You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or online, depending on your account type and what you need to do first

Closing a Bank of America savings account takes a few steps, but none of them are complicated. The main thing is to move or withdraw your money first, then tell the bank you want the account closed. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account. You can start the process at a branch, over the phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through your online banking portal if your account is set up for digital closure.

The timeline is usually quick — the account closes within a few business days once you have completed the steps. The tricky part is not the closing itself, but making sure you have moved your money somewhere safe first and that you have settled any outstanding transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Withdraw or transfer all money from your savings account before requesting closure, since Bank of America will not close an account with a balance.
  • Check for pending transactions, automatic deposits, or recurring payments tied to the account and redirect them before you close it.
  • You can close the account in person at any Bank of America branch, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or through your online banking portal.
  • Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account, and the process typically completes within three to five business days.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case questions arise later.

Empty the account and check for pending activity

Before you contact Bank of America to close the account, make sure the balance is zero. The bank will not process a closure request if money is still in the account. Withdraw the full balance in cash at a branch, transfer it to another account (at Bank of America or elsewhere), or do both if you want to split the money.

While you are emptying the account, check for any automatic deposits, recurring bill payments, or transfers that are still linked to it. If your paycheck, Social Security, or other regular deposits go to this savings account, you will need to update that information with your employer or the paying agency. Similarly, if any bills or subscriptions are set to withdraw from this account, change those payment methods now. Closing the account will stop those transactions, which could cause late payments or service interruptions.

Log into your online banking portal and review the last 30 to 60 days of activity. Look for any pending transactions that have not yet cleared. If you see anything that has not posted, wait for it to complete before closing the account, or contact the other party to cancel it.

Close the account at a branch in person

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to close your savings account. Bring your debit card or account number so the representative can pull up your account quickly. The representative will confirm that the balance is zero, ask why you are closing the account (this is optional information — you do not have to answer), and process the closure.

The account will close when ready, though it may take a few business days for the closure to appear in your online banking portal. Ask the representative for a written confirmation of the closure. This is important: keep this document in case you need to prove the account is closed later, such as if a payment attempt bounces or if you need to dispute something.

Close the account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will verify that your balance is zero and ask a few questions about why you are closing the account. You do not have to provide a reason, but the bank may ask anyway.

The representative will process the closure over the phone. Ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This step matters: a phone call leaves no paper trail, so written confirmation protects you if there are questions later. The account will close within a few business days.

Close the account online if your bank offers it

Some Bank of America accounts can be closed through the online banking portal. Log in, go to your account settings or account management section, and look for a "close account" or "account closure" option. Not all account types support online closure, so if you do not see this option, use the phone or branch method instead.

If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and verify that the balance is zero. The system will ask you to confirm the closure. Once you submit, the account will close within a few business days. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save it as your proof of closure.

What happens after you close the account

The account will stop appearing in your online banking portal within a few business days. Any pending transactions tied to the account will be rejected, so make sure you have redirected all automatic payments and deposits before the closure is final. If a payment bounces because the account is closed, the merchant or creditor may charge you a fee — that is why redirecting payments first is so important.

If you still have a checking account with Bank of America, your savings account closure will not affect it. The two accounts are separate. If you are closing your only account with the bank, your online banking access will end once all accounts are closed.

If you need to reopen the account later

Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed savings account within a certain window, though the exact timeframe varies. Contact the bank directly to ask whether your account can be reopened. If it can, the process is usually quick. If too much time has passed, you will need to open a new account instead.

If you closed the account because of a fee or a service issue, consider calling the bank before closure to see whether they can address the problem. Sometimes a representative can waive fees or switch you to a different account type that better fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a pending deposit or payment when I close the account?

Pending transactions will bounce once the account is closed. Redirect all automatic deposits and payments to another account before you request closure. If a transaction bounces after closure, contact the merchant or creditor to explain and ask them to resubmit it to your new account.

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 appear on your credit report.

Can I close the account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before closing. If your account is overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance first. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The closure is usually processed when ready when you request it in person or by phone, but it may take three to five business days to disappear from your online banking portal. Written confirmation from the bank is your proof that the account is closed, even if it still shows online temporarily.

Do I need to close my debit card if I close my savings account?

If your debit card is linked only to the savings account you are closing, contact Bank of America to deactivate it. If the card is linked to a checking account or another account you are keeping open, the card will continue to work with that account.