You can close a Bank of America checking account online through their website or mobile app, but only if you meet two conditions: your account balance is zero and you have no outstanding checks or pending transactions.
Bank of America does not offer a fully online closure process for most checking accounts. Instead, you will need to use their website or app to initiate the request, but a representative will contact you to complete it. The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the time you submit your request.
If your account has a balance, you must withdraw or transfer the money first. If you have checks outstanding or pending transactions, you must wait for those to clear before closing. Bank of America will not close an account with unresolved activity.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account balance must be zero before Bank of America will close it, and any pending transactions must clear.
- You can start the closure request through the Bank of America website or mobile app, but a representative will call you to finish the process.
- The closure takes 5 to 10 business days after you submit your request and a representative confirms your identity.
- If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, change those to another account before you close, or they will fail.
- You will receive written confirmation by mail once the account is closed.
Steps to close your account through the website or app
Log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or profile section—this is usually found under a menu labeled "Settings," "Profile," or a gear icon. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Services." Bank of America's interface changes periodically, so if you cannot find it when ready, use the search function within the app or website and search for "close account."
Click or tap the close account option. The system will show you your current balance and flag any pending transactions. If either exists, you cannot proceed until you resolve them. Once the system confirms your account is ready to close, you will be asked to provide a reason for closing (optional) and confirm your request.
After you submit the request, a Bank of America representative will contact you within one to two business days. They will verify your identity, confirm that you want to close the account, and answer any questions. This call is required—you cannot skip it. The representative will also ask whether you want any remaining funds (if applicable) mailed to you or transferred to another account.
What to do before you close
Withdraw or transfer your entire balance to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it. If you have a small balance and want to avoid a trip to a branch, transfer it to another bank account you own using external transfer, or request a check by mail.
Stop or redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits. If your paycheck, benefits, or regular payments are set to deposit into this checking account, change the deposit information with your employer or the organization sending the payment. If you do not, those deposits will fail once the account closes, and you may miss payments or income.
Wait for all pending transactions to clear. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, or if you made debit card purchases that are still processing, wait until those transactions post to your account before you request closure. This can take several days depending on the merchant and your bank.
Review your account for any linked services. If you have a savings account, credit card, or investment account linked to this checking account for transfers, you may need to update those links or close those accounts separately. Bank of America will tell you during the closure call if any linked accounts need attention.
What happens after you submit your closure request
A Bank of America representative will call the phone number on file within one to two business days. They will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or providing information from your account. This is a standard verification step and takes about five minutes.
Once verified, the representative will confirm the closure and explain what happens next. If you have a remaining balance, they will ask how you want it sent—by check to your mailing address or transferred to another account. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.
The account will be marked for closure, and Bank of America will process it over the next 5 to 10 business days. During this time, the account will not accept new transactions, but pending items may still post. Once the closure is complete, you will receive a written confirmation letter in the mail.
If you cannot close online
Some checking accounts—particularly older accounts or those with special features—cannot be closed through the website or app. If you receive an error message or the close account option does not appear, you will need to close in person at a Bank of America branch or by phone.
To close by phone, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. The representative will walk you through the same process: confirming your balance is zero, verifying your identity, and processing the closure. This method takes the same 5 to 10 business days.
To close in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card. A teller can initiate the closure when ready, though the account will still take 5 to 10 business days to fully close in the system.
What to do if you have an outstanding balance or pending items
If your account has a balance, withdraw it at an ATM, transfer it online to another account, or visit a branch to withdraw it in cash. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it, and you cannot proceed with your closure request until the balance is zero.
If you have pending transactions—checks you wrote that have not cleared, or debit card charges still processing—you must wait for them to post. This can take 3 to 5 business days depending on the merchant. Check your account regularly, and once all pending items have cleared and your balance is zero, you can submit your closure request again.
If you have a check outstanding that you are unsure about, contact Bank of America before closing. They can tell you whether the check has cleared or is still pending. If a check is very old and has not cleared, they may be able to cancel it, which allows you to proceed with closure.
After your account is closed
Once Bank of America confirms the closure is complete, you will receive a letter in the mail. Keep this letter for your records. Your account number will no longer be active, and you will not be able to access the account online or through the app.
If you set up any services that relied on this account—such as bill pay, transfers, or linked accounts—those will stop working. Make sure you have redirected any recurring payments or deposits to your new account before the closure is final.
If you need records of transactions from the closed account, you can request them from Bank of America. They keep records for a set period, and you can contact customer service to request statements or transaction history if needed for tax purposes or other documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?
No. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions. You must wait for all pending items to post to your account before you can submit a closure request. Check your account regularly to see when pending transactions clear, then try again.
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fees?
You must bring your account to zero before closing. If you have overdraft fees, contact Bank of America to discuss your options. Some situations allow the bank to waive fees, but you will need to speak with a representative. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history. Bank of America checking accounts do not appear on your credit report, so closing one has no impact on your credit.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America checking account?
The process takes 5 to 10 business days from the time you submit your request and a representative confirms your identity. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail once the closure is complete. The exact timeline depends on how quickly pending transactions clear and how soon a representative can reach you.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America checking account?
Once an account is closed, it cannot be reopened. If you want to bank with Bank of America again, you will need to open a new account. The process is the same as opening any new checking account, and you can do it online or at a branch.