A method for performing an erasing operation on a memory device is provided. The memory device includes a bottom select gate, a plate line above the bottom select gate, a word line above the plate line, a pillar extending through the bottom select gate, the plate line, and the word line, a source line under the pillar, a drain cap above the pillar, and a bit line formed above the drain cap. A first positive voltage bias is applied to the bottom select gate. A second positive voltage bias is applied to the plate line. The first positive voltage bias to the bottom select gate is reduced. A negative voltage bias is applied to the source line.