You can close a Bank of America savings account through their website, by phone, or in person at a branch
Bank of America lets you close a savings account online through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes and requires you to have access to your online login. You will need to move any remaining balance out first — either to another account or by requesting a check — because the bank will not close an account with money still in it.
If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, you can also close the account by calling Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 or visiting a branch in person. The steps are the same regardless of method: confirm your account details, move your money, and submit the closure request.
Key Takeaways
- You must withdraw or transfer all money from the account before Bank of America will close it.
- Online closure through the website or mobile app is the fastest method and requires only your login credentials.
- If you have pending transactions or scheduled transfers, wait for them to clear before closing the account.
- The account typically closes within one to three business days after you submit the request.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the closure is complete.
Steps to close your account online through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you are logged in, navigate to the settings or account management section — this is usually found in the top right corner under your profile or account menu. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Manage Accounts."
Select the savings account you want to close from the list of your accounts. Bank of America will show you the current balance and ask you to confirm that the account is empty. If there is still money in the account, you will need to go back and transfer it to another Bank of America account or withdraw it before you can proceed with the closure.
Once the balance is zero, confirm the closure request. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity and may send a confirmation code to your registered email address or phone number. Enter this code to complete the process. You should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes stating that your closure request has been submitted.
Moving your money before closing
Before you can close the account, you must move any remaining balance out. The easiest method is to transfer the money to another Bank of America account you own — this takes one to two business days. Log into your account, go to the transfer section, and select the account you want to send the money to. Enter the amount and confirm the transfer.
If you want to close all your Bank of America accounts or do not have another account to transfer to, you can request a check. Bank of America will mail a check to your address on file within five to seven business days. You can also withdraw cash at any Bank of America branch or ATM, though this may not be practical for large amounts.
Make sure any automatic payments or recurring transfers linked to this account are cancelled or moved to another account first. If a payment tries to go through after you close the account, it will be rejected, which could result in late fees from the company you owe money to.
What happens after you submit the closure request
After you submit your closure request online, Bank of America processes it within one to three business days. During this time, the account remains open but inactive. You will not be able to use the debit card or make new transactions, but any pending transactions that were already in progress may still post to the account.
Once the closure is complete, you will receive a final confirmation email. The account will no longer appear in your online banking dashboard. If you need a record of the account for tax purposes or to dispute a transaction, Bank of America can provide account statements for up to seven years after closure.
Closing your account by phone or in person
If you prefer not to close the account online, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm that your balance is zero, and process the closure over the phone. This method takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also visit any Bank of America branch in person. Bring a government-issued ID and your account number. A banker will verify your information, confirm the balance is empty, and submit the closure request. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash or have questions about your account history before closing.
Common reasons the closure might be delayed
Bank of America will not close an account if there is still a balance in it, even if the amount is very small. If your closure request was rejected, log back into your account and check the balance. Transfer or withdraw any remaining funds, then resubmit the closure request.
If you have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment scheduled, the bank may hold the closure until those transactions clear. Wait for the transaction to post, then try closing again. If you recently opened the account, Bank of America may require you to wait a certain number of days before closure is allowed — this varies by account type.
If there is a dispute on the account or an outstanding debt to Bank of America, the bank may not allow closure until the issue is resolved. Contact customer service to find out what is blocking the closure and what you need to do to move forward.
What to do with your debit card after closing
Once your account is closed, your debit card will no longer work. You do not need to do anything special — the card will straightforward be declined if you try to use it. However, it is a good idea to destroy the card yourself by cutting it up or shredding it to prevent anyone from trying to use it.
If you have multiple Bank of America accounts and are only closing the savings account, your debit card may still be linked to your checking account. In that case, the card will continue to work for transactions on your checking account. If you are closing all your accounts, you will need a new payment method for future purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my savings 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 a checking account that is linked to overdraft protection or a credit line, that closure may have a small impact. The effect is usually minimal and temporary.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, though policies vary. Contact customer service to ask whether your account can be reopened and what steps are required. If too much time has passed, you will need to open a new account instead.
What if I have a pending transaction when I try to close?
Wait for the pending transaction to post before closing the account. Pending transactions can take one to three business days to clear. Once the transaction posts and the balance is zero, you can submit your closure request.
Do I need to close the account in the same way I opened it?
No. You can open an account online and close it by phone, or open it in a branch and close it online. The method you use to close has no connection to how you opened the account.
Will I get a final statement after closing?
Bank of America will send a final statement to your address on file showing all activity up to the closure date. You can also view and read statements from closed accounts through your online banking portal for several years after closure.