The steps to cancel a Bank of America credit card
You can cancel a Bank of America credit card by calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, logging into your online account and requesting cancellation through the messaging system, or visiting a branch in person. The phone route is fastest — the call takes about five minutes, and the card is closed when ready. You do not need to wait for a confirmation letter, though one will arrive in the mail within a week.
Before you call, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you have a promotional offer or 0% APR period still running, cancelling ends that offer, so check your statement for the end date first.
Have your card number ready when you call, or your account number if you no longer have the physical card. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are cancelling (they may offer retention deals), and then process the closure. After the call, destroy the card by cutting it in half or shredding it.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to cancel — it takes about five minutes and the card closes the same day.
- Pay off any balance before cancelling, because Bank of America will not close an account with money owed.
- Check your statement for any active promotional rates or 0% APR periods, because cancellation ends those offers when ready.
- Destroy the physical card after cancellation by cutting or shredding it, even though the account is already closed.
- Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may affect your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit.
What happens to your credit after you cancel
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, it reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe divided by the amount you can borrow. If you have other cards with balances, closing one card makes that ratio higher, which can lower your score by a few points.
Second, the closed account stays on your credit report for up to ten years. This is not harmful — closed accounts in good standing actually help your credit history by showing you managed the account responsibly. The damage comes only if you close the card while carrying a balance or if you have missed payments on it.
If your credit score is important right now — you are explore for a mortgage, a car loan, or another credit card — consider waiting to cancel until after the process is approved. The timing matters less if you have multiple cards or if your score is already strong.
Cancelling without calling customer service
If you prefer not to call, log into your Bank of America online account, go to the Credit Cards section, select the card you want to cancel, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. Not all accounts show this option online — it depends on your card type and account status. If you do not see it, the phone call is your only option.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a representative to close the card. Bring your ID and the card itself. This route takes longer than calling because you have to travel to a branch, but some people prefer handling it face-to-face.
Do not send a letter requesting cancellation unless Bank of America specifically asks you to. Phone and online requests are documented in their system when ready, while a letter can take weeks to process and may get lost.
What to do with the closed account afterward
After the card is closed, you will continue to receive statements for a few billing cycles if there are any pending transactions or credits. These statements are normal and do not mean the account is still open. Once all activity clears, the statements will stop.
If you have automatic payments set up on this card — subscriptions, utilities, or other recurring charges — change them to a different card or payment method before you cancel. Bank of America will reject any charges that try to post after the account closes, which can cause late fees or service interruptions with the companies you pay.
Keep the final statement showing a zero balance. You may need it for your records or if there is ever a dispute about the account closure.
When cancellation might not be the best choice
If the card has an annual fee and you are cancelling to avoid paying it, call first and ask if Bank of America will waive the fee. Many cardholders get the fee removed by requesting it, especially if they have been a customer for years or have other accounts with the bank.
If you are cancelling because you are unhappy with the rewards rate or benefits, check whether Bank of America offers a product change — converting this card to a different Bank of America card without closing the account. This keeps your account history intact and avoids the credit score dip from closure. Ask the representative about this option when you call.
If you are cancelling because you are struggling with debt, closing the card does not solve the underlying problem. Consider speaking with a credit counselor before you cancel multiple cards, because closing several accounts in a short time can damage your credit more than keeping them open with zero balances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bank of America charge me a fee to cancel?
No. Bank of America does not charge a cancellation fee. The only cost is any remaining balance on the card, which you must pay before the account closes.
Can I reopen the card after I cancel it?
You can request to reopen the account within a short window — usually 30 to 60 days — by calling customer service. After that, the account is permanently closed and you would have to open a new card instead. A new card will have a different account number and will not restore your original account history.
What if I have a balance transfer or promotional rate on the card?
Cancelling ends the promotional offer when ready. Any balance transfer balance will still be owed, but it will no longer have the 0% rate — the regular APR applies instead. Pay off the balance before cancelling if you want to keep the promotional terms.
Does cancelling hurt my credit score?
It may lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and changes your utilization ratio. The impact is usually small — a few points — and temporary. The closed account stays on your report for up to ten years and actually helps your score by showing responsible account history.
What if I forget to change my automatic payments before cancelling?
Bank of America will reject any charges that try to post after the account closes. Contact the companies you pay (utilities, subscriptions, insurance) and update your payment method when ready to avoid late fees or service interruptions.