You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances or holds

Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through their website if you use online banking. The fastest route is usually a phone call — you'll reach someone within a few minutes during business hours, and they can walk you through what needs to happen before the account closes. If you have a mortgage, investment account, or credit card with Bank of America, those close through different processes and sometimes cannot be closed until certain conditions are met.

Before you call or visit, check your account balance and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance or an active hold placed by the bank or a creditor. If you have direct deposits coming in or automatic payments going out, you'll need to redirect those first — the bank can tell you the exact date the account will close, and you should update your employers and billers at least a week before that date.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours to close a checking or savings account; the process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and the account closes within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before the account can close; if you owe money or have a hold, the bank will tell you what needs to clear first.
  • Redirect direct deposits and automatic payments to a different account at least a week before the closure date, or they will be rejected.
  • Credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts close through separate processes and may have their own requirements or waiting periods.
  • If you close an account and later need a record of old transactions, Bank of America keeps statements available for seven years through online banking.

What happens to your money when you close the account

Bank of America will send you a check for any remaining balance in the account, or you can ask them to transfer the funds to another bank account during the closing call. The check is mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the account officially closes. If you want the money transferred electronically instead, have the routing number and account number of your destination bank ready when you call — the transfer usually posts within 1 to 3 business days.

If there are unclaimed funds or dormant account fees that have accumulated, the bank will deduct those before sending your balance. Ask the representative on the phone to confirm the exact amount you'll receive and the method they'll use to send it. If you're closing because of a dispute or error, mention that during the call — the representative can flag your account and may support the funds are held securely while any issue is reviewed.

Closing a checking or savings account by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity. The representative will ask why you're closing (this is optional to answer), confirm your current balance, and explain what happens next. They'll also ask how you want to receive your remaining balance — by check or electronic transfer.

The representative will give you a confirmation number and a specific date when the account will close. Write down both. Ask them to confirm that no pending transactions are still processing and that there are no holds on the account. If there are holds or pending items, ask what you need to do to clear them and when you can call back to complete the closure. Most accounts close within 7 to 10 business days from the date of the call.

Closing an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They'll verify your identity, check your balance, and ask how you want to receive the remaining funds. You can take a check on the spot or request an electronic transfer to another account. If you choose a check, the teller will print it when ready, and you can cash it or deposit it elsewhere right away.

In-person closure is useful if you want your money the same day or if you have questions the representative can answer face-to-face. The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number and the closure date. If your account has holds or pending transactions, the teller will tell you what needs to clear before closure can be completed, and you may need to return to the branch or call later to finish the process.

Closing an account through online banking

Log into your Bank of America online account and look for the account settings or account management section. Some account types allow you to request closure directly through the website, but not all do. If the option is available, you'll be asked to confirm your balance and choose how to receive any remaining funds. The system will show you a confirmation number and expected closure date.

If you don't see a closure option in your online account, the bank requires you to close by phone or in person. This is common for accounts with certain features or balances. In that case, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch — do not assume the account can be closed online just because you can manage it there.

What to do if your account has a hold or outstanding balance

If Bank of America has placed a hold on your account — usually because of a dispute, fraud investigation, or unpaid fees — the account cannot close until the hold is released. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask why the hold is in place and what you need to do to have it removed. Some holds clear automatically after a set number of days; others require you to resolve an issue first, such as paying an overdraft fee or providing documentation for a disputed transaction.

If you owe money on the account — for example, an overdraft balance or unpaid fees — you must pay that balance before closure. The bank will not close an account with a negative balance. Ask the representative how much you owe, what it covers, and whether you can pay it over the phone with a debit card or bank transfer. Once the balance is zero and any holds are released, you can proceed with closure.

Closing credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts

Credit cards close through a different process. Call the number on the back of your card and tell them you want to close the account. Pay off any balance first — the card cannot close with an outstanding balance. After you pay it off, the representative will confirm the closure and give you a confirmation number. The account will show as closed on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score because it reduces your available credit.

Mortgages and home equity lines of credit cannot be closed until the loan is paid off. If you're refinancing or selling, your lender will handle the closure as part of that process. Investment accounts and brokerage accounts have their own closure procedures and may require you to liquidate holdings or transfer them to another institution first. Contact the specific department that manages those accounts — the main customer service line can transfer you or provide the right phone number.

What to do with direct deposits and automatic payments before closure

At least one week before your account closes, update any direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds) to point to a different account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number and routing number. If a direct deposit hits a closed account, it will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can delay your payment by several days.

Similarly, update any automatic bill payments, subscription services, or transfers that pull money from this account. Log into each service and change the payment method to a different account or payment method. If you miss updating a payment and it bounces after the account closes, you may face a late fee or service interruption. Bank of America will not redirect these payments for you, so this step is your responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a pending check I wrote?

Yes, but wait until the check clears before closing. If you close the account while a check is still pending, it may bounce when it arrives at the recipient's bank, and you could face overdraft fees or damage to your banking history. Ask the bank representative to confirm that no checks are still in processing, or wait 10 to 14 days after writing the last check before closing.

What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fee?

You must pay the negative balance and any overdraft fees before the account can close. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask the exact amount owed. You can pay it over the phone with a debit card or by transferring funds from another account. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for the account to actually close?

Most Bank of America accounts close within 7 to 10 business days from the date you request closure. The representative will give you a specific date. If you requested a check for your remaining balance, allow an additional 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive by mail.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may allow you to reopen a recently closed account if you contact them within a short window, but this is not may provide. If you think you might need the account again, consider keeping it open but unused instead of closing it. If you do close it and later want to reopen it, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether reopening is possible.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because those accounts do not appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit. If you're closing a credit card, pay off the balance first and consider keeping older cards open to maintain your credit history.