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 balance
Bank of America lets you close a savings account through three channels: calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal if your account is in good standing. The fastest route is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. If you have money in the account, Bank of America will either transfer it to another account you own or mail you a check. If you owe the bank money—through overdrafts or fees—they will deduct that before closing the account.
Before you start the closure process, make sure any automatic deposits or bill payments tied to that savings account have been moved elsewhere. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions, and if you have scheduled transfers set to occur after closure, those will fail and may trigger overdraft fees on a linked checking account.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, or visit a branch with your ID to close in person.
- Redirect any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers away from the savings account before you request closure.
- Bank of America will transfer your remaining balance to another account you own or send a check by mail if you provide no transfer destination.
- If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, the bank will deduct those from your account balance before closing it.
- Online closure through the Bank of America app or website is available only for certain account types and only if the account is in good standing.
Closing by phone: the fastest method
Call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your savings account. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review any balance in the account, and ask where you want the money sent. If you have another Bank of America account, they can transfer the funds immediately to that account—the money usually arrives within one business day. If you want the funds mailed to you, provide a mailing address and the bank will send a check within 7 to 10 business days.
The representative will also check for any outstanding fees or negative balances. If you owe money, it will be deducted from your account balance before closure. Ask the representative to confirm the closure date in writing—some accounts close immediately, while others may take one to two business days to fully close. Request that they note in your file that you initiated the closure, so there is no confusion if the bank contacts you later.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and your savings account card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will pull up your account, confirm your identity, and review the balance. If you have money in the account, you can ask them to transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or they can issue you a cashier's check on the spot. A cashier's check is safer than a personal check because it is may provide by the bank.
In-person closure is useful if you want to handle the balance immediately and avoid waiting for a mailed check. The teller will also catch any pending transactions or automatic payments you may have forgotten about, and they can help you redirect those before closing the account. Ask for a written confirmation of closure before you leave the branch.
Closing online through Bank of America's website or app
Bank of America offers online account closure through their website or mobile app, but only for certain account types and only if your account is in good standing—meaning no negative balance, no pending disputes, and no holds. Log into your Bank of America account, navigate to the account settings or account management section, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. Not all savings account types have this feature available online, so if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.
If the online option is available for your account, the system will ask you to confirm your identity and specify where you want your remaining balance sent. You can transfer it to another Bank of America account or request a check by mail. The closure will be processed within one to two business days. Keep a screenshot or confirmation number for your records.
What happens to your money and any outstanding balances
Bank of America will not close an account that has a negative balance. If you owe the bank money through overdrafts, returned deposits, or monthly maintenance fees, the bank will deduct that amount from your account balance first. If the balance is not enough to cover what you owe, the bank may pursue collection or report the debt to a credit bureau. Settle any outstanding balance before requesting closure to avoid this.
If your account has a positive balance, you have three options: transfer the money to another Bank of America account you own (fastest), request a check by mail (7 to 10 business days), or ask the bank to hold the funds while you decide. Do not leave money in the account after closure is complete—unclaimed funds may be turned over to your state's unclaimed property program after a set period, and retrieving them later requires filing a claim with your state.
Stopping automatic payments and deposits before closure
Before you close the account, log into your Bank of America account and review all automatic transactions tied to that savings account. Look for direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments, transfers from a checking account, or recurring transfers to investment accounts. Change each one to point to a different account at least one week before you request closure.
If you miss an automatic payment and it tries to post to the closed account, it will fail and may trigger an overdraft fee on a linked checking account. If you have a linked checking account and the savings account is set up as overdraft protection, closing the savings account will remove that protection—your checking account will no longer have a backup source of funds if it goes negative. Notify any billers or payroll departments of your new account number before closure takes effect.
Timing and what to expect after closure
Account closure typically takes one to two business days after you request it, though some accounts close immediately if you close in person or by phone. Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance or fees deducted. Keep this statement for your records. If you requested a check by mail, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to access it online or through the mobile app. If you need to dispute a transaction or retrieve information from the account later, you can contact Bank of America's customer service and request a copy of your account history. The bank keeps records for at least seven years, so you can still obtain statements or transaction details after closure if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my savings account if it has a negative balance?
No. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance or outstanding fees. You must pay what you owe first. Contact the bank to find out the exact amount owed, pay it, and then request closure.
What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled to hit the account after I close it?
The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Redirect your direct deposit to another account at least one week before closure. Contact your employer's payroll department with your new account number to avoid a missed paycheck.
How long does it take to receive a check after closing my account?
Bank of America typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days of closure. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to request a replacement or ask them to transfer the funds 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 you closed the account due to a dispute or negative balance, the bank may flag your account history. Contact a branch or call customer service to discuss whether you can open a new account.
What if I close my savings account but still have a linked checking account?
Your checking account will remain open. If you had set up overdraft protection using the savings account, that protection will be removed once the savings account closes. Your checking account will no longer have a backup source of funds if it goes negative.