You can close a Navy Federal savings account by phone, in person, or by mail — the fastest way is usually a phone call to member services
Navy Federal does not charge a fee to close a savings account, and you do not have to keep a minimum balance while you are in the process. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or transfer any remaining money to another account — Navy Federal will not close an account that still holds funds. Once the account is empty, contact Navy Federal member services, tell them you want to close the account, and they will walk you through the rest.
The whole process usually takes a few minutes if you call, or a few days if you mail in a request. You will need your account number, which appears on your debit card or statements. If you have set up automatic transfers or bill payments from this account, cancel those first — Navy Federal will not process a closure if active transfers are still linked to it.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Federal charges no fee to close a savings account at any time.
- Your account must have a zero balance before closure — transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- Cancel any automatic transfers or bill payments tied to the account before you request closure.
- Calling member services is the fastest route and usually takes a few minutes to complete.
- Keep your account number handy when you contact Navy Federal, as they will ask for it to confirm your identity.
Three ways to close your account
By phone: Call Navy Federal member services at 1-888-842-6328. Tell them you want to close your savings account and have your account number ready. They will confirm your identity, verify the balance is zero, and process the closure on the call. This is the fastest option and usually takes five to ten minutes.
In person: Visit a Navy Federal branch with your ID and account number. A representative will verify your identity, check that the balance is zero, and close the account while you wait. Branches are open during standard business hours, and you can find locations on the Navy Federal website.
By mail: Write a letter to Navy Federal requesting closure of your savings account. Include your full name, account number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Mail it to Navy Federal's address (available on their website or by calling member services). This method takes longer — usually one to two weeks — because Navy Federal has to receive the letter, process it, and confirm closure in writing.
What to do before you call or visit
Empty your account completely. Transfer any balance to another Navy Federal account, another bank, or withdraw it in cash. Navy Federal will not close an account that still holds money, even if the balance is very small. If you are unsure how much is in the account, check your most recent statement or log into your Navy Federal online account.
Stop any automatic transactions. If you have set up direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or recurring transfers from this savings account, cancel them before you request closure. Navy Federal will ask whether any active transfers are linked to the account, and if there are, they will ask you to remove them first. This protects you from missed payments or failed transfers after the account closes.
Gather your account number. You will find it on your debit card, on any statement, or in your Navy Federal online account. Having it ready when you contact member services speeds up the process and helps them pull up the right account.
What happens after you close the account
Navy Federal will send you a written confirmation of the closure, usually within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records. If you closed the account by phone or in person, ask for a confirmation number at the time — write it down so you have proof of the closure date.
Your debit card will still work if it was linked to a checking account, but it will no longer access the closed savings account. If the debit card was linked only to the savings account you closed, Navy Federal may deactivate it. You can request a new card if you need one.
If you had any pending transactions or checks that had not cleared before closure, Navy Federal will handle them from your other accounts if you have them, or they will contact you about how to settle them. This is rare, but it is why the written confirmation is important — it shows the exact date the account closed.
Reasons people close Navy Federal savings accounts
Some people close a savings account because they are moving their money to a different bank or credit union that offers better interest rates or lower fees. Others close because they no longer need a separate savings account and want to simplify their banking. Some close because they are leaving the military or no longer meet Navy Federal membership requirements, though you can usually keep your account open even after you leave active duty.
If you are closing because of a problem with the account — unexpected fees, poor customer service, or a dispute — contact Navy Federal member services first. They may be able to resolve the issue without closure. If you still want to close after that conversation, the process remains the same.
If you want to reopen the account later
Navy Federal does not automatically prevent you from opening a new savings account after you close one. However, if the account was closed due to fraud, excessive overdrafts, or violation of Navy Federal's terms, they may decline to open a new account for you. If you closed the account in good standing — meaning you had no disputes and the balance was zero — you can open a new savings account whenever you want.
If you are unsure whether your closure was in good standing, call member services and ask. They can tell you whether there are any restrictions on opening a new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my Navy Federal membership if I close my savings account?
No. Your Navy Federal membership is separate from any individual account. You can close a savings account and keep your checking account, credit card, or other Navy Federal products. If you close all your accounts, your membership may become inactive, but you can reactivate it later.
What if I have a pending deposit or transfer when I close?
Contact Navy Federal before you close and ask them to hold the closure until the transaction clears. If a deposit or transfer arrives after the account is closed, Navy Federal will either return it to the sender or hold it for you — call member services to find out which happened and how to retrieve your money.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closure. If you have a negative balance, deposit money to cover it, then request closure. Navy Federal will not process a closure request on an overdrawn account.
How long does it take to close my account?
By phone or in person, closure is when ready — you will have a confirmation number the same day. By mail, it takes one to two weeks from the time Navy Federal receives your letter. The written confirmation arrives separately and may take another week.
Will closing my 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 products like credit cards and loans appear on your credit report.