The fastest way to close your Bank of America savings account
You can close a Bank of America savings account in person at any branch, by phone, or online through your account settings. The in-person route takes minutes if you have your ID and debit card. By phone, call the customer service number on the back of your card or 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone in savings accounts. Online, log into your Bank of America account, go to Settings, select "Close Account," choose your savings account, and follow the prompts — though you may need to call to complete the closure if the system flags anything.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it. If you have a balance, transfer it to another account first or withdraw it in cash. You also need to cancel any automatic transfers or bill payments tied to that account, or they will fail after closure.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through your online account settings under Settings and "Close Account."
- Your account balance must be zero before Bank of America will close it — transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- Cancel any automatic transfers, direct deposits, or bill payments linked to the account before you close it.
- The bank will send you written confirmation of the closure, usually within one to two weeks.
- If you have a linked checking account or other products, closing one account does not affect the others.
What to do with your money before closing
Transfer your balance to another account at Bank of America or move it to a different bank entirely. If you are moving to another bank, you can set up an external transfer through your Bank of America account online — go to Transfers, select "Transfer to another bank," and follow the prompts. This usually takes one to three business days. Alternatively, you can withdraw the money in cash at any Bank of America ATM or branch.
If you have direct deposits going into this savings account, change the deposit instructions with your employer or the organization sending the money before you close the account. The same applies to any automatic bill payments or transfers you have set up. Once the account is closed, those transactions will be rejected.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and tell a teller you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. Ask for written confirmation before you leave.
This is the fastest method if you have a branch nearby. The teller can also answer questions about any fees or holds on your account and can help you transfer money if you have not done so already. If you have multiple accounts with Bank of America, make sure you specify which savings account you want to close.
Closing by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number and ID ready. They will verify your identity, check that your balance is zero, and process the closure. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask them to mail you written confirmation of the closure.
Phone closure works well if you do not have a branch nearby or prefer not to go in person. The representative can also help you transfer money to another account if you have not done so yet. Keep the confirmation number they give you in case you need to reference the closure later.
Closing through your online account
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then look for "Close Account" or "Account Services." Select your savings account from the list, confirm your balance is zero, and follow the on-screen steps. The system may ask you to confirm your identity or answer security questions.
If the online closure goes through, you will see a confirmation message. If the system will not let you complete it online, you will be directed to call or visit a branch. This can happen if there are holds on the account, pending transactions, or other flags. In that case, phone or in-person closure is your next step.
What happens after you close the account
Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records. Your debit card linked to that account will stop working for that account, though if you have a checking account with the same card, it will still work for that account.
If you had a savings account number or routing number written down anywhere, those become inactive. Any checks or transfers you try to make to that account after closure will be rejected. If you set up a new savings account elsewhere, update any automatic deposits or payments with the new account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America savings account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before closing. If your account is overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance first, then close the account.
What if I have a linked checking account — will closing my savings account affect it?
No. Closing one account does not affect any other accounts you have at Bank of America. Your checking account, if you have one, will remain open and active.
How long does it take Bank of America to close a savings account?
The closure is processed immediately when you close in person or by phone. Online closure is also immediate if approved. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.
What if I change my mind after closing my account?
You cannot reopen the exact same account. However, you can open a new Bank of America savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling, or going online. The new account will have a different account number.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. Bank of America operates nationwide, so you can close your account at any branch, by phone, or online regardless of where you opened it or where you live now.