You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding issues
The fastest way is usually a phone call to Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, and process the closure. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a balance, they will either send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch. Bring a government-issued ID and your debit card. The teller will verify your identity, review any outstanding items, and complete the closure on the spot. This method works well if you have questions or complications the representative needs to resolve face-to-face.
Online closure is available through the Bank of America mobile app or website, but only for certain account types and only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions. Log into your account, navigate to account settings, and look for the close account option. If you do not see it, your account type or status does not support online closure, and you will need to use phone or branch closure instead.
Key Takeaways
- Phone closure (1-800-432-1000) is the fastest method and works for all account types, taking about 15 minutes.
- You must have a zero balance and no pending automatic payments or transfers before the account can close.
- If you have a remaining balance, Bank of America will send a check or transfer funds to another account within 5 to 10 business days.
- In-person closure at a branch is an option if you want to handle complications or ask questions directly.
- Online closure through the app or website only works for certain accounts with zero balance and no pending activity.
What to do before you call or visit
Before you close the account, make sure no automatic payments or recurring charges are still linked to it. Check your recent statements for subscriptions, bill payments, insurance premiums, or payroll deposits. If any are still active, update them to a different account or payment method first. Bank of America will not close the account if pending transactions are waiting to clear.
Confirm your account balance. If you have money in the account, decide whether you want Bank of America to mail you a check or transfer the balance to another bank account. You will need the routing number and account number of the receiving bank if you choose a transfer. If you choose a check, it will arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
If you have a debit card linked to the account, bring it with you or have it ready to destroy. Bank of America will deactivate it when the account closes, but physically cutting it up prevents accidental use.
What happens to your debit card and direct deposits
Your Bank of America debit card will stop working when ready after the account closes. If you have direct deposits set up—such as payroll or government benefits—they will be rejected after closure. Contact your employer or the agency sending the deposit and provide them with your new account information at least a week before you close the account. A rejected deposit can take several days to return to the sender, and you may face delays in receiving funds.
If you have pending checks you wrote from this account, they may still clear for several days after closure. Bank of America will honor checks that arrive within a reasonable time frame, drawing from the account balance before it fully closes. If a check arrives after the account is fully closed, it will bounce, and the check writer may face overdraft fees or other consequences.
Timing and what to expect after closure
The account will close within one business day if you close it by phone or in person, or within 24 hours if you close it online. Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records in case you need proof of closure later.
If you have a remaining balance and chose a check, it will arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If you chose a transfer to another bank, it may take 3 to 5 business days depending on the receiving bank. Do not assume the account is closed until you receive the confirmation letter and any remaining funds.
If you have overdrafts or negative balances
If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, Bank of America will not close it until the debt is paid. You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero before closure can proceed. This includes any overdraft fees that have been charged. Once the balance is positive and all pending transactions have cleared, you can proceed with closure.
If you owe Bank of America money from a previous account or other product, the bank may explore funds from this account to settle that debt before closing. Ask the representative whether any outstanding balances exist on your profile before you attempt closure.
Closing a joint account
If the checking account is joint—meaning another person is also on the account—both account holders must consent to closure. Bank of America will not close a joint account based on one person's request alone. If the other account holder does not want to close the account, you have two options: ask them to remove you from the account, or open a separate individual account and transfer your portion of the funds to it.
If you and the other account holder agree to close the account, both of you can be present when it closes, or one person can call with written authorization from the other. The authorization must be signed and may need to be notarized depending on Bank of America's requirements at your branch.
What to do if you change your mind
If you close the account and then change your mind within a short window, contact Bank of America when ready. The bank may be able to reopen the account if it has not yet fully processed the closure—usually within 24 to 48 hours. After that, the account is permanently closed and cannot be reopened. You would need to open a new account instead.
If funds were transferred or a check was mailed and you want to reverse that, contact Bank of America before the funds leave their system. Once a transfer has been sent to another bank or a check has been mailed, it cannot be recalled through Bank of America alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit?
No. Bank of America will not close the account if a direct deposit is scheduled to arrive within the next few days. Wait until the deposit clears, then update the deposit information with your employer or benefits agency to point to a new account before you close. This prevents the deposit from bouncing and delays in receiving your funds.
What if I have checks I wrote that haven't cleared yet?
Bank of America will honor checks that arrive within a reasonable time after closure, drawing from your remaining balance. If a check arrives after the account is fully closed and the balance is zero, it will bounce. Contact anyone you wrote checks to and let them know your account is closing so they can deposit quickly if needed.
Do I need to visit a branch or can I do everything by phone?
You can close the account entirely by phone at 1-800-432-1000. In-person closure is optional and useful only if you have complications, want to ask questions face-to-face, or prefer to handle it that way. Phone closure is faster and works for all account types.
How long does it take to receive my remaining balance after closure?
If Bank of America mails a check, it arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you request a transfer to another bank account, it takes 3 to 5 business days depending on the receiving bank. The account itself closes within one business day, but the funds may take longer to reach you.
What if my account is overdrawn?
Bank of America will not close an overdrawn account. You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero, including any overdraft fees. Once the balance is positive and all pending transactions have cleared, you can proceed with closure.