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 your account settings, and request closure. The bank will then walk you through what happens to any remaining balance, pending transactions, and direct deposits.

Not every account type can be closed online. Certain investment accounts, credit cards, and business accounts require a phone call or branch visit. If you're unsure whether your specific account qualifies, the online closure tool will tell you when ready — it won't let you proceed if your account needs human review.

The timing matters. Bank of America typically processes closures within 5 to 10 business days after you submit the request. During that window, the account remains open but inactive. Any checks you've written or automatic payments scheduled will still process, which is why the bank asks you to handle those before you close.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Bank of America profile, but investment accounts and some business accounts require a phone call.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance before closure; the bank will not close an account with an overdraft.
  • Pending transactions and scheduled payments will still process after you request closure, so cancel automatic bills and wait for checks to clear first.
  • The closure takes 5 to 10 business days, and you'll receive written confirmation once it's complete.
  • If you have direct deposits set up, update your employer or benefits provider with a new account number before closing, or those deposits will be rejected.

What you need to do before you close

Bring your account balance to zero or positive. If you have an overdraft — money you owe the bank — the online closure tool will block you from proceeding. You'll need to deposit funds to cover it, or call customer service to discuss a payment plan.

Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. This includes subscription services, gym memberships, insurance premiums, and utility bills. The bank will not redirect these; they'll straightforward fail once the account closes, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions. Log into each service and update the payment method to a different account or card.

Wait for outstanding checks to clear. If you've written checks that haven't been deposited yet, give them time to process. Once the account closes, the bank may refuse to honor them, and the person holding the check will have no way to cash it. A typical timeline is 7 to 14 days, depending on how quickly the recipient deposits.

Redirect direct deposits and automatic transfers. If your paycheck, Social Security, tax refund, or other regular deposits go to this account, you must update the source with your new account information before closure. After the account closes, deposits will bounce back to the sender, and you may miss a payment cycle while the sender corrects their records.

The online closure process, step by step

Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. On the website, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Account Settings. In the mobile app, tap the menu icon, then Settings, then Account Settings.

Find the account you want to close in the list. Click or tap on it, then look for a "Close Account" or "Account Options" link. The exact wording varies slightly between the website and app, but it will be near the top of the account details page.

Review the closure terms. Bank of America will show you your current balance, any pending transactions, and a reminder about automatic payments. Read this carefully — it's your final note to spot something you forgot to cancel.

Confirm the closure request. You'll be asked to verify your identity (usually by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions). Once you confirm, the request is submitted. You'll see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email with the same number.

Wait for the bank to process it. You don't need to do anything else. The bank will send you a letter within 5 to 10 business days confirming the account is closed. Keep this letter for your records.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when it closes, Bank of America will mail you a check. This typically arrives 7 to 10 business days after the account closure is complete. The check is sent to the address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request closure.

Do not close the account and then move without updating your address. If the check arrives at an old address, you'll have to contact the bank to request a replacement, which adds another week or two to the process.

Accounts that cannot be closed online

Credit cards must be closed by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. The bank will confirm your balance is zero and process the closure over the phone. You'll receive written confirmation in the mail.

Money Market accounts sometimes require a phone call, depending on the specific product. The online tool will tell you if yours qualifies for online closure.

Business accounts, regardless of type, typically require a visit to a branch or a call to the business banking line. This is because the bank needs to verify that the person requesting closure has authority to close the account.

Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) cannot be closed through the standard online process. Contact your investment advisor or the specific division that manages the account.

If the online tool won't let you close

The most common reason the online closure tool blocks you is an outstanding balance or overdraft. Check your account balance and make sure it's zero or positive. If it shows a negative balance, deposit funds when ready.

The second reason is pending transactions. If you have a check that's been deposited but not yet cleared, or a pending charge that hasn't posted, the system may hold the closure request until those clear. Wait 2 to 3 business days and try again.

If neither of those applies, your account type may not support online closure. Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 (the number is on your debit card or statement) and ask whether your account can be closed online. If not, they'll either close it over the phone or schedule a branch appointment for you.

After the account is closed

You will no longer be able to log into the account or access any statements through your online profile. Bank of America keeps records for a set period, but you won't see them in your active account list.

If you need statements or transaction history after closure, contact the bank and request copies. They can provide these by mail or email, though there may be a small fee for statements older than a certain period (typically 7 years).

Any pending disputes or fraud claims related to the account should be reported before closure. Once the account is closed, it's harder to investigate issues, and the bank may not reopen it to process a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I close my account and then realize I need it again?

Bank of America can reopen a closed account within a limited window, usually 30 days. Contact customer service when ready with your confirmation number. After 30 days, reopening becomes much harder and may not be possible. If you're unsure about closure, wait until you're certain.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts (credit cards, loans, lines of credit), not deposit accounts. Closing a Bank of America checking account has no impact on your creditworthiness.

Can I close the account if I have a pending dispute or fraud claim?

You can request closure, but the bank may delay processing it until the dispute is resolved. If you suspect fraud, report it before closing. Once the account is closed, investigating becomes slower and more complicated. Resolve the issue first, then close.

What if I have a joint account — can I close it online?

If the account is joint, both account holders typically must authorize the closure. Bank of America may require both signatures or both account holders to confirm online. Check the closure tool — it will tell you if both signatures are needed before you proceed.

How long does it take to get my remaining balance after closure?

The bank processes closure within 5 to 10 business days. Once closed, they mail a check to your address on file, which typically arrives 7 to 10 business days later. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks from the moment you request closure.