You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or by mail — each takes a different amount of time and effort

The fastest way is to walk into your local Bank of America branch with your account number and ID. A teller can close it on the spot, and you'll leave with any remaining balance as a check or transfer to another account. If you can't visit a branch, you can call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and request closure over the phone — they'll mail you a check for the balance. The slowest but sometimes necessary route is sending a written request by mail, which takes longer because the bank has to verify your identity in writing.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic deposits or payments tied to it are moved elsewhere. If your paycheck goes into this savings account, you'll need to update that with your employer. If you have automatic bill payments or transfers set up, those will fail once the account closes, which can trigger late fees on other accounts. The bank won't automatically move your money — you have to tell them where it should go.

Key Takeaways

  • Closing in person at a branch is the fastest method and lets you choose whether your balance comes as a check or goes to another account when ready.
  • You must redirect any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers before closing, or those transactions will fail.
  • Calling 1-800-432-1000 works if you can't visit a branch, though the bank will mail your balance as a check rather than transferring it when ready.
  • Keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records, in case questions arise about the closure later.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Bring your Bank of America debit card or checkbook and a photo ID to any Bank of America branch. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They'll pull up your account, confirm the balance, and ask what you want to do with the money. You can take a check on the spot, have them transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or transfer it to an account at a different bank (though that last option may take a few business days to process).

The teller will give you a confirmation number and a final statement showing the closure. Write down the confirmation number — you may need it later if there's any confusion about whether the account actually closed. The account will close when ready, and any pending transactions may still process for a day or two after closure, so check your other accounts to make sure nothing bounces.

Closing your account by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready, and they'll verify your identity by asking security questions. They'll confirm your current balance and explain that the bank will mail you a check. You cannot choose to have the money transferred to another account over the phone — the bank will only send a check by mail.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the expected mailing date for your check. The check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that window, call back with your confirmation number and they can investigate. Do not assume the account is closed until you have the confirmation number in writing — take notes during the call or ask them to email you a summary.

Closing your account by mail

Write a letter to Bank of America requesting closure of your savings account. Include your full name, account number, the date, and your signature. Mail it to the address on your statement or to Bank of America's general correspondence address (you can find this on their website or by calling 1-800-432-1000 and asking for the mailing address for account closures).

This method is slower because the bank has to receive your letter, verify your identity by comparing your signature, process the request, and then mail you a check. The whole process can take three to four weeks. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the bank received it. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

What happens to automatic payments and deposits

Any paycheck, government benefit, or other automatic deposit going into this savings account will fail once it closes. Your employer or the benefit agency will get a rejection notice, and the money may be returned to them or held in a queue. You must update your direct deposit information before you close the account — contact your employer's payroll department or log into your benefits account online to change the routing number and account number to your new account.

Automatic bill payments or transfers set up from this savings account will also fail. If you have automatic payments to a credit card, loan, or utility company, update those accounts with your new bank details before closing. A failed payment can trigger a late fee even though the failure was your bank's closure, not your mistake.

What to do with your remaining balance

Bank of America will not keep your money if you close the account. You must tell them where it goes. If you have another Bank of America account, the simplest option is to ask the teller or phone representative to transfer the balance there — it happens when ready in person, or within one to two business days by phone. If you want the money as a check, you'll receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're closing the account because you're switching banks entirely, you can transfer the balance to your new bank's account. In person, the teller can initiate an external transfer, though it may take a few business days to complete. By phone or mail, you'll receive a check, which you can deposit into your new account. Do not close the account until you know where the money is going — once it closes, you cannot access it from the old account.

After your account is closed

Keep your confirmation number and final statement. If a transaction tries to process after closure, or if you're asked about this account in the future, you'll need proof that you closed it on a specific date. Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts, but having your own documentation speeds up any resolution.

Check your other accounts over the next week or two to make sure no automatic payments failed and no unexpected charges appeared. If you notice a problem, call 1-800-432-1000 with your confirmation number and explain what happened. The bank can sometimes reverse failed payments or late fees if you closed the account and didn't realize a payment was still pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to close the account in person, or can I do it remotely?

You can close by phone or mail if you can't visit a branch. Phone closure is faster — you get a confirmation number the same day. Mail closure takes longer because the bank has to verify your signature in writing. In-person closure is fastest if a branch is nearby.

What if I have a negative balance or owe the bank money?

Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance. You must deposit enough money to bring it to zero or positive first. If you owe money from overdraft fees or other charges, the bank will deduct that from your balance before closing.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may reopen a recently closed account if you contact them quickly, but this depends on how long ago it closed and the reason for closure. Call 1-800-432-1000 and explain your situation. If too much time has passed, you'll need to open a new account instead.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. Closing a savings account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.

What if I never received my check after closing by phone or mail?

Contact Bank of America with your confirmation number and the date you closed the account. They can check whether the check was mailed and, if it was lost, issue a replacement. This process can take another week or two, so follow up if you don't see the replacement within 10 business days.