You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or online, depending on your account type and what you prefer
Closing a savings account at Bank of America is straightforward, but the method that works fastest depends on whether you have a balance, whether you want to do it from home, and what type of account you hold. The bank does not charge a fee to close an account. Before you start, you will need to move any money out of the account — the bank will not close it while there is a balance, and they will not transfer funds to another bank for you.
The three main routes are visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using the online banking portal. Each takes a different amount of time and requires different information. If you have a joint account, both owners may need to be present or to consent, depending on the bank's policy at your branch.
Key Takeaways
- You must withdraw or transfer all money from the account before Bank of America will close it — the bank will not do this for you.
- Closing in person at a branch is the fastest method and requires only your ID and the account number.
- Phone closure takes longer because the bank must verify your identity through security questions, but works if you cannot visit a branch.
- Online closure through your Bank of America portal is available for some account types but not all — check your account settings first.
- After closure, keep any final statements or confirmation emails in case you need proof the account was closed.
Closing your account in person at a Bank of America branch
Walking into a branch with your ID is the fastest way to close a savings account. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and know your account number, though the teller can look it up if you give them your name and Social Security number. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will confirm the balance is zero, process the closure, and give you a receipt or confirmation number on the spot.
This method works even if you have a joint account, as long as you are one of the owners. If both owners need to consent and the other owner is not present, ask the teller what your branch requires — some branches will close it with one owner's request, while others ask you to bring written consent from the other owner or to have them call in.
Bring any debit cards linked to the account. The teller may ask you to cut them up or may tell you they will stop working automatically. Ask before you leave whether the account is fully closed or if there are any pending transactions that might reopen it.
Closing your account by phone
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready, though you can also give your Social Security number and date of birth. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions — usually information from your account history or from your credit file. This process takes longer than in-person closure because the bank cannot see your ID.
Once your identity is confirmed, tell the representative you want to close the savings account. They will confirm the balance is zero. If there is money in the account, they will tell you to withdraw it first and call back. They cannot transfer the money to another account for you.
Ask the representative to email or mail you a confirmation of closure. Phone closures sometimes take a few business days to process, so follow up online or call back in three to five days to confirm the account no longer appears in your account list.
Closing your account through online banking
Not all Bank of America account types can be closed through the online portal. Log into your account at bankofamerica.com and look in the account settings or account management section — if there is a "close account" option, your account type supports online closure. If you do not see that option, you will need to use the phone or branch method instead.
If the option is available, click it and follow the prompts. The system will confirm your balance is zero before allowing you to proceed. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Unlike phone or branch closure, you will not speak to anyone, so take a screenshot of the confirmation page or write down the confirmation number.
Check your account the next business day to confirm it no longer shows in your account list. If it still appears, call customer service to confirm the closure went through — sometimes the online system shows a delay of one to two business days.
What to do with your money before closing
You must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close the account. If you have money in the savings account, withdraw it to your checking account, to another bank, or in cash at an ATM or branch. The fastest method is transferring to your Bank of America checking account if you have one — this is when ready and happens within the same bank.
If you want to move the money to a different bank, withdraw it in cash or transfer it using the other bank's incoming transfer tool. Bank of America does not initiate outgoing transfers to other banks for savings account closures. Some banks let you start an incoming transfer from their website or app, which pulls the money from your Bank of America account automatically.
If there are pending deposits or automatic payments set to that account, cancel them or redirect them before you close. After the account closes, any deposits or payments sent to it may be rejected or returned, which can cause problems with employers, benefits, or creditors.
What happens after your account is closed
Once closed, you cannot use the account. Any debit card linked to it will stop working. If you set up automatic bill payments or direct deposits to this account, they will fail, so change those to a different account first. The bank will keep records of the closed account for a period of time in case you need proof of closure for tax or legal reasons.
You may receive a final statement in the mail showing the account closure date. Keep this for your records. If you need to prove the account was closed — for example, to a creditor or for a legal matter — you can request a closure letter from the bank by calling customer service or visiting a branch.
If you closed the account but later realize you need to access old statements or transaction history, you can still request them from Bank of America. The bank keeps records for several years after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a joint savings account if the other owner does not want to?
This depends on your branch's policy and how the account is set up. Some branches will close it with one owner's request; others require both owners to consent. Call your branch directly or visit in person and ask what they require. If the account is set up so either owner can close it alone, you can proceed. If both must consent, you will need the other owner's signature or verbal consent.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment?
Cancel or redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits before you close the account. After closure, deposits and payments sent to the account will be rejected. Contact your employer, benefits provider, or creditor to change the account number on file. Do this at least a week before you close the account to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
Do I have to close the account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
You can close by phone, online, or in person. Phone closure takes longer because the bank must verify your identity through security questions, but it works if you cannot visit a branch. Online closure is fastest if your account type supports it. In-person closure is when ready if you have your ID.
What if I forgot my online banking password?
Reset your password at bankofamerica.com before you try to close online. If you cannot reset it, use the phone or branch method instead. You do not need online access to close the account.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
In-person closure is when ready — the account closes while you are at the branch. Phone and online closures usually take one to three business days to process. Check your account list a few days later to confirm it no longer appears. If it still shows after three business days, call customer service to verify.