You can close a Discover savings account online, by phone, or by mail in about five minutes
Closing a Discover savings account is straightforward. You can do it through your online account, by calling Discover's customer service line, or by sending a written request. Discover does not charge a fee to close an account, and you do not need to wait for a specific time or meet any conditions. The main thing you need to do before closing is move any money out of the account — Discover will not close an account that still holds a balance.
The process itself takes just a few minutes, but it can take a few business days for Discover to process the closure and confirm it in writing. If you have automatic transfers or bill payments set up, you should cancel those before you close the account to avoid failed transactions.
Key Takeaways
- You must withdraw or transfer all money from the account before Discover will close it.
- Cancel any automatic transfers, direct deposits, or bill payments linked to the account before closing.
- You can close the account online through your Discover account, by phone at 1-800-347-2000, or by mail with a signed letter.
- Discover will send a written confirmation of the closure, which you should keep for your records.
- There is no fee to close a Discover savings account, and you do not need to maintain a minimum balance or wait a set number of days.
Empty the account before you request closure
Discover will not process a closure request if the account still contains money. Log into your Discover account online and transfer the full balance to another bank account you own, or withdraw it as a check or transfer. Make sure the balance reaches zero.
If you have pending deposits or transfers that have not yet posted, wait for those to clear before you request closure. If you are unsure whether money is still on the way, check your recent transaction history or call Discover to confirm the account is truly empty.
Cancel automatic payments and transfers
Before you close the account, turn off any automatic transfers, direct deposits, or bill payments connected to it. If you have a paycheck depositing directly into this Discover account, update your employer's payroll system to send future paychecks to a different account. If you have automatic bill payments or transfers set up, cancel them through your biller's website or through Discover itself.
Forgetting this step can cause failed transactions after the account closes, which may result in late fees or missed payments elsewhere. Give yourself at least a week to make these changes before you request the closure.
Close the account online through your Discover portal
Log into your Discover account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or account management section — this is usually under a menu labeled "Account" or "Settings." Look for an option to close or deactivate the account. Discover's online portal will ask you to confirm that the account balance is zero and that you want to proceed.
After you submit the request, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Discover will send you a written confirmation email or letter within a few business days. Keep this confirmation for your records, as it proves the account was closed on a specific date.
Close by phone if you prefer to speak with someone
Call Discover customer service at 1-800-347-2000. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account and provide your account number. They will verify that your balance is zero and confirm your identity by asking security questions. The representative will process the closure when ready and provide you with a confirmation number.
Write down the confirmation number and the date and time of the call. Ask the representative to send you a written confirmation in the mail, and confirm the mailing address they have on file. This phone call usually takes fewer than five minutes.
Close by mail if you want a paper record
Write a letter to Discover requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the current date, and a statement that you request the account be closed. Sign the letter and mail it to Discover's mailing address — you can find the correct address by calling 1-800-347-2000 or checking your account statements.
Mail takes longer than online or phone closure, so allow one to two weeks for Discover to receive the letter, process it, and send you a written confirmation. If you want proof of when you sent it, use certified mail with a return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter you sent and the receipt from the post office.
What happens after you request closure
Discover will process your closure request within a few business days. You will receive a written confirmation by email or mail stating that the account is closed. After closure, you will no longer be able to log into that account online, and you will not earn interest on any remaining balance (though the balance should be zero).
If you closed the account online or by phone, the confirmation may arrive within three to five business days. If you closed by mail, allow up to two weeks. Once you receive the confirmation, your account closure is complete. You do not need to do anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Discover savings account if I still owe money on a Discover credit card?
Yes. Your savings account and credit card are separate products. Closing the savings account does not affect your credit card account or balance. You can close the savings account at any time, regardless of whether you have an active credit card with Discover.
What if I have a pending deposit that hasn't posted yet?
Wait for the deposit to post and clear before you request closure. Once it posts, transfer or withdraw the money so the balance is zero. If you close the account with a pending deposit, that deposit may be returned to the sender, and you could lose the funds.
Will closing my Discover savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history and borrowing activity, not on savings accounts. You can close a Discover savings account without any impact on your credit.
How long does it take for Discover to close the account after I request it?
Discover usually processes closure requests within three to five business days if you close online or by phone. If you close by mail, allow one to two weeks for the letter to arrive, be processed, and for you to receive written confirmation. The account is considered closed once Discover sends you the confirmation.
Can I reopen a Discover savings account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new Discover savings account at any time after closure, even the next day. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening. You will go through the standard account opening process, which takes a few minutes online.