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if it has a negative balance?

No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. If the account is overdrawn, deposit funds to cover the negative balance first. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

Will closing my savings account affect my checking account?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect any other accounts you have with Bank of America. Your checking account, money market account, or credit card will remain open and unaffected. The only exception is if the savings account was linked as overdraft protection—that specific link will be removed.

How long does it take to close a Bank of America savings account?

The account closes when ready when you call, visit a branch, or complete the closure online. Written confirmation arrives by mail in five to seven business days. If you requested a check or external transfer, that may take an additional three to five business days to arrive or post.

What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled for the day I close the account?

The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the sending institution to redirect the deposit to another account before you close the savings account. If the deposit has already been rejected, they will reissue it once you provide a new account number.

Do I need to visit a branch in person, or can I close the account entirely by phone?

You can close the account entirely by phone. Phone closure is final and takes about five minutes. You do not need to visit a branch unless you prefer to withdraw your balance in cash or have questions a representative can answer face-to-face.