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 zero balance

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app or website if your account is may be able to access for online closure. Before you close, you need a zero balance—the bank will not close an account with money in it. If you have funds remaining, you must transfer or withdraw them first. The process itself takes minutes on the phone or in a branch, though it may take several business days for the closure to fully process in their system.

The reason you are closing matters for what happens next. If you are closing because you want to move your money elsewhere, you should transfer funds before calling. If you are closing because of inactivity, overdraft fees, or account problems, the bank may ask questions but cannot force you to keep the account open. If there is a negative balance (you owe the bank money), they will not close it until that is paid.

Key Takeaways

  • Your savings account must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close it; transfer or withdraw all remaining funds first.
  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and works for most account types, taking only a few minutes.
  • In-person closure at any Bank of America branch requires your ID and takes about the same time as a phone call.
  • Online closure through the mobile app or website is available for some accounts but not all; the bank will tell you during the process if your account is not may be able to access.
  • After closure, keep your final statement and any confirmation number for your records in case of disputes or questions later.

Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready, though the bank can look it up with your Social Security number and date of birth. The representative will confirm your balance is zero, ask a few questions about why you are closing, and then process the closure. This usually takes five to ten minutes.

The representative will give you a confirmation number—write it down. Ask them to confirm the closure date and whether any pending transactions might post after closure. If you have automatic payments or transfers set up on this account, mention that now so the representative can flag it. After you hang up, the account will be marked for closure, but it may take three to five business days to disappear from your online banking.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to close your savings account. You do not need an appointment. The teller will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. Bring your debit card if you have one linked to the account, though it is not required.

In-person closure has one advantage: you get a written receipt when ready. If there are any complications—for example, if a check is still pending or a transfer is in flight—the teller can see it on screen and tell you exactly when the account will be clear. If the account is not yet clear, ask the teller when you should come back or whether you can call instead.

Closing through the Bank of America app or website

Open the Bank of America mobile app or log into your online account, find your savings account, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. Not all savings accounts are may be able to access for online closure—the system will tell you when ready if yours is not. If it is may be able to access, you will answer a few questions and confirm the closure. The process takes two to three minutes.

Online closure works best if you have already transferred your balance to zero and have no pending transactions. If the system rejects your closure request, it usually means either your balance is not zero or your account type requires phone or in-person closure. In that case, call 1-800-432-1000 instead.

What to do with your money before closing

You must move all money out of the savings account before closure. The fastest way is to transfer it to another Bank of America account you own—this takes seconds in the app and posts when ready. If you want to move it to a different bank, initiate an external transfer through Bank of America's website or app; this usually takes one to three business days.

If you prefer cash, withdraw it at any Bank of America ATM or at a teller window. If you are withdrawing a large amount (over $10,000), the bank may ask questions for federal reporting purposes, but they will still give you the cash. Once your balance reads zero in the app or online banking, you are ready to close.

What happens after your account closes

After closure, you will no longer see the account in your online banking or mobile app. Any debit card linked only to that account will stop working. If you set up direct deposits or automatic payments to this account, those will fail—contact your employer or the companies involved to update your banking information.

Keep your final statement and the confirmation number from closure for at least one year. If a check you wrote before closing arrives weeks later, the bank may still honor it from the closed account, but having documentation helps if there is a dispute. If you ever need proof that the account is closed, you can call customer service and ask them to send you a closure letter.

If your account has a negative balance or holds

If you owe Bank of America money on this account (a negative balance), the bank will not close it until you pay what you owe. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out the exact amount and pay it by debit card, transfer, or check. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

If there is a hold on your account—usually because of suspected fraud or an unresolved dispute—the bank will not close it until the hold is lifted. The representative on the phone can tell you why the hold is there and how long it will last. In most cases, holds last three to ten business days.

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, either online, in a branch, or by phone. There is no waiting period. However, if you closed the account because of overdraft fees or other problems, the bank may review your history before approving a new account.

What if I close my account and then a check I wrote clears?

Bank of America will usually honor checks written on a closed account for a limited time, typically 90 days to six months. The check will post to the closed account, and if there is not enough money, it will bounce and you may face a returned-check fee. This is why you should wait until all outstanding checks have cleared before closing.

Do I lose my account history after closing?

No. You can still view statements and transaction history for closed accounts through your online banking for several years. read or print any statements you need before closing, though you can also request them later by calling customer service.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.

Can someone else close my account if I give them permission?

No. Bank of America will only close an account with the account holder present (in person) or on the phone with the account holder directly. You cannot authorize someone else to close it on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.