You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or online, depending on your account type and what you need to do with the money inside
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or using their online banking platform. The method you choose depends on whether you have a balance to move, whether you want to keep other accounts open, and how quickly you need it done. Closing takes anywhere from same-day (in person) to a few business days (by phone or online), but the money in your account doesn't disappear — you move it somewhere else or receive it as a check before the account actually closes.
Before you start, know that Bank of America may charge a fee if you close the account within a certain timeframe of opening it. This varies by account type — some savings products have a 30-day or 60-day window where early closure costs money. Check your account agreement or call ahead to confirm whether a fee applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account in person at any Bank of America branch, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or through the mobile app or website if your account is in good standing.
- You must move or withdraw the money in your account before closing — Bank of America will not close an account with a balance sitting in it.
- Some savings accounts charge a fee if you close within 30 to 60 days of opening, so check your account terms before you proceed.
- Closing takes the same day in person, but two to five business days if you close by phone or online because the bank needs to process the request.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Walking into a branch is the fastest way to close your account. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the banker you want to close your savings account and ask what you want to do with the balance — they can transfer it to another account you hold at Bank of America, give you a cashier's check on the spot, or in some cases hand you cash if the amount is small enough.
The account closes that day once the money is moved. You will receive a confirmation receipt showing the account is closed and where the funds went. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments tied to the account, ask the banker whether those will bounce or redirect — this matters if you have a bill set to come out of that savings account.
Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week, though hours vary slightly by season). Have your account number and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account and explain what you want to do with the balance.
If you want the money transferred to another Bank of America account in your name, the representative can do that when ready over the phone. If you want a check mailed to you, they will process that request and the check arrives in five to seven business days. The account itself closes within two to three business days after the call, once the bank confirms the money has moved. You will receive written confirmation in the mail.
Closing through Bank of America's online or mobile app
Log into your account on the Bank of America website or mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section for the savings account you want to close — the exact menu path varies slightly between the website and app, but look for "Manage Account" or "Account Settings." You should see a "Close Account" option if your account is in good standing and has no balance.
If your account still has money in it, you will need to transfer the balance to another account first. You can do this within the same menu by setting up a one-time transfer to another Bank of America account or an external account. Once the balance is zero, the close option becomes available. The account closes within two to five business days, and you will see confirmation in your online banking history.
What to do with the money before you close
Bank of America will not close an account that still holds a balance. You have three options: transfer the money to another Bank of America account you own, transfer it to an account at a different bank, or receive it as a check or cash.
Transferring to another Bank of America account is when ready if you do it in person or by phone, and takes one business day if you do it online. Transferring to an external account (at another bank) takes one to three business days and requires you to provide the routing number and account number of the receiving account. Requesting a check takes five to seven business days by mail. If you close in person, you can walk out with a cashier's check the same day.
Fees and timing to watch for
Some Bank of America savings products charge an early closure fee if you close within 30 to 60 days of opening the account. The fee is typically $25, but it depends on the specific savings product. Check your account agreement or call customer service before you close to confirm whether a fee applies. If a fee does explore, the bank deducts it from your balance when you close.
The timing of closure also matters if you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to hit that account. Once you close it, any transaction that tries to use that account will fail. If you have a bill scheduled to come out of that savings account, move it to a different account or contact the biller to update the account number before you close.
What happens after your account closes
Once closed, you cannot use the account number again. Any checks you wrote against that account will bounce if they have not cleared yet, so make sure all outstanding checks have been processed before you close. Bank of America keeps records of the closed account for your file, and you can request a statement or transaction history if you need it for tax or record-keeping purposes.
If you closed the account and later realize you need to access old statements or transaction records, you can request them through Bank of America's customer service. There is no charge for this, and they can usually provide statements going back several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bank of America charge me to close my savings account?
Bank of America does not charge a standard closure fee, but some savings products charge an early closure fee if you close within 30 to 60 days of opening. Check your account agreement or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether your account has this restriction.
What if I have a negative balance or owe Bank of America money?
You cannot close an account with a negative balance. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. If you owe money, contact Bank of America to arrange payment first, then proceed with closing.
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new savings account at any time. However, you cannot reuse the same account number — it will be a new account with a new number. If you closed because of a fee or feature you did not like, ask about different savings products before you close.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
In person, the account closes the same day. By phone or online, it takes two to five business days after you request closure, once the bank confirms your balance has been moved.
What if I have pending transactions when I close?
Pending transactions may still process against a closed account, which can cause overdraft fees. Contact Bank of America before closing to confirm all pending transactions have cleared, or move the account balance to cover them.