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 an outstanding balance
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement — you'll reach someone who can process the closure when ready. If you have a zero balance, the account closes that day. If you have money in the account, Bank of America will either transfer it to another account you designate or mail you a check.
Before you close, check whether you have any pending transactions, automatic transfers set to that account, or linked services like bill pay or alerts. If you're closing because of fees or poor service, it's worth asking whether the bank can move you to a different account type instead — sometimes a straightforward switch solves the problem without the hassle of starting over elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Call the customer service number on your card or statement to close your account by phone; the process takes about 10 minutes and the account closes the same day if the balance is zero.
- If you have money in the account, you must tell Bank of America where to send it — either to another account you own or as a mailed check, which takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
- Visit a branch in person if you want to close the account face-to-face or if you prefer to receive your balance as a cashier's check on the spot.
- Cancel any automatic transfers, bill pay arrangements, or linked services before closing, or they may fail and trigger overdraft fees on other accounts.
- Request written confirmation of the closure; Bank of America will send it by mail, and keep it for your records in case the account appears on your credit report or you need proof of closure later.
Closing by phone: the fastest method
Call the number on the back of your Bank of America debit card or on your most recent statement. You'll reach a representative who can pull up your account, confirm your identity, and process the closure. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — the representative will ask for your Social Security number or other identifying information to verify you own the account.
Tell the representative what you want to do with any balance in the account. If the balance is zero, the account closes when ready. If you have money, you can direct the bank to transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, transfer it to an account at a different bank (you'll need to provide routing and account numbers), or mail you a check. A mailed check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you hang up, ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation that the account is closed. This confirmation is useful if the account later appears on your credit report or if you need to prove closure for another reason. The representative should also tell you when the closure takes effect — usually the same day for accounts with a zero balance.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account information. A teller or banker can close the account on the spot. This method is useful if you want to receive your balance as cash or a cashier's check when ready, rather than waiting for a mailed check to arrive.
Bring your debit card if you have one, though it's not required — the teller can look up your account by your ID and Social Security number. If you have a substantial balance, the teller may ask you to speak with a banker rather than a teller, but the process is the same. You'll sign paperwork confirming the closure, and the banker or teller will give you a receipt.
Ask for written confirmation of the closure before you leave. Some branches print it on the spot; others mail it. Either way, keep the receipt and any paperwork you receive. If you're closing because of a problem with the account or the bank's service, this is also a good time to ask whether a different account type might work better for you.
Closing online through Bank of America's website or app
Bank of America does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call or visit a branch. This is a common limitation across banks — most require a phone call or in-person visit to close an account, because the bank needs to verify your identity and confirm what you want to do with any remaining balance.
If you prefer not to call or visit a branch, you can start the process by logging into your online account and looking for a "Contact Us" option to schedule a callback from a representative. Some customers find this less stressful than calling the main line, because you can choose the time and the representative will call you.
What to do before you close the account
Check your account for any automatic transfers or bill pay arrangements linked to the savings account. If you have automatic deposits going into this account — such as direct deposit from your employer — you'll need to update that information with your employer or the organization sending the money. If you have automatic payments or transfers going out, cancel them or redirect them to another account.
Review your recent statements to see whether any pending transactions haven't cleared yet. If you close the account while a check or electronic payment is still processing, it may bounce and trigger overdraft fees on another account. Wait a few days after your last transaction clears before closing.
If you have a linked checking account, make sure you understand which account will become your primary account after the savings account closes. Some Bank of America features — like overdraft protection — depend on having both a checking and savings account. Closing the savings account may change how overdraft protection works on your checking account.
What happens after you close the account
Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within 5 to 7 business days. The confirmation includes the date the account closed and the final balance. Keep this document for your records.
If you had a balance, the funds will arrive according to the method you chose. A transfer to another Bank of America account happens within one business day. A transfer to an account at a different bank takes 3 to 5 business days. A mailed check takes 7 to 10 business days.
The closed account may appear on your credit report for a short time, but this does not hurt your credit score. Credit bureaus typically remove closed accounts after 7 to 10 years. If you see the account still listed as open on your credit report after 30 days, contact Bank of America to confirm the closure was processed correctly.
Reasons to close versus reasons to keep the account
Common reasons people close savings accounts are monthly maintenance fees, low interest rates, poor customer service, or straightforward not using the account. Before you close, consider whether the problem can be solved another way. For example, if you're paying a monthly fee, Bank of America may waive it if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If the interest rate is low, you might transfer the money to a high-yield savings account at another bank while keeping the Bank of America account open for convenience.
If you're closing because you're unhappy with Bank of America's service overall, closing one account won't affect your other accounts with the bank. You can close the savings account and keep your checking account, or vice versa. If you want to leave Bank of America entirely, you'll need to close all your accounts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling, or using the Bank of America website. There is no waiting period. However, if you closed the account because of a problem — such as a negative balance or fraud — Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
You cannot close the account until the negative balance is paid. Transfer money into the account to bring it to zero, then close it. If you don't have the money, contact Bank of America to discuss a payment plan or to ask whether the negative balance can be waived.
Do I need to close my debit card when I close my savings account?
Not necessarily. Your debit card is linked to your checking account, not your savings account. Closing the savings account does not affect the debit card. However, if you want to close the debit card as well, you can ask the representative to do that at the same time.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America savings account?
If you call or visit a branch, the account closes the same day if the balance is zero. If you have a balance, the closure is processed when ready, but the funds take 1 to 10 business days to reach you depending on the transfer method you choose.
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit accounts — such as credit cards, loans, and lines of credit — appear on your credit report.