You can close a Bank of America checking account online through their website or mobile app, but only if your account is in good standing and has a zero balance.
Bank of America does not offer a fully online account closure process. You can start the process through their website or app, but you will need to speak with a representative to complete it. The fastest route is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the steps and confirm your account is ready to close.
Before you close your account, make sure your balance is zero. If you have money in the account, withdraw it first. If you have pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits linked to this account, those need to be redirected or cancelled before closure. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance or unresolved issues.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America requires you to speak with a representative to close a checking account, even though you can start the request online.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before closure can be completed.
- You should cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or standing orders linked to the account before you call.
- The phone number for account closure is 1-800-432-1000, and the process typically takes one business day to finalize after you speak with a representative.
Steps to close your account by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, review your account for any outstanding issues, and verify that your balance is zero.
If your account has a positive balance, the representative will tell you how to withdraw the funds before closure. If you have pending transactions or unresolved disputes, those must be settled first. Once everything is clear, the representative will process the closure request. The account will typically close within one business day.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date. Keep this information in case you need to reference the closure later. Some accounts may take longer to close if there are complications, but most standard closures happen overnight.
What to do before you call
Check your account for any automatic payments or recurring charges. Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app and review your recent transactions. Look for subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance payments, or any other regular charges. Contact those companies and update your payment method before you close the account, or the payments will fail.
If you receive direct deposits, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number if you have opened another account elsewhere. Do the same for any government benefits or regular income deposits. These changes can take one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the request well before you close the account.
Withdraw any remaining balance. You can do this at an ATM, at a branch, or by transferring the money to another account online. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it, so this step is mandatory.
Why Bank of America requires a phone call
Bank of America's policy requires a representative to confirm your identity and verify that you want to close the account. This protects you from unauthorized closures and ensures that any outstanding issues—like pending fraud disputes or unresolved transactions—are addressed before the account is shut down.
The phone verification also gives you a chance to ask questions about what happens to your debit card, any pending checks, or other account features. A representative can explain the timeline and answer concerns that an online form cannot.
What happens to your debit card after closure
Your Bank of America debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have not already done so, destroy the card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as the card number could be recovered.
If you have pending transactions that have not yet cleared, they may still process after the account closes. Bank of America will handle these through the account closure process, but it can take a few days for everything to settle. Ask the representative what to expect with any transactions that are still in progress.
If you want to keep your account open but need a break
If you are closing the account because of inactivity fees or because you are not using it, consider asking the representative about other account options. Bank of America offers accounts with no monthly maintenance fees if you meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
You can also straightforward stop using the account without closing it. As long as you maintain a zero balance or meet the account's requirements, Bank of America will not close it for you. This option keeps the account available if you need it later without the hassle of reopening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring your account to zero or positive before closure. If you owe Bank of America money, you will need to pay that amount first. The representative will tell you how much you owe and your options for payment.
What if I have pending checks or transactions?
Pending transactions must clear before the account closes, or you need to cancel them. If you have written checks that have not cleared, contact the people or businesses you wrote them to and ask them to cash them before you close the account. The representative can advise you on the safest way to handle this.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
Most accounts close within one business day after you speak with a representative. However, if there are pending transactions or unresolved issues, it may take longer. The representative will give you a specific timeline when you call.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history, not checking accounts. However, if you have an overdraft or unpaid balance, that could be reported and affect your score.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
You can open a new Bank of America checking account at any time, but it will be a different account with a new account number. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider leaving it open instead of closing it.