Yes, you can close your Bank of America checking account and move to another bank

You can close a Bank of America checking account at any time, with no penalty or waiting period. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, and you do not need a reason to do it. The process takes a few minutes in person at a branch, or you can start it online or by phone and finish the paperwork by mail.

The real work is not closing the account — it is moving your money and updating the places that send you deposits or pull money from your account. A checking account is not just a place to store cash. It is connected to your paycheck, your bills, your subscriptions, and your debit card. Switching banks means updating all of those connections, and doing it in the wrong order can leave you without access to your money for a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges no fee to close a checking account, and the account can be closed when ready once you have moved your money out.
  • You must move your direct deposits and automatic bill payments to your new bank before closing the old account, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees.
  • Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but leaving it open with a zero balance for 30 days after switching gives you time to catch any missed payments.
  • You can request a new debit card from your new bank before closing Bank of America, so you have it in hand before the old card stops working.
  • Bank of America will mail you a final statement showing any remaining balance; keep this for your records in case a payment posts after closure.

What to do before you close the account

Start by opening a checking account at your new bank. You do not need to close Bank of America first — in fact, you should not. Having both accounts open for a few weeks gives you a safety net if a payment or deposit goes to the wrong place.

Once the new account is open and you have the account number and routing number, contact your employer's payroll department and ask them to change your direct deposit to the new bank. This usually takes one pay cycle to take effect, so if you are paid biweekly, plan for up to two weeks before your next paycheck lands in the new account. Do not close Bank of America until you have received at least one deposit in the new account and confirmed it arrived.

Next, make a list of every automatic payment that comes out of your Bank of America account. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, subscriptions, loan payments, and any other recurring charges. Log into each company's website or call them, and update the payment method to your new bank account. This step is critical — if you close the account before updating these, the payments will fail, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.

Transfer any remaining balance from Bank of America to your new bank. You can do this through an external transfer (moving money between two banks you own), which usually takes one to three business days. Alternatively, you can withdraw cash and deposit it at your new bank, though this is slower and less find.

How to close the account with Bank of America

You have three ways to close a Bank of America checking account: in person at a branch, by phone, or online through the Bank of America website or mobile app.

In person: Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm the account has a zero or near-zero balance, and process the closure when ready. If there is money left in the account, they will ask how you want it — as a check mailed to you, a transfer to another account, or cash. Ask for a written confirmation of closure.

By phone: Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will verify your identity and process the closure. They will confirm the account balance and arrange for any remaining funds to be sent to you. Request written confirmation by mail.

Online: Log into your Bank of America account and look for the account settings or account management section. Some accounts can be closed through the app or website, though Bank of America may require you to call or visit a branch to complete the process. If the online option is not available, you will see a message directing you to call or visit.

Bank of America will send you a final statement within 30 days showing the closure date and any activity that posted after you initiated the closure. Keep this statement for your records.

What happens to your debit card and online access

Your Bank of America debit card will stop working once the account is closed, usually within one to three business days. If you have already ordered a debit card from your new bank, it should arrive before the old card stops working. If not, you can use your new bank's mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) to make purchases while you wait for the physical card.

Your online banking login will no longer work once the account is closed. If you have other Bank of America accounts (savings, credit card, investment account), closing one checking account will not affect those. Your login credentials will still work for the other accounts.

Timing: How long the whole process takes

The fastest timeline is about two weeks. Here is what that looks like:

  • Day 1: Open new checking account at your new bank. Get your account number and routing number.
  • Day 1–2: Update direct deposit with your employer and update automatic payments with all billers.
  • Day 3–14: Wait for your next paycheck to arrive in the new account and confirm it posted correctly.
  • Day 14: Transfer any remaining balance from Bank of America to the new account.
  • Day 14–15: Close the Bank of America account.

If you are paid monthly instead of biweekly, this timeline stretches to four to five weeks. The key is waiting until you have seen at least one successful deposit in the new account before closing the old one.

What to watch out for after closure

For 30 days after closing, watch your email and mail for any unexpected charges or payments that might post to the old account. If a biller did not update correctly, their payment will bounce and may trigger an overdraft fee — even though the account is closed. Bank of America will return the payment to the biller and notify you, but you are responsible for making sure the payment reaches the right place.

If you discover a missed payment after closure, contact the biller when ready and provide your new bank account information. Most will resubmit the payment at no charge if you catch it within a few days. Keep your final Bank of America statement for at least one year in case you need to prove the account was closed or dispute a charge.

Your credit score will not be affected by closing a checking account. Bank of America does not report checking account closures to credit bureaus, so this will not show up on your credit report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose money if I close my Bank of America checking account?

No. Any money in the account will be returned to you — either by check, transfer, or cash, depending on what you request. Bank of America does not keep unclaimed funds from closed accounts. Make sure the account balance is zero or that you have arranged for the remaining balance to be sent to you before the closure is final.

Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time. Closing an account does not ban you from banking there again. However, Bank of America may review your banking history, and if you had overdrafts or other issues, they may decline to open a new account or require a deposit.

What if I have pending checks or transfers when I close the account?

Pending checks will bounce if they clear after the account is closed. Before closing, contact anyone you have written a check to and ask them to hold it or provide your new account information. For transfers you have initiated, wait until they complete before closing the account. Bank of America will not process new transactions on a closed account.

Do I need to close my Bank of America savings account if I close my checking account?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate. You can close your checking account and keep your savings account open, or vice versa. Closing one does not affect the other.

How long does it take for Bank of America to send my final statement?

Bank of America sends final statements within 30 days of closure. If you need a copy sooner, you can request one by phone or at a branch. Keep the final statement for your records — it shows the closure date and confirms the account balance at the time of closure.