You can close a Bank of America savings account through their website, phone, or in person—but online is the fastest route if you have no outstanding holds or disputes
Bank of America lets you close a savings account online through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes if your account is in good standing—meaning no pending transactions, no holds, and a zero or positive balance. If you have money left in the account, you'll need to transfer it out first or let Bank of America send you a check. If your account has a negative balance, you'll need to pay that amount before closing.
The online method works best when you're closing the account yourself and have already moved your money elsewhere. If you're locked out of your account, have fraud concerns, or need to dispute something, you'll need to call or visit a branch instead.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer your remaining balance to another account or request a check before you start the closure process online.
- Log into your Bank of America account, navigate to account settings, and select the option to close the account—the exact path varies slightly between the website and mobile app.
- Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure, usually within one to two weeks.
- If your account has a negative balance or pending transactions, you cannot close it online and must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch.
Steps to close your account through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for the account you want to close in your account list on the left side of the screen. Click on that account to open its details page.
From the account details page, look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a "More" option, usually in the upper right corner of the account section. Click it and scroll through the options until you find "Close Account" or "Close This Account." Click that option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you're closing it—this is optional feedback. Review the final confirmation screen, which will show your account number and closure date, then click "Close Account" to complete the process.
After you submit the closure request, you should see a confirmation message on screen. Bank of America will also send you a written confirmation letter to the address on file within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records.
Closing your account through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap on the savings account you want to close from your account list. At the bottom of the account details screen, look for a menu icon or "More Options" button and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Close Account" and tap it. The app will ask you to confirm the closure and may prompt you to provide a reason. After you confirm, you'll see a final confirmation screen with your account number and the date the account will be closed. Tap "Close Account" to finish. You'll receive the same written confirmation letter by mail within one to two weeks.
What to do with your money before closing
Before you start the closure process, your account balance must be zero or positive. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another Bank of America account or to an account at a different bank. You can transfer money online through Bank of America's transfer tool, which usually takes one to three business days for transfers to other banks.
If you prefer not to transfer the money yourself, you can tell Bank of America during the closure process to send you a check for the remaining balance. The check will be mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within two to three weeks. This method is slower but requires no action on your part beyond requesting it.
If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe Bank of America money—you cannot close the account online. You must pay the negative balance first by transferring money into the account or calling 1-800-432-1000 to arrange payment.
When you cannot close your account online
Bank of America will not let you close an account online if there are pending transactions, active holds, or disputes on the account. Pending transactions are charges or deposits that have been initiated but not yet completed—these usually clear within one to three business days. If you see pending transactions, wait for them to finish processing before attempting to close the account again.
Holds are temporary blocks placed on your account by Bank of America or another institution, often related to a check deposit or fraud investigation. If your account has a hold, you'll see a notice when you try to close it. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to find out why the hold is there and when it will be removed. You can close the account once the hold is lifted.
If you have an open dispute or chargeback claim on the account, Bank of America will not allow closure until the dispute is resolved. Call 1-800-432-1000 to check the status of any disputes and find out what you need to do next.
What happens after you close your account
Once your account is closed, you cannot use it to deposit money, withdraw funds, or make transfers. Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account will fail. Before closing, update any automatic bill payments or direct deposit arrangements to use a different account.
Bank of America will keep records of your closed account for a set period. If you need to dispute a transaction or retrieve information about the account after closure, you can still contact Bank of America with your account number. The written confirmation letter you receive will include your account number and the closure date—keep this for your records.
If you later decide you want to open a new savings account with Bank of America, you can do so at any time through their website, mobile app, or at a branch. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening an account after closure.
Closing your account by phone or in person
If you cannot or prefer not to close your account online, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can close your account over the phone and answer questions about your balance, pending transactions, or any holds. Phone closure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Have your account number ready when you call.
You can also visit any Bank of America branch in person and ask a representative to close your savings account. Bring a photo ID and your account number. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw your remaining balance in cash or if you have questions about your account history. Branch hours vary by location, so check the Bank of America website for your nearest branch and its hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
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, loans, and lines of credit impact your credit. You can close a savings account without any credit consequences.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before closing. Transfer money into the account to bring it to zero, or call 1-800-432-1000 to arrange payment. Once the balance is paid, you can close the account online or by phone.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America savings account?
The closure request itself takes about 10 minutes to submit online or by phone. Bank of America processes the closure immediately, but you'll receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Any remaining balance sent by check takes an additional two to three weeks to arrive.
What if I close my account and then want to reopen it?
You can open a new Bank of America savings account at any time after closure through their website, mobile app, or at a branch. There is no waiting period. You will receive a new account number for the new account.
Do I need to close my account in person if I have pending direct deposits?
No. You can close your account online or by phone even if you have direct deposits set up. However, you should update your direct deposit information with your employer or the organization sending the deposit before you close the account, so the money goes to your new account instead. If you do not update it, the deposit will fail and may be returned to the sender.