You can close a Bank of America account by phone, but only for certain account types

Bank of America allows you to close checking and savings accounts by calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. However, the process depends on what type of account you have and whether you have outstanding balances, pending transactions, or linked services. Some accounts — particularly those with credit products, investment accounts, or active fraud disputes — may require you to visit a branch in person or complete additional steps before closure is possible.

The phone closure process itself is straightforward if your account is in good standing: you'll confirm your identity, specify which account to close, arrange for any remaining balance to be transferred or mailed to you, and receive a confirmation number. The entire call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. However, what happens before and after that call matters more than the call itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday) to close most checking and savings accounts by phone.
  • Before calling, pay off any overdrafts, stop automatic payments and direct deposits, and withdraw or transfer any remaining balance to avoid complications.
  • Bank of America will mail a check for any remaining balance if you don't arrange a transfer, which can take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
  • Some accounts cannot be closed by phone, including those with pending disputes, active credit products, or investment holdings — these require a branch visit or additional steps.
  • After closure, the account number becomes inactive but may remain in your file for up to seven years for record-keeping purposes.

What you need to do before calling

Do not call to close your account until you have handled three things: stopped all automatic payments and direct deposits, paid any overdraft fees or negative balances, and moved or withdrawn your remaining money. If you close an account with automatic payments still attached, those payments will fail and may trigger late fees with the companies you pay. If you have a negative balance (you owe the bank money), Bank of America will not close the account until that is settled.

Log into your online banking or call ahead to review your account for pending transactions. Look specifically for automatic bill payments, recurring subscriptions, paycheck direct deposits, and transfers you have set up. You will need to update these with a new account number or payment method before closure. If you are closing because you are switching banks, this is the time to set up your new account and redirect your direct deposit there.

If you have a remaining balance, decide whether you want Bank of America to transfer it to another account (which happens when ready if you provide routing and account numbers) or mail you a check (which takes 7 to 10 business days). Have that information ready when you call.

What happens during the phone call

When you reach a representative, they will ask you to confirm your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up previously. They will then ask which account you want to close — use the full account number or the last four digits if you have multiple accounts. The representative will review your account for any pending transactions, overdrafts, or holds that would prevent closure.

If everything is clear, they will confirm the balance and ask how you want it handled. If you choose a transfer, provide your new bank's routing number and your account number. If you choose a check, confirm the mailing address on file. The representative will then process the closure and give you a confirmation number — write this down. Ask them to note in your file that you requested closure by phone, in case there are questions later.

The account closes when ready, though it may take 24 to 48 hours for the closure to fully process in Bank of America's system. Any pending transactions that were in flight may still post after closure, which can create a negative balance. If this happens, contact Bank of America to reverse the charge or arrange payment.

Accounts that cannot be closed by phone

Bank of America will not close accounts by phone if there is an active dispute, fraud claim, or investigation on the account. If you reported unauthorized transactions or suspect fraud, the dispute must be resolved first — this typically takes 10 business days to several weeks depending on the complexity. You can call to ask the status of your dispute, but you cannot close the account until it is closed.

Accounts with credit products attached — such as overdraft protection linked to a credit card, or a line of credit — may require you to visit a branch to close them. Investment accounts, money market accounts, and accounts with certain restrictions also sometimes require in-person closure. If the representative tells you your account cannot be closed by phone, ask specifically what the barrier is and whether it can be removed (for example, by removing overdraft protection or resolving a hold).

What to do if you cannot reach someone or the call fails

Bank of America's phone lines can have long wait times, particularly on weekday mornings and around the first of the month. If you reach a queue that estimates a 30-minute wait, you have two options: call back at a quieter time (typically late afternoon or early evening) or visit a branch in person. Visiting a branch is faster if you have already prepared your account — you can close it in 10 minutes with a teller.

If you are disconnected during the call or the representative cannot process the closure for a technical reason, you will need to call back. The account will not be closed unless you receive a confirmation number, so do not assume the closure went through if the call ended abruptly. Keep the confirmation number in a safe place for your records.

After your account is closed

Once closed, your account number becomes inactive and cannot be used for deposits or withdrawals. However, Bank of America retains records of closed accounts for up to seven years for regulatory and tax purposes. You may still see the account listed in your online banking under "closed accounts" for several months.

If you receive a check from Bank of America for your remaining balance, deposit it at your new bank within 180 days — after that, the check may expire and you will need to contact Bank of America to request a replacement. Keep your confirmation number and the date of closure in case you need to reference the closure later (for example, if a payment bounces and you need to prove the account was closed on a specific date).

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

Bank of America will not close the account until the negative balance is paid. You can pay it by transferring money from another account, using a debit card, or arranging a payment over the phone. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account closes when ready when you receive your confirmation number, but it may take 24 to 48 hours for the closure to appear in all of Bank of America's systems. Any check mailed to you for your remaining balance takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new account with Bank of America at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same account number. If you closed it by mistake, contact Bank of America within a few days to ask if they can reverse the closure — this is possible in some cases if no time has passed.

What if I have direct deposit set up and I close my account?

Your employer's next paycheck will be rejected and returned to them. You must update your direct deposit information with your employer before you close the account, or contact your employer's payroll department when ready after closure to provide your new account details.

Do I need to close the account in person if I have a credit card with Bank of America?

A credit card is a separate account from your checking or savings account, so closing your bank account does not affect your credit card. However, if your credit card is linked to your bank account for automatic payments, you will need to update that payment method before closure.