You can close a Bank of America savings account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have a zero balance

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest is usually a phone call — you can reach them at 1-800-432-1000, and the process takes about 10 minutes. If you have money in the account, you'll need to move it out first or let Bank of America send you a check. If you have a linked checking account or outstanding fees, those may need to be settled before closure.

The account won't close when ready. Bank of America typically processes the closure within 5 to 10 business days after you request it. During that window, the account remains open but inactive. Any pending transactions may still post, so check your account a few days after you request closure to make sure nothing unexpected went through.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, or visit your local branch or online banking to request closure through those channels.
  • Move your remaining balance to another account or request a check; Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance without your instruction on what to do with the money.
  • The closure takes 5 to 10 business days to process, so check your account after a week to confirm it has been closed.
  • If you have overdraft protection linked to a checking account or automatic payments set up, those should be reviewed before closure to avoid declined transactions.

Closing by phone is the fastest route

Call Bank of America's main customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready — you'll find it on your debit card, statements, or in your online banking login. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly recent transaction details.

Tell them you want to close your savings account. They'll ask what you want to do with any remaining balance. If you have money in the account, you can request a check mailed to your address on file, or you can provide another bank account number to transfer the funds to. If the account has a zero balance, the closure request goes through when ready.

The representative will confirm the closure date and send you a confirmation number. Write this down. If you don't receive written confirmation in the mail within a week, call back and reference the confirmation number to verify the account is closed.

Closing in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They'll pull up your account and ask the same questions as a phone representative: what to do with your balance, and whether you have any linked accounts or services.

If you have cash or a check to deposit before closing, you can do that in the same visit. If you want the balance transferred to another account, the teller can process that right away — it typically takes 1 to 3 business days to show up in the receiving account. If you want a check mailed, the teller will note that and you'll receive it within 7 to 10 business days.

Ask for a written confirmation of the closure request before you leave the branch. This gives you proof of the date and time you requested it, which is useful if there's any confusion later.

Closing through online banking

Log into your Bank of America online account and navigate to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Not all account types can be closed online — if you don't see this option, you'll need to call or visit a branch.

If the option is available, click it and follow the prompts. You'll be asked to confirm your identity and specify what to do with your balance. Bank of America will show you the remaining balance and ask whether you want a check mailed or a transfer to another account. Complete the request and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen — screenshot or write this down.

Online closure requests typically take the same 5 to 10 business days as phone or in-person requests. Check your account after a week to confirm it shows as closed.

What happens to your balance and linked services

If your savings account has money in it, you must tell Bank of America what to do with it before they'll close the account. Your options are a mailed check, a transfer to another Bank of America account you own, or a transfer to an account at a different bank. If you choose a transfer to another bank, provide the account number and routing number — the transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

If your savings account is linked to overdraft protection on a checking account, that link will be removed when the savings account closes. This means if you overdraw your checking account after the savings account is closed, the overdraft won't be covered by a transfer from savings. Review your checking account settings after closure to make sure you understand your new overdraft status.

Any automatic payments or recurring transfers set up to or from the savings account will stop working once the account is closed. If you have automatic transfers going to this savings account from your paycheck or another source, update those before you request closure so the money doesn't get rejected.

Timing and what to expect after you request closure

The closure request is submitted when ready when you call, visit a branch, or complete the online form. However, Bank of America doesn't close the account right away — they process it over the next 5 to 10 business days. During this window, the account is still technically open but flagged for closure.

Any transactions that were already in process when you requested closure may still post to the account. This is why you should check your account a few days after requesting closure to make sure nothing unexpected went through. If a transaction posts after you've requested closure, contact Bank of America to dispute it or have it reversed.

Once the account is fully closed, you won't be able to log into it or access it online. If you need records of transactions from that account, read or print your statements before requesting closure. Bank of America keeps records for your tax file, but accessing old statements after closure requires calling customer service.

If you have fees or a negative balance

If your savings account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Bank of America money — you'll need to pay that amount before the account can close. This usually happens if monthly maintenance fees accumulated and weren't covered by your balance. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out the exact amount owed.

You can pay the negative balance by transferring money from another Bank of America account, using a debit card, or providing a check. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with the closure request. If you dispute the fees, you can ask for a review, but Bank of America won't close the account until the matter is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if I have pending transactions?

Yes, but pending transactions may still post after you request closure. Check your account a few days after requesting closure to see if anything unexpected went through. If a transaction posts after closure is requested, contact Bank of America to dispute it.

What if I don't have another account to transfer my balance to?

Bank of America will mail you a check for your remaining balance. The check is sent to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Make sure your mailing address is current before requesting closure.

Will closing my savings account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America savings account?

You can open a new savings account with Bank of America at any time, but you cannot reopen a closed account. If you close the account and change your mind, you'll need to open a new one with a new account number.

How long does it take for my balance to arrive if I request a check?

Bank of America mails checks within 7 to 10 business days of the closure request. The check is sent to your address on file. Once mailed, delivery depends on your postal service — typically 3 to 5 additional business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call customer service to request a replacement.