Yes, you can close your Bank of America checking account through their website or mobile app
Bank of America lets you close a checking account online without calling or visiting a branch. You log into your account, navigate to the account settings, and request closure. The process takes a few minutes, though the actual closure—moving money out, stopping transactions, and finalizing the account—happens over the next few days.
The online method works best if your account is in good standing, has no outstanding transactions, and you have already moved your money elsewhere. If you have pending deposits, automatic payments set up, or an overdrawn balance, you will need to handle those first or contact Bank of America directly.
Key Takeaways
- You can request account closure through the Bank of America website or mobile app by going to account settings and selecting the close account option.
- Before closing, transfer any remaining balance to another account, cancel automatic payments, and wait for any pending deposits to clear.
- If your account is overdrawn or has holds on it, you must resolve those issues before Bank of America will process the closure.
- The account closure request is submitted online, but the actual closure takes several business days to complete.
- If the online method does not work for your situation, you can close the account by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or in person at a branch.
Steps to close your account through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America online account. On the main dashboard, look for account settings or account management options—this is usually found in a menu labeled "Settings," "Account," or represented by a gear icon. Select the checking account you want to close from your list of accounts.
Once you have selected the account, look for an option that says "Close Account," "Request Closure," or "Manage Account." Click it. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are closing it. Answer the questions and submit the request. You will receive a confirmation message on screen and typically an email confirmation as well.
The closure request is now in the system. Bank of America will process it over the next few business days. During this time, the account remains open but flagged for closure. Any remaining balance will be returned to you, and the account will be deactivated once all pending transactions clear.
What you need to do before submitting a closure request
Move any money out of the account first. Log into your checking account and transfer the full balance to another bank account you own, or withdraw it in cash. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance until you have moved the money, and some closures are delayed because of this step.
Cancel or update any automatic payments or recurring transfers linked to this checking account. If you have direct deposit set up, change it to your new account at your employer or benefits provider. If you have automatic bill payments scheduled, log into each biller's website and update the payment method. Bank of America will not process the closure if active automatic payments are still attached.
Wait for any pending deposits to clear. If you are expecting a check, direct deposit, or transfer to hit the account, let it arrive and clear before you request closure. Closing an account with pending deposits can cause those deposits to bounce or be returned to the sender.
Check for any outstanding holds or overdraft balances. If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before closure. If there are fraud holds or other restrictions on the account, contact Bank of America to have them removed first.
What happens after you submit the closure request
Bank of America sends a confirmation email with the details of your closure request. The account status changes to "pending closure" in your online banking view. You can still see the account and its history, but you cannot make new transactions.
Any remaining balance in the account will be mailed to you as a check within 5 to 10 business days, or Bank of America may offer to transfer it to another account you specify. Debit cards linked to the account will stop working within a few days. If you have checks printed for this account, they will no longer be valid once the account is fully closed.
The full closure typically completes within 5 to 10 business days, depending on whether there are any pending transactions or holds. Once closed, you will no longer see the account in your online banking portal.
When you cannot close your account online
If your account has an overdrawn balance, Bank of America will not process an online closure request. You must pay the negative balance first. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the exact amount owed, then make a payment from another account.
If there are fraud holds, pending disputes, or other restrictions on the account, the online closure option may be blocked. In this case, you will see an error message when you try to submit the request. Call Bank of America or visit a branch to discuss the hold and get it removed before trying again online.
If you have a linked savings account, credit card, or investment account that shares the same customer profile, closing one account may affect the others. Bank of America will warn you about this during the closure process. If you want to keep other accounts open, make sure you understand which accounts are linked before confirming closure.
Closing your account by phone or in person if online does not work
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm that your balance is zero, and check for any holds or pending transactions. If everything is clear, they will process the closure over the phone.
You can also visit any Bank of America branch in person. Bring a photo ID and your debit card. Tell a representative you want to close the account. They will verify your information, confirm your balance is transferred out, and submit the closure request. In-person closure can sometimes be faster because the representative can resolve certain issues on the spot.
Both methods—phone and in-person—follow the same rules as online closure: your balance must be zero, automatic payments must be canceled, and any holds must be removed first.
What to do with your direct deposits and automatic payments after closure
Update your direct deposit information with your employer, Social Security, or any other source of regular deposits. Log into your employer's payroll system or contact your HR department and provide your new bank account number and routing number. This change usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect.
For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website individually—your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, and any subscription services. Update the payment method to your new bank account. Do not rely on Bank of America to forward payments; each biller must be updated separately.
If you have checks printed for the old account, stop using them when ready. Any checks deposited after the account closes will be returned unpaid, which can result in fees from the recipient's bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Bank of America to fully close my account?
The closure request is processed within 5 to 10 business days. If there are no pending transactions, holds, or outstanding issues, it happens on the faster end. If there are pending deposits or transfers, it may take longer. You will receive email confirmation when the closure is complete.
Will I get my remaining balance back if I close the account?
Yes. Any money left in the account after you submit the closure request will be mailed to you as a check within 5 to 10 business days, or Bank of America can transfer it to another account if you provide the details. You must have a zero balance before submitting the closure request online.
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working within a few days of the closure request being submitted. You do not need to do anything; Bank of America will deactivate it automatically. If you want to destroy the card yourself, you can cut it up or shred it.
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closure. There is no waiting period. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or violation of Bank of America's terms, they may deny a new account process.
What if I close my account but then receive a check or deposit meant for the old account?
Checks and transfers sent to a closed account will be returned to the sender marked "account closed." The sender will need to resubmit the payment to your new account. This is why it is important to update direct deposits and automatic payments before closing the account.