Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your account settings
Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it from home. However, there are a few things you need to handle first — mainly making sure your account balance is zero and that no pending transactions are waiting to clear.
The exact steps depend on whether you're using a computer or phone, but both routes lead to the same place: your account settings, where you'll find a "close account" option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you're leaving, but they won't try to stop you or charge you a fee to close.
Key Takeaways
- You can close a checking or savings account online through the Bank of America website or mobile app without visiting a branch.
- Your account must have a zero balance before you can close it, so withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.
- Wait for any pending transactions to clear before closing, because a closed account cannot receive deposits or process withdrawals.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, and the process usually completes within a few business days.
- If you have a credit card, mortgage, or loan with Bank of America, closing a deposit account does not affect those products.
What you need to do before closing your account
Before you start the online closure process, your account balance must be exactly zero. If you have money in the account, withdraw it at an ATM, transfer it to another bank account, or ask Bank of America to send you a check. You cannot close an account with a balance still in it.
Next, check for pending transactions. These are charges or deposits that have been authorized but have not fully processed yet. Common examples are pending debit card charges, automatic bill payments scheduled for the next few days, or direct deposits that are on their way. If you close your account while transactions are still pending, they may fail or bounce, which can create problems with the merchants or people trying to send you money.
If you have automatic bill payments set up through this account, change them to a different account or cancel them before closing. The same goes for direct deposit — if your paycheck goes into this account, update your employer's payroll system with a new account number first.
Steps to close your account online
On a computer: Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on the account you want to close. Look for a menu or settings option (usually three dots or lines in the corner). Select "Close Account" or "Account Services" and then "Close Account." Bank of America will show you a confirmation screen listing the account number and type. Review it, confirm that your balance is zero, and click to close. You should see a message saying your request has been submitted.
On the mobile app: Open the Bank of America app and tap on the account you want to close. Tap the menu icon (usually three dots or lines). Scroll down and look for "Close Account" or "Account Services." Tap it, confirm your balance is zero, and tap to close. The app will show a confirmation message.
After you submit your closure request, Bank of America typically closes the account within one to three business days. You'll receive a confirmation email or message in your account. Once closed, you will not be able to use the debit card, make transfers, or access the account online.
What happens to your debit card and checks
When you close your account, your debit card stops working when ready. You do not need to do anything special with it — just stop using it. If you want to be extra safe, you can cut it up or destroy it, but Bank of America will not charge you for an unused card.
If you have checks linked to this account, they will no longer work once the account closes. If you have unused checks, you can throw them away. Do not try to use them after the account is closed, because they will bounce and may result in fees from the merchant or bank.
If you cannot close your account online
Some accounts cannot be closed online. These include accounts with a negative balance (you owe Bank of America money), accounts with pending legal holds, or accounts that are part of a trust or business structure. If you try to close your account and the system will not let you, you'll need to call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.
You can also call if you prefer not to close online. A representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about what happens to linked services like bill pay or mobile wallet.
What closing your account does and does not affect
Closing a checking or savings account only closes that specific account. It does not close your Bank of America profile, and it does not affect any other products you have with the bank. If you have a credit card, home loan, auto loan, or investment account with Bank of America, those stay open and active.
Closing a deposit account also does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit products like loans and credit cards, not checking accounts. However, if you have an outstanding balance on a credit card or loan, closing a deposit account does not erase that debt — you still owe it and still need to make payments.
After your account is closed
Once your account is closed, you cannot reopen it online. If you change your mind within a short window (usually 30 days), you can call Bank of America and ask if they can reopen it. After that period, you would need to open a new account, which means a new account number and a new debit card.
Keep your final account statement for your records. It shows your closing balance and any final transactions. If you need to dispute a charge or have questions about the account later, you'll want proof of when it closed and what the final balance was.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bank of America charge me to close my account?
No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. There are no closure fees, early closure penalties, or hidden charges. The only cost is if you have an outstanding balance that you owe the bank, which is separate from closing the account itself.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
You cannot close the account online if you owe money. You'll need to pay the negative balance first, then close. If you're unsure of the amount, log in and check your account balance, or call the number on the back of your debit card and ask a representative.
Can I close my account if I have pending direct deposits or bill payments?
You can close it, but you should not. Pending transactions may fail or bounce after the account closes, which can cause problems with your employer or creditors. Wait for pending items to clear, update your direct deposit and bill pay to a different account, and then close.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
Bank of America usually closes the account within one to three business days after you submit your request online. You'll receive a confirmation email or in-app message. After that, the account is no longer accessible and the debit card will not work.
If I close my account, can I reopen it later?
You may be able to reopen it within about 30 days if you call Bank of America right away. After that window, you would need to open a brand new account with a new account number and debit card. There is no may provide they will reopen a closed account, so ask as soon as you decide you want it back.