How to Close a Bank of America Savings Account Online
Closing a Bank of America savings account online is possible if the account meets a few conditions, but the bank often prefers to handle closures through its secure message center or phone support. Before you start, make sure the balance is zero or close to zero, there are no pending transactions, and the account is not linked to an active certificate of deposit or rewards program that requires manual closure. If those boxes are checked, you can begin the process through your online banking dashboard.
- How to Close a Bank of America Savings Account Online
- Check Your Account Before You Start
- Steps to Close the Account Through Online Banking
- What Happens After You Submit the Request
- When Online Closure May Not Be Available
- Alternative Ways to Close the Account
- Things to Watch for After Closure
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Check Your Account Before You Start
Not every savings account can be closed instantly through the app or website. Review the following details to avoid delays:
- Balance: Transfer or withdraw all funds, including any accrued interest.
- Linked accounts: Remove automatic transfers, direct deposits, or bill-pay setups tied to the savings account.
- Joint owners: If the account has another owner, Bank of America may require both parties to authorize the closure.
- Pending items: Confirm that no checks have cleared, no transfers are in progress, and no rewards or promotional balances are pending.
- Certificates or promotions: Some accounts lock funds for a term or require redemption of bonuses before closure.
Steps to Close the Account Through Online Banking
If your account is eligible, the general path in online banking is to log in, navigate to the savings account details, and look for an option to close or request closure. Bank of America does not always surface a one-click close button, so you may need to use the secure message center to submit a closure request. In the message, state clearly that you want to close the savings account, confirm the account number or nickname, and confirm that the balance has been transferred or withdrawn. A secure message is treated as a written request and creates a record you can reference later.
What Happens After You Submit the Request
Bank of America reviews closure requests and may respond through the secure message center or by phone to confirm details. If everything is in order, the bank will close the account and issue any remaining balance as a check or transfer it to another account you specify. You should receive confirmation once the closure is finalized, and the account will no longer appear as an active savings product in your online profile. Keep the confirmation for your records.
When Online Closure May Not Be Available
There are cases where the online closure option is not offered or the request is flagged for review. Common reasons include joint ownership, outstanding balances, pending transactions, or accounts tied to promotional offers. In these situations, you may need to call customer service or visit a branch. If you call, have your account number, identification, and any recent statements ready. A branch visit may be required for accounts with complex ownership or unresolved disputes.
Alternative Ways to Close the Account
If the online path is unavailable, you have two other main options:
- Phone closure: Call Bank of America customer service, verify your identity, and request closure. The representative may process the request or create a ticket for the secure message center.
- Branch closure: Visit a local branch with valid identification. The teller can settle the balance, close the account on the spot, and provide written confirmation.
Things to Watch for After Closure
After the account is closed, double-check that no recurring transfers or automatic payments were tied to it. Update any budgeting tools or savings goals that referenced the old account. If you had a Bank of America rewards program linked to the savings account, confirm that any remaining points or benefits are redeemed or transferred as needed. A closed savings account can still show up on your credit report as a closed account, which is normal and usually has no negative impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I close a Bank of America savings account entirely online?
- Is there a fee for closing a savings account?
- How long does it take for Bank of America to close a savings account?
- Will closing a savings account affect my credit score?