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 balance remaining
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you can reach Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative who will walk you through the closure. If you have a balance in the account, they will ask how you want the money sent: to another Bank of America account, to an external bank account via transfer, or as a check mailed to your address. The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes on the phone.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it have been redirected elsewhere. Bank of America will not process the closure if pending transactions are still attached. If you have a zero balance and no active transfers, the account can close when ready. If you have money in the account, the funds move within one to three business days depending on how you choose to receive them.
Key Takeaways
- Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
- You must redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits before closing, or the bank will not process the request.
- If you have a balance, you can transfer it to another Bank of America account, an external bank account, or request a check by mail.
- Funds from an external transfer typically arrive within one to three business days; a mailed check takes longer depending on postal delivery.
Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for account services. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your savings account and provide your account number. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other security questions tied to your account. This verification step usually takes two to three minutes.
Once verified, the representative will check for any pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits. If any are found, they will ask you to remove them before proceeding. If your account is clear, they will ask what you want to do with your balance. If you choose to transfer to another Bank of America account, the money moves the same day. If you choose an external bank transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank — the transfer typically completes within one to three business days. If you request a check, the bank will mail it to your address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days to arrive.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity and check for any linked transactions or payments. If the account is clear to close, they can process it on the spot.
If you have a balance, the teller can transfer it to another account you hold at Bank of America when ready, or they can issue a cashier's check for the full amount, which you receive in hand. This is the only method where you walk away with your money the same day. If you want the funds sent to an external bank account, the teller will take your routing and account information and submit the transfer request, which takes one to three business days to complete.
Closing online through Bank of America's website or app
Log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Navigate to your account settings or account management section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Select your savings account from the list of accounts.
The system will show your current balance and ask how you want to handle it. If the balance is zero, you can close when ready. If there is money in the account, you can transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or you can request a transfer to an external bank account by entering the routing and account number. Online closure typically completes within 24 hours, though the actual fund transfer may take longer depending on the destination.
What happens to your money during closure
Your balance does not disappear when you close the account — you must direct it somewhere before the closure is final. Bank of America will not close an account with a remaining balance unless you have already specified where the money goes. The three options are: transfer to another Bank of America account you own (same-day), transfer to an external bank account (one to three business days), or receive a check by mail (five to seven business days).
If you close the account and forget to move the money, contact Bank of America when ready. They can reopen the account or issue a check if the closure has already processed. Once an account is closed for more than a certain period, the bank may send unclaimed funds to your state's unclaimed property program, though this is rare if you have an active relationship with the bank.
Removing automatic payments and direct deposits before closure
Before you call or visit to close the account, log into your Bank of America online banking and review all transactions tied to the savings account. Look for any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits scheduled to hit this account. You must stop or redirect each one.
For automatic payments, go to the bill pay section and cancel or change the payment account to a different one you own. For direct deposits (such as payroll or benefits), contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and update your account information to point to a different account. For recurring transfers between your own accounts, cancel them in the transfer settings. Bank of America will not close the account until all of these are removed, so plan for this step to take a day or two if you have multiple payments to redirect.
Timing and what to expect after closure
If you close by phone or in person with a zero balance, the account closes the same day. If you have a balance and choose a same-day method (transfer to another Bank of America account or in-person cashier's check), the account closes within 24 hours. If you choose an external transfer or mailed check, the account remains open until the funds have been sent, which can take up to a week.
After closure, you will no longer see the account in your online banking or mobile app. Any statements or tax documents related to the account (such as 1099 forms if you earned interest) will be sent to your address on file. If you need a copy of old statements after closure, you can request them from Bank of America — they keep records for seven years. There is no fee to close a savings account at Bank of America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my savings account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closure. If you owe money, contact Bank of America to discuss payment options. Once the balance is settled, you can proceed with closure.
What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled to arrive after I close?
The deposit will fail if the account is already closed. You must update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefit provider before closing the account. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so plan ahead.
Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close a Bank of America account by phone or online from anywhere. If you prefer to close in person, any Bank of America branch nationwide can process it.
Will closing my savings account affect my credit score?
Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards and loans appear on your credit report.
How long does it take to close the account if I request a mailed check?
The bank typically mails the check within two to three business days of your closure request. Delivery depends on postal service, which usually takes five to seven business days. Total time from request to receiving the check is typically one to two weeks.