Yes, you can close your Bank of America checking account online through their website or mobile app

Bank of America lets you close a checking account without visiting a branch or calling. You do it through your online banking portal or the mobile app by navigating to account settings and selecting the close account option. The process takes a few minutes, but there are a few things you need to handle first — mainly making sure your account balance is zero and that no pending transactions are still processing.

The actual closure happens when ready once you confirm, but the account may stay visible in your online banking for a few days while the system processes the closure. You will not be able to use the debit card or write checks after you initiate the closure, even if the account still appears in your account list.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your checking account balance to exactly zero before you can close it online — Bank of America will not close an account with money still in it.
  • Wait for any pending deposits or withdrawals to clear before closing, because transactions in flight can cause problems if the account closes while they are processing.
  • If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set to this account, you need to change those to a different account or cancel them first.
  • The account closes when ready when you confirm, but may take a few days to disappear from your online banking view.
  • If you cannot close the account online because of a hold or other issue, you will need to call Bank of America or visit a branch.

What you need to do before closing the account

Start by moving any money out of the checking account. Transfer the balance to another account — either another Bank of America account you own or an external account at a different bank. You can do this through Bank of America's transfer tool in online banking or through the mobile app. The transfer usually takes one to three business days if you are sending money to another bank.

While the money is in transit, check for any pending transactions. Log into your account and look at the recent activity section. If you see transactions marked as "pending," wait for them to clear before closing the account. A pending charge that posts after the account closes can cause overdraft fees or failed transactions.

Next, handle any recurring payments or deposits tied to this account. If you have direct deposit from your employer going to this checking account, contact your employer's payroll department and give them your new account number. If you have automatic bill payments set up — utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions — log into each service and update the account information or cancel the payment if you no longer need it. Bank of America cannot redirect these for you.

The steps to close your account online

Log into your Bank of America online banking account or open the mobile app. On the website, go to the account settings or account management section — this is usually found under your profile or account menu. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon and look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Accounts."

Find the checking account you want to close and select it. Look for an option that says "Close Account," "Close This Account," or "Account Services." Click or tap that option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are closing it — this is optional information.

Review the confirmation screen to make sure you are closing the correct account. Once you confirm, the account closes when ready. You will receive a confirmation message on screen, and Bank of America will send you a confirmation email to the address on file.

What happens after you close the account

Your debit card stops working right away, even if it still has an expiration date. You cannot use it to make purchases or withdraw cash. If you have checks for this account, they will no longer be valid — do not write any new checks.

The account may remain visible in your online banking for a few days while the system completes the closure. This is normal. Once it disappears from your account list, the closure is complete. If you need to see the account history after it closes, Bank of America keeps records for a period of time, and you can contact them to request a statement.

If there is a remaining balance in the account after closure — for example, a deposit that cleared after you initiated the closure — Bank of America will mail you a check. This can take several weeks. If you never receive it, contact Bank of America with your account number and closure date.

When you cannot close the account online

Some accounts cannot be closed through online banking. If you see an error message or the close account option is not available, the account may have a hold on it, an outstanding balance, or a pending dispute. Bank of America will usually tell you why you cannot close it online.

If the account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Bank of America money — you must pay that balance before closing. If there is a hold related to fraud or a chargeback, you need to resolve that first. In these cases, call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my checking account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Checking and savings accounts do not appear on your credit report.

What if I close the account but a check I wrote hasn't cleared yet?

The check may bounce if it tries to clear after the account closes. Contact Bank of America before closing to ask how long to wait, or call the person or business you wrote the check to and ask them to hold it or resubmit it to a different account.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may let you reopen a recently closed account, but policies vary. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact Bank of America right away. If it has been several months, you will likely need to open a new account instead.

Do I need to close my debit card separately?

No. When you close the checking account, the debit card linked to it stops working automatically. You do not need to take any separate action to deactivate the card.

What if I have a pending deposit that hasn't cleared?

Wait for it to clear before closing the account. If you close while a deposit is pending and it arrives after closure, Bank of America will hold the funds and may mail you a check. This can take weeks. It is faster to wait a few days for the deposit to clear first.