You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have a balance
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using online banking if your account is may be able to access. The fastest method is usually a branch visit, where a banker can confirm your balance, process any remaining funds, and close the account on the spot. Phone closure takes longer because the bank verifies your identity through security questions before proceeding. Online closure is available only for certain account types and requires you to transfer out any remaining balance first.
Before you close, check your account balance and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. If you have a negative balance or owe fees, the bank will not close the account until that is settled. You should also confirm whether you want remaining funds transferred to another account or sent by check.
Key Takeaways
- Closing in person at a Bank of America branch is the fastest method and works for all account types, usually taking minutes.
- Phone closure requires you to call 1-800-432-1000 and answer security questions, and the bank may mail you a check for any remaining balance rather than transfer it when ready.
- Online closure through the mobile app or website is available only for certain savings accounts and requires your balance to be zero before you start.
- You must settle any negative balance or outstanding fees before the account can close, and you should confirm where remaining funds will go.
- After closure, keep your final statement for your records and monitor the account for a few weeks to may support no unexpected charges appear.
Closing your account in person at a branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and ask to close your savings account. The banker will pull up your account, confirm your current balance, and ask how you want remaining funds handled. If you have money in the account, you can request a transfer to another Bank of America account (which happens when ready), a transfer to an outside bank (which takes one to three business days), or a check mailed to your address (which takes five to seven business days).
The banker will then process the closure and give you a receipt. This is the most straightforward route because everything happens in one conversation and you leave with proof the account is closed. If you have a negative balance or pending transactions, the banker will explain what needs to settle before closure can complete.
Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will ask for your account number and then verify your identity by asking security questions — usually your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to questions based on your account history. This process takes five to ten minutes.
Once verified, the representative will confirm your balance and ask where you want remaining funds sent. Bank of America typically mails a check for phone closures rather than transferring funds electronically, so expect the check to arrive in five to seven business days. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write this down and keep it with your records.
Closing through the Bank of America app or website
Online closure is available for some savings accounts but not all. Log into your Bank of America account on the mobile app or at bankofamerica.com, navigate to your savings account, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. Not all account types show this option — if you do not see it, you will need to use phone or branch closure instead.
If the option appears, the system will require your account balance to be exactly zero before you can proceed. This means you must first transfer or withdraw all remaining funds to another account. Once your balance is zero, follow the on-screen prompts to confirm closure. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and the account will close within one to two business days.
What happens to your money and what to do before you close
Any balance remaining in your account must go somewhere — Bank of America will not close an account with money in it. Decide in advance whether you want funds transferred to another Bank of America account you own, sent to an outside bank, or mailed as a check. Transfers to another Bank of America account are when ready. Transfers to an outside bank require the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there, and take one to three business days. Checks take five to seven business days to arrive.
Before closing, review your account for any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to this account. If you have recurring transfers or bill payments set to this savings account, you must cancel or redirect them first — otherwise they may fail or trigger overdraft fees. Check your last few statements to see what is connected to this account.
Handling a negative balance or outstanding fees
If your account shows a negative balance, you owe Bank of America money and the account cannot close until you pay it. The same applies if you have unpaid fees. You can pay the amount owed through online banking, at a branch, or by phone. Once the balance is zero or positive and all fees are paid, you can proceed with closure through any of the three methods.
If you are unsure whether you owe anything, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch and ask for your current account status. The representative will tell you exactly what is owed and how to pay it.
After your account closes
Once closed, the account number becomes inactive and cannot be used for deposits or withdrawals. If you requested a check, it will arrive within the timeframe the bank quoted. If you requested a transfer, confirm it arrived in the receiving account within the expected number of business days — if it does not, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number.
Keep your final statement and the closure confirmation number for your records. For the next few weeks, monitor your email and mail for any unexpected charges or communications about this account. Occasionally, a delayed transaction or automatic payment will attempt to post after closure, which you can dispute if it occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my savings account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance and any associated fees before the account can close. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to find out exactly what you owe, then pay it through online banking, in person, or by phone. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close the account.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America savings account?
In person at a branch, closure is when ready — you walk out with a receipt the same day. By phone, the call takes five to ten minutes but the account closes within one to two business days. Online closure also takes one to two business days after you confirm. Transferring remaining funds to an outside bank adds one to three extra business days.
What if I have automatic payments or transfers set up on this account?
You must cancel or redirect them before closing. Check your last few statements to see what is linked to this account. If an automatic payment attempts to post after closure, it will fail and may trigger a fee. Contact the company or service that set up the payment and update your account information with them.
Will I get a check if I close by phone?
Bank of America typically mails a check for phone closures rather than transferring funds electronically. The check takes five to seven business days to arrive. If you want an when ready transfer, close in person at a branch or request a transfer to another Bank of America account you own, which is when ready.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close your account at any Bank of America branch nationwide, by calling the main customer service line, or online. Your account is linked to your Social Security number and account number, not to a specific branch location.