You can close a Bank of America savings account through their website, by phone, or in person at a branch

The fastest way is through your online banking account if you have one set up. Log in, go to the account settings or service requests section, and look for an option to close the account. Bank of America also lets you close an account by calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a branch in person with your ID. Before you start the process, make sure your account balance is zero — you'll need to withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.

Closing an account takes a few minutes once you begin, but the account may take a few business days to fully close on their system. You should receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Keep that confirmation letter in case you need proof later that the account is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close your savings account, so withdraw or transfer any remaining funds first.
  • Online closure through your Bank of America account is the quickest method if you already have digital banking set up.
  • If you cannot close online, you can call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID to request closure by phone or in person.
  • The account closure takes a few business days to process, and you will receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.

Steps to close your account online

Start by logging into your Bank of America online banking account on their website or mobile app. Once you're logged in, look for a menu option labeled "Service Requests," "Account Services," or "Manage Accounts" — the exact name varies depending on whether you're using the website or app. Select the option to close or deactivate your account.

Bank of America will ask you to confirm which account you want to close and may ask why you're closing it. Answer their questions, then review the summary of what will happen. The system will confirm that your balance is zero before letting you proceed. Once you submit the request, you'll see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.

What to do if you still have money in the account

If your savings account has any balance, you cannot close it through the online system. You have two options: transfer the money to another account, or withdraw it in cash.

To transfer money online, log into your Bank of America account and look for "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money." You can send the balance to another Bank of America account you own, or to an account at a different bank if you've already set up an external transfer. If you're transferring to a different bank for the first time, you may need to wait one to two business days for that bank to be verified before the transfer goes through.

To withdraw the money instead, visit a Bank of America branch with your ID and ask the teller to withdraw the full balance from your savings account. You can take it as cash or ask them to deposit it into another account you have.

Closing your account by phone

If you prefer not to use online banking, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure over the phone.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. Write it down along with the date and time of the call. You should still receive written confirmation in the mail, but having the phone confirmation number helps if there are any questions later.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to speak with a banker about closing your savings account. Bring your account number if you have it, though the banker can look it up using your ID. Make sure your account balance is zero before you go, or plan to withdraw or transfer the money while you're there.

The banker will process the closure and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. Even though you have proof from the branch, you'll still receive official written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks.

What happens after you request closure

Once you submit your closure request, Bank of America stops all activity on that account. Any automatic payments or transfers linked to that account will fail, so if you had bills set to pay from this savings account, you need to change those payment methods before you close the account. Check any subscriptions or recurring charges you might have forgotten about.

The account will show as "closed" in your online banking within a few business days, though the official closure can take longer. You will receive a final statement by mail showing the account balance at the time of closure and confirming the account is closed. Keep this statement for your records.

What to do if you cannot close the account online

If the online closure option doesn't appear in your account, it usually means your account has a balance, has pending transactions, or has a hold on it. Go back and check your balance one more time. If it shows zero but you still can't close it online, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative why the online option isn't available.

Sometimes a recent deposit or pending charge can prevent closure even if your balance appears to be zero. The representative can tell you what's blocking the closure and help you resolve it. Once the issue is cleared, you can try closing online again or ask them to close it over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit report. Closing a savings account is a straightforward account management action with no credit impact.

What if I closed my account but still see it online?

After you request closure, the account may still appear in your online banking for a few days or even a couple of weeks while the system processes the closure. This is normal. Once the official closure is complete, the account will disappear from your account list. If it's still there after three weeks, call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the closure went through.

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

Yes, you can open a new savings account at Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account very recently, there may be a short waiting period before you can open another one. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to ask if there are any restrictions based on when you closed the previous account.

Do I need to close the account if I'm just not using it?

You don't have to close it, but Bank of America may charge a monthly maintenance fee on inactive savings accounts depending on your account type. Check your account terms or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about fees. If there's a fee and you're not using the account, closing it stops the charges. If there's no fee, you can leave it open without any penalty.