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 routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal if your account is in good standing. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you'll reach someone within minutes during business hours. If you have a zero balance, the process takes about 10 minutes. If you still have money in the account, the bank will either transfer it to another account you own or issue a check, which adds a few days to the timeline.

Before you close, check whether you have any pending transactions, automatic transfers set to that account, or linked services like bill pay. These need to be stopped or redirected first, or the closure will be delayed. If your account is overdrawn or flagged for fraud investigation, Bank of America will not let you close it until that issue is resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, or visit your local branch with a photo ID during business hours.
  • Your account must have a zero balance before closure, so withdraw or transfer any remaining funds first.
  • Stop any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers linked to the account before you request closure.
  • If the account is overdrawn or under investigation, Bank of America will not close it until the issue is resolved.
  • Closure is usually final within one business day, though checks issued in place of transfers may take 5 to 7 business days to arrive.

Closing by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of identification ready — they will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number or other personal details. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account.

The representative will confirm your account balance. If there is money in the account, they will ask where you want it sent — to another Bank of America account you own, to an external bank account, or as a check mailed to your address on file. If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. Once you confirm the destination, the representative will process the closure when ready. You will receive a confirmation number.

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter holds.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller you want to close your savings account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance, and ask where you want any remaining funds sent. If you choose to receive a check, the teller can issue it on the spot, though some branches may mail it instead — ask before you leave.

Bring your ID even if you are a long-time customer; the bank will not close the account without verifying your identity. If you have multiple accounts, make sure you are closing only the savings account you intend to close, not a checking account or other product by mistake.

Branch hours vary by location. Use Bank of America's branch locator on their website to find your nearest location and confirm hours before you go.

Closing online through your account

Log into your Bank of America online banking portal and navigate to the account settings or account management section. Some account types allow you to request closure directly through the portal; others do not. If the option appears, select it and follow the prompts to confirm your identity and choose where remaining funds should go.

Not all savings accounts can be closed online. If you do not see a closure option in your account settings, you will need to use the phone or branch method instead. This is common for accounts with certain features or those flagged for review.

What to do before you close

Stop any automatic deposits or transfers into the account at least one week before closure. This includes direct deposit paychecks, Social Security payments, or transfers from other accounts. Contact your employer, benefits provider, or the sending bank to redirect these payments to a different account.

Cancel any bill payments or recurring transfers set to pull from this savings account. Log into your online banking and review the "Transfers" and "Bill Pay" sections to see what is active. Disable each one, or update it to pull from a different account instead.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance to zero. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it until you move that money out. You can transfer to another Bank of America account when ready, or to an external account within one to two business days.

What happens if your account is overdrawn or flagged

If your account balance is negative (overdrawn), you cannot close it until the negative balance is paid. Deposit enough money to bring the balance to zero, then request closure.

If your account is under investigation for fraud, suspicious activity, or a dispute, Bank of America will not close it until the investigation concludes. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the issue. You will not be able to close the account yourself; you must wait for the bank to clear it or resolve the dispute first.

After closure

The account closes within one business day of your request. You will no longer be able to access it online or use any debit card linked to it. If you requested a check instead of a transfer, allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive in the mail.

Keep your confirmation number for your records. If you need proof that the account was closed, you can contact Bank of America customer service and reference that number. Some people keep this documentation for tax or financial records.

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 for a period of time after closure. Contact customer service to ask about the retention period for your specific account type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account I just closed?

Yes, you can open a new savings account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a problem — such as overdraft fees or a dispute — that issue will still be on your record. Bank of America may decline to open a new account if you owe them money or if your account was closed due to fraud or policy violation.

What if I closed my account but a check or transfer is still pending?

Pending transactions can still post to a closed account for a short time. If a deposit or payment hits the account after closure, Bank of America will hold it and contact you. Contact customer service with your confirmation number to resolve it — they may return the funds to the sender or transfer them to another account you own.

Do I lose my debit card when I close the savings account?

If your debit card was linked only to the savings account, it will no longer work after closure. If the card is linked to a checking account as well, it will continue to work for that account. Contact Bank of America if you are unsure which accounts your card is tied to.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account does not directly affect your credit score because savings accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close the account while it is overdrawn and do not pay the negative balance, that debt may be reported and could impact your score.

What if I never receive the check after closing?

If a check was mailed and you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact Bank of America customer service. Provide your confirmation number and the date you requested closure. They can issue a replacement check or transfer the funds to another account instead.