You can close a Bank of America checking account online through their website or mobile app, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America does not offer a fully online account closure process. You can initiate the closure through your online banking portal or the mobile app, but you will need to speak with a representative to complete it. The bank requires this conversation to confirm your identity, may support all checks have cleared, and verify that you have moved any automatic payments or direct deposits to another account.
The fastest route is to call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and request account closure. Have your account number ready. If you prefer to start online, log into your account, navigate to the account settings, and look for the option to close the account — the system will then direct you to call or visit a branch to finish the process.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account must have a zero balance before Bank of America will close it; you cannot close an account with money still in it.
- You must call customer service or visit a branch in person to complete the closure, even if you start the request online.
- Before closing, redirect any automatic bill payments, paycheck deposits, or other recurring transfers to your new account.
- The closure takes effect when ready once confirmed by a representative, but checks you have written may still clear for up to six months afterward.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect those accounts.
What you need to do before you close
Empty your account completely. Bank of America will not close an account with any balance remaining, even if it is a few cents. Transfer or withdraw all funds to bring the balance to exactly zero. If you have pending deposits or checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before you request closure.
Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits. Log into your account and review your transaction history for the past three months to find recurring charges — utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments. Contact each company and update your payment method or account number to point to your new bank. Do the same for any paycheck direct deposits or other regular incoming transfers. Bank of America will not redirect these for you, and if a payment tries to post after you close the account, it will be rejected and may trigger overdraft fees at the other institution.
Order any remaining checks you need. If you have checks from this account that you still plan to use, order them now. Once the account closes, you cannot order more, and any checks you write after closure will bounce.
How to start the closure online
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or open the mobile app. Navigate to your account settings — this is usually found under your profile or account menu. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." The system will ask you to confirm your account number and may ask why you are closing the account, though this is optional.
At this point, the online process stops. You will be directed to call customer service or visit a branch. Do not close your browser or app — write down any reference number the system provides, as it may speed up your phone call.
Calling to complete the closure
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm that your balance is zero, and ask whether you have redirected all automatic payments and deposits.
The representative will process the closure when ready. Your account will be closed that day, and you will receive a confirmation number. Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure, including the date it took effect. Keep this for your records in case a payment or deposit attempts to post later.
What happens to checks after you close
Checks you have already written may still clear for up to six months after closure, even though the account no longer exists. Bank of America will honor these checks if they arrive within that window, drawing from any remaining balance or from a temporary hold the bank maintains. After six months, outstanding checks will be returned unpaid.
If you are concerned about a specific check, contact the recipient and ask them to deposit it before you close the account. If you have already closed and a check arrives, the recipient will receive a notice that the account is closed, and the check will be returned. You may then need to issue a replacement check from your new bank or arrange another form of payment.
Visiting a branch in person instead
If you prefer not to call, you can walk into any Bank of America branch and request account closure in person. Bring your government-issued ID and your debit card. The branch representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Branch hours vary by location. You can find your nearest branch and its hours at bankofamerica.com/locator. Some branches have reduced hours on weekends, and some are closed on Sundays, so check before you go.
What happens to linked accounts and services
Closing your checking account does not affect any other accounts you have with Bank of America. If you have a savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to the same login, those remain open and active. Your online banking access will continue to work for those accounts.
If you have set up any services that depend on the checking account — such as bill pay, Zelle transfers, or overdraft protection from a savings account — those features will stop working once the account closes. If you want to keep using these services, set them up on your new checking account at your new bank before you close this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a small balance left in the account?
You must withdraw or transfer it to bring the balance to zero. Bank of America will not close an account with any money in it. If the balance is very small and you cannot access the account, call customer service and ask them to process a final withdrawal or transfer the remaining balance to another account you own.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new checking account. This is treated as a new account, so you may be subject to new account opening requirements and waiting periods for certain features.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts — loans, credit cards, lines of credit — not deposit accounts.
How long does it take for the closure to show up in my records?
The account closes when ready once the representative confirms it. You will receive a confirmation number on the call or in the branch. Written confirmation by mail typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Your online banking access to that account will stop working within 24 hours.
What if a company tries to charge my closed account after I close it?
The charge will be rejected, and the company will receive a notice that the account is closed. You will not be charged. However, the company may contact you about the failed payment, so make sure you have updated your payment information with them before you close the account to avoid service interruptions.