You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account type and balance
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log in, navigate to account settings, and follow the closure prompts. However, some account types — like investment accounts or credit cards — require a phone call or branch visit. Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero and you have no pending transactions, because the bank will not close an account with money in it.
The entire process usually takes a few minutes online, but the account may take a few business days to fully close after you submit the request. You will receive a confirmation email once the closure is complete.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Bank of America account settings or mobile app.
- Your account balance must be zero before you can close the account, so withdraw or transfer any remaining funds first.
- You should have no outstanding checks, pending deposits, or automatic payments linked to the account before closing.
- Some account types like credit cards and investment accounts require you to call customer service or visit a branch instead.
- Keep your account number and final statement for your records after closure is complete.
Steps to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America account through the website or mobile app using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for account settings or account management options — this is usually found in a menu labeled "Settings," "Profile," or "Account." The exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but both have this option.
Find the account you want to close and look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" option. Click or tap it, and Bank of America will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are closing the account. Answer the questions if prompted, then submit your request. You should see a confirmation message on screen, and Bank of America will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes.
The account will remain visible in your account list for a few days while the closure processes in the background. After three to five business days, it will disappear from your account list entirely. If you do not see a confirmation email within 24 hours, log back in and check whether the closure went through, or call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm.
What to do before closing your account
Empty your account completely before you attempt to close it. Withdraw all money or transfer it to another account — Bank of America will not close an account with any balance remaining. If you have a small amount left (under $5), you can often request that Bank of America send it to you as a check, but this adds time to the closure process.
Cancel or update any automatic payments or recurring transfers that use this account. If you have bills set to pay from this account, change them to a different account or payment method before closing. Automatic payments that try to go through after the account closes will fail, and you could miss a payment important date.
Remove any linked external accounts. If you have set up transfers between this Bank of America account and accounts at other banks, delete those links first. Check for pending deposits or checks you have written that have not cleared yet. If you have written checks that have not been cashed, wait until they clear or contact the recipients to cancel them.
Account types that require a phone call or branch visit
Credit cards cannot be closed online through the account settings menu. To close a Bank of America credit card, call the customer service number on the back of your card or call 1-800-432-1000. Have your card number ready when you call. The representative will confirm your identity and process the closure over the phone.
Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (like IRAs) also require a phone call or branch visit. These accounts have different closure rules because they may have tax implications or require specific paperwork. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit your nearest Bank of America branch to close these account types.
Money Market accounts sometimes appear in the online closure menu, but if you encounter an error or the option does not appear, call customer service. Business accounts and accounts with special features may also require a call to close.
What happens after your account closes
Once your account is fully closed, you will no longer be able to use your debit card for that account. If you have a debit card linked to the closed account, destroy it or cut it up. You can still access your closed account history for a limited time through your Bank of America online account, which is useful if you need to reference old statements or transactions for tax purposes.
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing all activity up to the closure date. Keep this statement for your records. If you had overdraft protection or linked accounts, those connections will be severed when the account closes.
If you close an account and later realize you need to access it, you cannot reopen the exact same account. You would need to open a new account instead. For this reason, make sure you have transferred or withdrawn all money and updated all automatic payments before you submit your closure request.
Troubleshooting if the online closure does not work
If you try to close your account online and see an error message, the most common reason is that your account balance is not zero. Go back and check your balance — sometimes pending transactions or holds can prevent closure even if the balance appears to be zero. Wait for any pending transactions to clear, then try again.
If the "Close Account" option does not appear in your account settings at all, your account type may not support online closure. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and explain that you want to close the account. A representative can close it over the phone or tell you whether you need to visit a branch.
If you have multiple accounts and the system is not letting you close one of them, make sure you are not trying to close your primary account while other accounts are still linked to it. Some account configurations require you to close linked accounts first or update your primary account designation before closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt 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 can have a small impact on your credit score because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually temporary and minor.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), you must pay the full amount owed before Bank of America will close it. Contact customer service to discuss payment options if you cannot pay the full amount when ready.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The online closure request takes a few minutes to submit, but the account typically takes three to five business days to fully close in Bank of America's system. You will receive a confirmation email when the closure is complete.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?
Wait until the check clears before closing the account. If you close the account before a check clears, the check may bounce when it is presented. Contact the person or business you wrote the check to and ask them to hold it or reissue it to a different account.
Do I need to visit a branch to close my account?
For checking and savings accounts, no — you can close them entirely online. For credit cards, investment accounts, or if you encounter an error online, you can call customer service or visit a branch instead.