You can close a Discover savings account by phone, online, or by mail — the fastest way is usually a phone call

Discover does not charge a fee to close a savings account, and you can do it without visiting a branch because Discover operates entirely online. Before you close the account, you need to withdraw or transfer any money in it — Discover will not close an account that still holds funds. Once the balance is zero, you can request closure through their customer service line at 1-800-347-2000, through your online account dashboard, or by sending a written request by mail.

The process typically takes a few business days to complete. Discover will send you written confirmation that the account is closed, usually within one to two weeks. If you have any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, those should be cancelled or redirected before you close it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must withdraw or transfer your entire balance to zero before Discover will close the account.
  • Calling Discover at 1-800-347-2000 is usually the fastest way to request closure and get when ready confirmation.
  • You can also request closure online through your account dashboard or by mailing a written request to Discover's address.
  • Closing the account takes a few business days, and you will receive written confirmation by mail.
  • Cancel any automatic payments or transfers linked to the account before closing it to avoid declined transactions.

Withdrawing or transferring your balance before closing

Discover requires the account balance to be exactly zero before they will process a closure request. If you have money in the account, you have two options: withdraw it or transfer it to another bank account.

To withdraw funds, you can request a check from Discover, which they will mail to you — this typically takes five to seven business days. Alternatively, you can transfer the money electronically to another bank account you own. Log into your Discover account online, select the transfer option, and provide the routing and account number of the receiving bank. Electronic transfers usually complete within one to two business days.

If you have a very small balance and do not want to wait for a check or transfer, you can also call Discover and ask them to mail you a check for the remaining amount before you formally request closure.

Closing your account by phone

Calling Discover customer service is the most direct way to close your account. Dial 1-800-347-2000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your statements or in your online dashboard.

The representative will confirm that your balance is zero, verify your identity by asking security questions, and process the closure request. They will give you a confirmation number on the call. Ask them to note in your file that you requested closure, so there is a record if you need to reference it later.

After you hang up, Discover will send you written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records.

Closing your account online or by mail

If you prefer not to call, you can request closure through your online account. Log into your Discover account, go to the account settings or profile section, and look for an option to close or deactivate the account. Discover's website will walk you through confirming your balance is zero and submitting the closure request. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and a follow-up email.

You can also close the account by mail. Write a letter to Discover requesting closure of your savings account and include your account number, full name, and signature. Mail it to Discover Bank, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298. Include a copy of a recent statement or other document showing your account number. Mail closure takes longer — typically two to three weeks for Discover to receive and process your letter, plus another one to two weeks for confirmation to reach you.

What happens to linked services and automatic payments

Before you close the account, check whether you have set up any automatic payments, transfers, or bill pay services using this savings account. If you do, those transactions will fail once the account is closed, which could result in late fees or service interruptions.

Log into your Discover account and review your settings for automatic transfers, bill pay, and linked external accounts. Cancel or redirect any automatic payments to a different account at least one week before you request closure. If you have automatic deposits going into this account (such as a paycheck transfer), update your employer or the sending institution with your new account information.

After your account is closed

Once Discover confirms the account is closed, you will no longer be able to access it online or make deposits or withdrawals. The account will no longer earn interest. Discover will keep records of the closed account for their internal purposes, but you will not see it in your online dashboard after a few weeks.

Keep the written confirmation letter Discover sends you. If you ever need to prove the account was closed on a specific date — for tax purposes, for a dispute, or for another reason — this letter is your proof. Do not throw it away when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Discover 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 also have a Discover credit card, closing the savings account will not impact that either. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like cards and loans, not deposit accounts.

What if I have pending transactions when I try to close?

Discover will not close the account if there are pending transactions that have not yet cleared. Wait for all pending transactions to post, then verify the balance is zero before requesting closure. If a transaction is stuck in pending status for more than a few days, call Discover to have them investigate and clear it.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new Discover savings account at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact Discover when ready — they may be able to cancel the closure request if it has not yet been processed. Otherwise, you will need to open a fresh account.

How long does it take to close the account?

Closure requests submitted by phone or online typically process within a few business days. You will receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Mail-in closure requests take longer — usually two to three weeks for Discover to receive your letter, plus another one to two weeks for confirmation.

Do I need to close the account in person?

No. Because Discover is an online bank with no physical branches, you cannot close the account in person. You must use phone, online, or mail. There is no option to visit a location.