You can close a Bank of America savings account online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have linked accounts
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions. If you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out first — to another Bank of America account you own, or to an external bank account you've set up in their system.
The online closure process takes a few minutes, but the account may take a few business days to fully close on Bank of America's end. If you run into trouble during the process, you can call their customer service line or visit a local branch to complete the closure in person.
Key Takeaways
- Your savings account must have a zero balance before you can close it online — transfer any remaining money first.
- You can transfer funds to another Bank of America account or to an external bank account linked to your profile.
- The online closure process takes a few minutes, but the account may take several business days to fully close.
- If you cannot complete the closure online, you can call Bank of America or visit a branch in person.
- After closure, keep your final statement for your records and watch for any unexpected charges.
Transfer your balance before closing
Bank of America will not let you close a savings account with money still in it. Log into your account online or through the mobile app and check your current balance. If the balance is above zero, you need to move that money out first.
You have two main options: transfer to another account you own at Bank of America, or transfer to an external bank account. To transfer within Bank of America, go to the Transfers section of your account and select the savings account as the source. Choose your destination account and enter the amount. The transfer usually completes the same day or within one business day.
If you want to move the money to a bank account at a different institution, you'll need to have already linked that account to your Bank of America profile. If you haven't done this yet, add the external account first by going to Settings or Transfers and selecting "Add External Account." Bank of America will ask for the routing number and account number of the other bank. Once linked, you can transfer money the same way as an internal transfer.
Close the account through your online settings
Once your balance is zero, log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app. Look for the account you want to close and find the account details or settings section — this is usually accessible by tapping or clicking on the account name.
Scroll down to find an option that says "Close Account" or "Close This Account." Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you're closing it. You don't have to provide a reason, but the bank may use your feedback to improve their service. After you confirm, the closure request is submitted.
The account will not close when ready. Bank of America typically takes three to five business days to fully close the account after you submit the request online. During this time, the account will still appear in your profile but may be marked as "closed" or "pending closure." Once the closure is complete, the account will disappear from your account list.
What to do if you cannot close online
If the online closure option doesn't appear or you get an error message, the account may have a hold on it, pending transactions, or a small balance that didn't transfer correctly. Call Bank of America's customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. A representative can check your account and either fix the problem or close it for you over the phone.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person with a valid ID. A teller can close the account when ready and answer any questions about the closure. This is often the fastest option if you have a complicated account or if you want to confirm the closure is complete before you leave.
Check for pending charges and keep your records
After you close the account, watch your other Bank of America accounts for a few days to make sure no unexpected charges appear. Some recurring payments or subscriptions may still try to charge the closed account, which could trigger overdraft fees on a linked checking account.
Save your final statement from the savings account before it closes. You can read it from your online account or request a copy from the bank. Keep this statement for your records in case you need proof that the account was closed or to track any final transactions.
If you had automatic transfers set up from this savings account — for example, to a savings goal or to pay a bill — those transfers will stop once the account closes. Update any automatic payments or transfers that were linked to this account so they pull from a different account instead.
Reopen a closed account if you change your mind
If you close your savings account and then change your mind, you may be able to reopen it. Bank of America usually allows you to reopen a closed account within a short window — often 30 days, though this can vary. Contact customer service or visit a branch to ask about reopening. If the window has passed, you can open a new savings account instead.
Reopening is simpler than opening a brand-new account because Bank of America already has your information on file. However, if the account was closed due to inactivity or a violation of the account agreement, the bank may decline to reopen it.
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.
What happens to my debit card if I close my savings account?
Your debit card is linked to your checking account, not your savings account, so closing a savings account will not affect your debit card. You can still use it to make purchases and withdraw cash. If you close your checking account instead, you would need a new debit card or a different way to access your money.
Can I close the account if I have a negative balance?
No. If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must bring it to zero before closing. You can deposit money to cover the negative balance, or contact Bank of America to discuss payment options. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closing the account online.
How long does it take for the account to fully disappear from my profile?
Bank of America usually removes the closed account from your online profile within five to seven business days after the closure is complete. During the first few days after you request closure, the account may still appear but marked as closed or pending closure. If the account is still visible after a week, contact customer service to confirm the closure went through.
Do I need to close the account in person, or can I really do it online?
You can close most Bank of America savings accounts online without visiting a branch. The online process is faster and more convenient if your account is in good standing with a zero balance. You only need to visit in person if you run into technical problems, have a complicated account situation, or prefer to speak with someone face-to-face.