Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your profile settings
Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes, but there are a few things you need to do 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 closing a personal account or a business account, and whether you have linked accounts or outstanding debit cards. Some account types, like investment or credit card accounts, cannot be closed online and require a phone call or branch visit instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can close checking and savings accounts online through your Bank of America profile, but your balance must be zero and all pending transactions must have cleared first.
- Debit cards linked to the account must be closed or transferred before you close the account itself.
- Investment accounts, credit cards, and business accounts cannot be closed online and require a call to customer service or a visit to a branch.
- After you close an account, Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks.
- If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, you need to update those with your new account information before closing.
What you need to do before closing your account
Before you start the online closure process, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance in the account. Bank of America will not close an account that still has money in it. You can transfer funds to another Bank of America account, move them to a different bank, or withdraw cash at an ATM or branch.
Check your account for any pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but have not yet posted. These can take several days to clear, especially if they are from merchants you do not recognize. Wait until all pending transactions have posted before you attempt to close the account. If you close while transactions are still pending, the closure may be reversed or the transactions may be rejected.
If you have a debit card attached to the account, you have two options: transfer the card to another Bank of America account you own, or close the card separately before closing the account. You can do this through your profile under "Cards" or by calling the number on the back of the card.
The steps to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America account through the website or mobile app. Go to your profile or account settings — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually in the top right corner or in a menu labeled "Settings."
Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Not all accounts show this option when ready; if you do not see it, it may mean your account type cannot be closed online. Select the account you want to close from the list of your accounts.
Bank of America will show you a confirmation screen that lists the account number, account type, and current balance. Confirm that the balance is zero. If it is not, you cannot proceed — you will need to transfer or withdraw the remaining funds first. Review any warnings about linked services, such as bill pay or automatic transfers, that will be cancelled when the account closes.
Click the button to confirm the closure. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions. Once verified, the account will be marked for closure. The process is when ready on your end, but the account may take one to two business days to fully close on Bank of America's systems.
Account types you cannot close online
Bank of America credit card accounts must be closed by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to speak with a representative about closing the account. Have your card number and a form of ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review any outstanding balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance on the card, you will need to pay it off before or after closing, depending on the representative's instructions.
Investment accounts, including brokerage and retirement accounts, cannot be closed through the online banking portal. You will need to call the Bank of America investment services line or visit a branch. Business accounts also typically require a phone call or branch visit, especially if there are multiple authorized users or signatories on the account.
If you are unsure whether your account type can be closed online, attempt the process through your profile. The system will tell you if closure is not available for that account and will direct you to call or visit a branch instead.
What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close your account, update any automatic payments or recurring charges that are tied to it. Log into each service — your utilities, insurance company, subscription services, loan servicers — and change the payment method to a different bank account or credit card. If you do not update these before closing, the payments will be rejected, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive direct deposits, such as payroll or government benefits, contact your employer or the agency sending the deposit and provide them with your new account information. Direct deposits to a closed account will be returned to the sender, and it can take several weeks to reroute them to the correct account. Some employers charge a fee for updating direct deposit information, so do this as soon as you decide to close the account.
After your account is closed
Bank of America will send you a written confirmation of the account closure in the mail. This letter typically arrives within one to two weeks and includes the account number, closure date, and final balance. Keep this letter for your records in case you need proof that the account was closed.
If you closed the account but still see it in your online banking profile, this is normal. Closed accounts usually remain visible for 30 to 90 days so you can review the final transactions. After that period, the account will disappear from your profile entirely.
If you need to reopen the same account after closing it, you will have to open a new account instead. Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts; you will receive a new account number and will need to set up any linked services again.
When you need to call or visit a branch instead
If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Bank of America money — you cannot close it online. You will need to pay the balance first, either online through a transfer or by calling customer service. Once the balance is zero, you can close the account online or by phone.
If you have a joint account with another person, both account holders may need to authorize the closure. Try closing it online first; if the system requires the other person's approval, you will be directed to call or visit a branch together.
If you encounter an error during the online closure process, or if the system tells you the account cannot be closed, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or in your account statements. A representative can explain why the account cannot be closed online and walk you through the alternative process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my Bank of America account to fully close?
The online closure is when ready, but the account may take one to two business days to fully close on Bank of America's systems. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. During this time, the account will still appear in your profile but will be marked as closed.
What if I have a pending check or wire transfer when I try to close?
You cannot close the account until all pending transactions have cleared. Wait for the check or wire to post, then try closing again. If a check is taking longer than expected, contact the person or business who sent it to confirm they submitted it correctly.
Can I close my account if I have overdraft protection linked to it?
You will need to remove or disable overdraft protection before closing the account. Go to your account settings and look for overdraft protection options. Disable it, then proceed with the closure. If you cannot find the option online, call customer service for help.
Will closing my Bank of America account affect my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card account may have a small impact on your credit score, but it is usually temporary. If you are concerned, contact the credit card department before closing.
What if I closed my account by mistake?
If you closed the account very recently, call Bank of America when ready to see if they can reverse the closure before it fully processes. Once the account is fully closed, you cannot reopen it — you will need to open a new account instead. This will result in a new account number.