You can close a USAA savings account by phone, online, or in person — the fastest way is usually a phone call

USAA lets you close a savings account without a penalty, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You do not have to visit a branch in person — most people close accounts by calling USAA Member Services. Before you call, decide what to do with any money still in the account: USAA will transfer it to another account you own, send you a check, or both.

The account must have a zero balance before USAA will close it. If you have pending transactions or scheduled transfers, those may take a few days to clear. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it under the same account number, though you can open a new savings account later if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Call USAA Member Services at the number on the back of your card or in the USAA app to close your savings account — this is faster than online or in-person methods.
  • Your account balance must be zero before USAA will close it, so transfer or withdraw all remaining money first.
  • Tell USAA where to send any final balance: to another account you own, as a check, or split between both.
  • Closing a savings account does not affect your checking account, credit cards, or other USAA products unless you close those separately.
  • Keep your account number and the date you closed the account for your records in case you need proof later.

Steps to close your account by phone

Call USAA Member Services using the number on the back of your debit card, in your online banking portal, or in the USAA mobile app. Have your account number ready, though the representative can look it up with your Social Security number or date of birth. Tell them you want to close your savings account.

The representative will confirm your account balance and ask where you want the money to go. You can have USAA transfer it to another account at USAA (such as a checking account), transfer it to an account at a different bank, or mail you a check. If you choose a transfer to another bank, you will need to provide the routing number and account number for that bank.

Once you confirm the destination, USAA will process the closure. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write this down. The transfer or check typically takes three to five business days, though it may be faster if you are moving money between USAA accounts.

Closing your account online or through the app

Log into your USAA online account or open the USAA mobile app. Go to the settings or account management section — this is usually labeled "Settings," "Account Services," or "Manage Accounts." Look for an option to close an account or manage savings accounts.

Not all USAA accounts can be closed through the online portal. If you do not see a close account option, or if the system tells you to contact Member Services, call instead. The phone route is more reliable for savings accounts specifically.

What happens to your money before the account closes

USAA will not close the account until the balance is exactly zero. If you have money in the account, you must move it before the closure is final. You can withdraw it at an ATM, transfer it online to another account you own, or ask USAA to send it as a check during the closure call.

If you have set up automatic transfers or bill payments from this savings account, cancel those first. Pending transactions can delay the closure. Check your recent activity in the app or online portal to see if anything is still processing.

Transfers to another bank during closure

If you want USAA to send your balance to a checking or savings account at a different bank, have that bank's routing number and your account number at that bank ready when you call. USAA can set up an external transfer during the closure call.

External transfers usually take three to five business days. If you need the money faster, withdraw it at a USAA ATM or ask USAA to mail you a check instead. Checks typically arrive within five to seven business days.

After your account is closed

Once USAA closes the account, you will no longer see it in your online banking or mobile app. Your other USAA accounts — checking, credit cards, loans — remain open and active unless you close those separately. Closing a savings account does not affect your USAA membership or your ability to use other USAA services.

Keep the confirmation number USAA gave you. If you ever need proof that the account was closed on a certain date, you can contact USAA Member Services and reference that number. You can also read or print your final account statement from the online portal before the account closes.

If you want to reopen a savings account later

You can open a new USAA savings account at any time through the app, online portal, or by calling Member Services. The new account will have a different account number than the one you closed. There is no waiting period — you can open a new account the same day you close the old one if you change your mind.

If you closed the account because of a problem — such as fees or poor service — contact USAA Member Services before reopening to discuss whether the issue can be resolved. Sometimes a representative can waive fees or adjust account settings rather than having you close and reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts like savings or checking.

What if I have a pending direct deposit or transfer scheduled?

Wait for pending transactions to clear before closing the account. If a direct deposit or transfer is scheduled to hit the account after you close it, it will be rejected. Contact your employer or the source of the transfer to redirect it to another account first.

Can I close the account if it has a negative balance?

No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before USAA will close it. If the account is overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance, then proceed with closure.

Do I need to visit a USAA branch in person to close the account?

No. You can close the account entirely by phone or online. USAA does not have traditional branches — it operates as an online bank. Calling Member Services is the most straightforward method.

What if I forgot my online password and cannot log in?

Call USAA Member Services instead. You do not need online access to close an account. The representative can verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, or other information and close the account over the phone.