Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your digital banking profile
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you log in, navigate to the account settings, confirm you have no pending transactions, and submit the closure request. The bank then processes it and sends you a confirmation.
Not every account type can be closed online. Money Market accounts, CDs (certificates of deposit), and credit cards have different closure paths. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or investment account with Bank of America, you will need to contact them directly—those products require a phone call or branch visit.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged a transfer. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance, and they will not send you money after closure. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account, those will stop working once it closes.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts close through your Bank of America online profile in a few minutes, but credit cards, CDs, and loans require a phone call or branch visit.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure—transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account will stop working when ready after closure.
- Bank of America sends a closure confirmation by mail, which you should keep for your records.
- If you have a negative balance, the bank will not close the account until you pay it off.
Steps to close a checking or savings account online
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Go to the account you want to close and look for account settings or account details—the exact label varies slightly between the website and app. Select the option to close the account.
Bank of America will show you a checklist before you proceed. They ask you to confirm that you have no pending transactions, no automatic payments set up, and no outstanding checks. If any of these explore to your account, you will need to resolve them first. Pending transactions can take several business days to clear, so if you just made a payment or transfer, wait until it shows as complete.
Once you confirm the checklist, you submit the closure request. The bank processes it when ready, and your account closes. You will receive a confirmation email, and Bank of America will mail you a written confirmation within five to seven business days. Keep this letter for your records.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money left in the account when you close it, you must move it before submitting the closure request. Bank of America will not process a closure if there is a balance. You can transfer the money to another Bank of America account or to an account at a different bank using an external transfer.
If you somehow end up with a balance after closure—for example, a deposit posts after you close—Bank of America will hold the money and contact you. They will not automatically send it to you. Contact the bank to arrange a refund or reopen the account temporarily to withdraw it.
If your account goes negative (you owe the bank money), closure is blocked until you pay the balance. This can happen if a check bounces, a transfer fails, or a fee is charged after you have already withdrawn your money. Pay the negative balance through another Bank of America account or by visiting a branch, then try closing again.
Account types that require a phone call or branch visit
Credit cards cannot be closed online through your account settings. You must call the Bank of America credit card customer service line or visit a branch. The same applies to CDs—because they have maturity dates and interest terms, the bank requires you to speak with someone before closing.
If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, auto loan, or investment account, those also require direct contact. Bank of America treats these as more complex products because they involve ongoing terms, collateral, or investment holdings. Call the appropriate department or visit a branch to discuss closure options.
Money Market accounts sit in a middle ground. Some can be closed online if they are straightforward deposit accounts, but if yours has special terms or linked services, you may need to call. Try the online closure process first—if it is not available as an option, the system will tell you to contact the bank instead.
What to do before you close
Update any automatic payments or direct deposits that use this account. Log into each service—your employer's payroll system, utility companies, subscription services, loan servicers—and change the bank account information. If you do not, those payments will fail once the account closes, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Check your recent statements for any recurring charges you may have forgotten about. Streaming services, gym memberships, and insurance payments sometimes hide in the background. Move them to your new account before closure.
If you have checks linked to this account, stop using them when ready. Any checks you have already written will bounce if they clear after the account closes. If you have a checkbook, destroy the unused checks or contact the bank to have them cancelled.
Wait for any pending transactions to clear completely. If you made a transfer or payment in the last few days, check your account activity to confirm it shows as complete, not pending. The closure checklist will not let you proceed until all transactions are settled.
Timeline and what to expect after closure
The online closure itself is when ready—once you submit the request, the account closes when ready. However, it can take one to two business days for the closure to fully process in Bank of America's system. During this time, you may still see the account in your online profile, but you cannot use it.
You will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes of submitting the closure request. A paper confirmation arrives by mail within five to seven business days. If you do not receive either, contact Bank of America to verify the closure went through.
After closure, you cannot reopen the same account number. If you change your mind, you can open a new account, but it will have a different account number. Any direct deposits or automatic payments you set up for the old account will not automatically transfer—you will need to update them manually with the new account number.
If you cannot close online
If the online closure option does not appear in your account settings, the account type may not support it. This usually means you have a credit card, CD, loan, or investment product. Call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a local branch.
If you have a negative balance, the system will block online closure and direct you to contact the bank. Pay off the balance first, then try again. If you have pending transactions that will not clear, you may need to call and ask the bank to manually review your account.
If you are closing the account because of a dispute or problem with the bank, document everything before you close. Take screenshots of your account activity and any communications with Bank of America. Once the account is closed, accessing old records becomes more difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. Bank of America will not process an online closure if you owe money. Pay the negative balance through another account or at a branch first. Once the balance is zero, you can close online.
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
Your debit card stops working when ready after the account closes. Destroy the card or contact Bank of America to have it cancelled. Do not use it after closure, as transactions will be declined.
Can I close an account that has automatic payments set up?
The online closure checklist will not let you proceed if automatic payments are active. You must remove or redirect all automatic payments before closing. This prevents bills from failing after the account closes.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?
The online closure is when ready, but it can take one to two business days for the closure to fully process in the bank's system. You will receive an email confirmation within minutes and a paper confirmation within five to seven business days.
Can I reopen the same account after I close it?
No. Once closed, that account number cannot be reopened. You can open a new account, but it will have a different account number. You will need to update any direct deposits or automatic payments with the new number.