You can close a Bank of America savings account online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have linked accounts

Bank of America lets you close a savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The fastest route is logging into your account, navigating to account settings, and selecting the option to close. However, the actual closure may take a few days to process, and you'll need to handle your remaining balance first — either transfer it out or request a check.

The online closure works only if your account is in good standing, meaning no outstanding fees, no pending transactions, and ideally a zero balance. If you have a negative balance or owe the bank money, you'll need to settle that before closure goes through. If your savings account is linked to other accounts (like a checking account or credit line), Bank of America may restrict closure until you unlink them.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app, go to account settings, and look for the close account option under account management.
  • Your savings account must have a zero or positive balance before Bank of America will close it; transfer any remaining money to another account or request a check.
  • If your savings account is linked to other products (overdraft protection, credit line), you may need to remove those links before closure is allowed.
  • Closure typically takes three to five business days after you submit the request, and you'll receive confirmation by email or mail.
  • If you cannot close online because of account flags or linked products, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close by phone.

Steps to close your account through the Bank of America website

Start by logging into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Once you're logged in, look for the account you want to close in your account list and select it. From the account details page, find the menu or settings option — this is usually represented by three dots or a gear icon in the upper right corner of the account panel.

Select "Account Settings" or "Manage Account" from that menu. Scroll down until you see an option labeled "Close Account" or "Close This Account." Click it. Bank of America will show you a confirmation screen that lists your account number, current balance, and any pending transactions. Review this information carefully to make sure you're closing the right account.

If your balance is not zero, you'll be prompted to transfer the remaining funds or request a check. Choose your preferred method. If you select a transfer, you'll enter the receiving account details (this can be another Bank of America account or an external bank account). If you request a check, it will be mailed to your address on file within five to seven business days.

What to do with your remaining balance before closure

Bank of America will not close an account that still holds money. You have two options: transfer the balance out or receive a check. A transfer is faster — if you're moving the money to another Bank of America account, it can post the same day. If you're sending it to an external bank, use Bank of America's external transfer feature (sometimes called "Move Money" or "Transfer to External Account"), and the funds will arrive within one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.

If you choose a check, write down the check number and amount when it arrives. Bank of America will mail it to the address on your account. If the check is lost or doesn't arrive within ten business days, contact Bank of America to request a replacement or have the funds transferred instead.

Do not leave a small balance in the account hoping it will be swept out automatically — it won't be. You must actively move or claim every dollar before the account can close.

Linked accounts and products that may block closure

If your savings account is connected to overdraft protection on a checking account, Bank of America may not allow you to close it online. Overdraft protection links your savings as a backup funding source for your checking account. To close the savings account, you'll first need to remove this link through your checking account settings.

Similarly, if you have a Bank of America credit card or line of credit tied to this savings account, or if the account serves as collateral for any loan, you may need to unlink or remove those connections before closure. Check your account settings for any linked products and remove them before attempting to close.

If the system won't let you close online and you've confirmed your balance is zero and no links exist, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can close the account over the phone and investigate why the online option was blocked.

How long closure takes and what happens next

After you submit your closure request online, Bank of America typically processes it within three to five business days. During this time, your account will remain open but inactive — you won't be able to make new deposits or withdrawals. Any pending transactions (like automatic bill payments or transfers you've already scheduled) may still post during this window, which could delay closure if they create a balance.

Once closure is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email and a final statement by mail. The final statement will show the closure date and confirm that your balance was zero. Keep this statement for your records in case you need proof that the account was closed in good standing.

After closure, you will no longer be able to log into this account or access its transaction history through your online portal. If you need records from the account later, you can request them from Bank of America, but it's easier to download or print your statements before you close.

When you cannot close online and need to call instead

Some situations require a phone call. If your account has a negative balance (you owe Bank of America money), you must pay that amount before closure. If you try to close online and the system rejects it, or if you're unsure whether all linked products have been removed, calling is faster than troubleshooting alone.

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, check for linked products, and either close the account immediately or explain what's preventing closure. If there are fees or a negative balance, they'll tell you the exact amount owed and your options for payment.

If you're closing because of a dispute or fraud concern, mention that when you call — it may route you to a specialist who can address the underlying issue while processing the closure.

What to do after your account is closed

After closure is final, make sure any automatic deposits or bill payments that were tied to this savings account have been redirected. If you had direct deposit set to this account, update your employer or the paying organization with your new account number. If you had automatic bill payments coming from this account, log into each biller's website and update the payment method.

Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. A closed account in good standing will remain on your report for up to ten years but will not harm your credit score.

Keep your final statement and any confirmation emails for at least one year. If Bank of America ever disputes the closure or you need proof that the account was closed on a specific date, these documents will be your evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my savings account if it has a negative balance?

No. You must pay the negative balance first. The amount owed covers any overdraft fees or uncovered transactions. Contact Bank of America to learn the exact amount, then pay it through your checking account or another method before attempting to close online.

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

Bank of America will hold your closure request until pending transactions clear. Wait for them to post, then resubmit your closure request. If a transaction fails or bounces, your account may end up with a negative balance, which you'll need to settle first.

How long does it take to receive a check for my remaining balance?

Bank of America mails checks within five to seven business days of your closure request. The check is sent to the address on file. If it doesn't arrive within ten business days, contact Bank of America to request a replacement or have the funds transferred to another account instead.

Can I reopen a Bank of America savings account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new savings account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, excessive overdrafts, or violation of Bank of America's terms, the bank may restrict you from opening a new account for a period of time. Call customer service to confirm whether you can open a new account immediately.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account does not directly affect your credit score because savings accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, if closure results in a negative balance that goes unpaid, Bank of America may report it as a collection account, which will harm your score. Pay any balance owed before closure to avoid this.