You can close a Discover savings account by phone, online, or in writing — the fastest way is a phone call to Discover customer service

Discover does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and close an account in person. Your options are calling Discover at 1-800-347-2000, logging into your online account and using the contact form, or sending a written request by mail. A phone call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and closes the account the same day. Online and mail requests can take 3 to 5 business days.

Before you close the account, move any money out to another bank account — Discover will not hold funds after closure. If you have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment scheduled, cancel those first or they may fail. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it; you would have to open a new account instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 to close your account the same day; online or mail closure takes 3 to 5 business days.
  • Transfer your balance to another bank account before closing, because Discover will not hold money after the account is shut down.
  • Cancel any automatic deposits or payments linked to the account, or they will fail when the account no longer exists.
  • Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but keeping it open and unused does not hurt your score either.

Steps to close by phone

Call Discover customer service at 1-800-347-2000. Have your account number ready, though the representative can look it up using your Social Security number or the phone number on file. Tell them you want to close the savings account.

The representative will ask why you are closing the account — this is optional feedback and does not affect the closure. They will confirm your current balance and ask where you want the money sent. You can have Discover mail you a check, transfer the funds to another bank account if you provide routing and account numbers, or leave the money in another Discover account if you have one. The account closes immediately, and the funds move within 1 to 3 business days depending on the method you choose.

Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and get a reference number for your records. Write down the date and reference number in case you need to follow up.

Steps to close online

Log into your Discover account at discover.com. Go to the Contact Us or Help section — the exact location varies, but it is usually in the footer or under Account Settings. Select the option to close an account or contact customer service about account closure.

Fill out the online form with your request to close the savings account. Include your account number and the reason if you want to, though it is not required. Discover will respond within 1 to 2 business days to confirm receipt and may ask follow-up questions about where to send your balance. Once you confirm the transfer method, the closure is processed within 3 to 5 business days.

Online closure is slower than a phone call because there is no real-time back-and-forth. If you are in a hurry, phone is faster.

Steps to close by mail

Write a letter to Discover requesting closure of your savings account. Include your full name, account number, the date, and a statement that you want to close the account. Sign and date the letter. You can keep it brief — one paragraph is enough.

Mail the letter to Discover Bank, Attn: Account Closure, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298. Send it by regular mail or certified mail if you want proof of delivery. Certified mail costs a few dollars more but gives you a tracking number and a receipt showing Discover received it.

Mail closure takes 7 to 10 business days from the time Discover receives your letter. Include instructions for where to send your balance — a mailing address for a check, or routing and account numbers if you want a transfer to another bank. If you do not include instructions, Discover will contact you to ask.

What happens to your money during closure

Your balance does not disappear when you close the account. You must tell Discover where to send it. The three options are a check mailed to your address on file, a transfer to another bank account, or a transfer to another Discover account if you have one.

A check usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days after closure. A transfer to another bank takes 1 to 3 business days depending on whether it is to a bank in the same network. If you do not provide instructions, Discover will hold the money temporarily and contact you — but do not rely on this. Provide clear instructions when you request closure.

If your account has a very small balance (usually under $1), Discover may donate it to charity rather than mail a check. Ask the representative or include a note in your mail request if you want to avoid this.

Canceling linked payments and deposits before closure

Check whether you have any automatic deposits or payments set up on the account. Log into your Discover account and look for a section called Transfers, Bill Pay, or Scheduled Transactions. If you see any recurring deposits or payments, cancel them before you close the account.

Common linked payments include direct deposit from your employer, automatic bill payments to creditors, or transfers from another bank. If these are still active when the account closes, they will fail. Your employer's paycheck may bounce back, or a bill payment may not go through and you could be marked late.

Cancel each one individually through your Discover account, or ask the representative on the phone to cancel them for you. Wait at least one business day after canceling to make sure nothing else is pending, then proceed with closure.

Impact on your credit and account history

Closing a savings account does not lower your credit score. Savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus the way credit cards or loans are. Your credit report will not show that the account closed, and the closure will not affect your ability to borrow money in the future.

Discover keeps a record of the closed account in your file for their own purposes, but this is internal and does not appear on your credit report. If you reopen an account with Discover later, they may see the history of the old account, but this does not penalize you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

No. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. You would have to open a new savings account with Discover, which takes a few minutes online or by phone. The new account would have a different account number.

What if I have a pending deposit or payment when I close?

Cancel all automatic deposits and payments before you close. If something is already in process, it will fail when the account no longer exists. Contact your employer or the company making the payment to redirect it to your new account.

Do I have to pay a fee to close the account?

No. Discover does not charge a fee to close a savings account. There are no early closure penalties or exit fees.

How long does it take to get my money after I close?

A check takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive. A transfer to another bank takes 1 to 3 business days. A transfer to another Discover account is usually instant or within one business day.

What if I close the account but forget to move my money out first?

Contact Discover immediately. If the account just closed, they can usually reverse the closure or hold the funds while you arrange a transfer. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. Call 1-800-347-2000 as soon as you realize the mistake.