What you can change in your Bank of America checking account
Bank of America lets you change several things about your checking account without closing it or opening a new one. You can switch account types (like moving from a basic account to one with higher interest), add or remove linked accounts, change your overdraft settings, update your contact information, and modify how statements are delivered to you. Some changes happen when ready in the app or online. Others, like switching to a completely different account product, may take a few business days and might involve a brief phone call.
The path you take depends on what you want to change. A change to your phone number or mailing address takes seconds online. Switching from a Basic Checking to a Premium Checking account requires you to meet different requirements and may affect your monthly fee. Turning off overdraft protection or changing how you receive statements is a setting you control yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Most account changes happen through your online banking dashboard or the Bank of America mobile app without calling anyone.
- Switching to a different checking account product (like Premium or Interest Checking) may require you to meet new requirements and can take a few business days to process.
- Changes to contact information, statements, and overdraft settings take effect when ready or within one business day.
- If you want to change your account but keep the same account number, you cannot — switching products means a new account number and a new account.
Changing account settings through online banking or the app
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or open the mobile app. Go to the account you want to change. From there, you can reach settings by clicking the gear icon or "Account Settings" — the exact label varies slightly between the website and app, but it is always visible on the account details page.
Inside account settings, you can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address. You can also change how you receive statements (paperless, paper, or both), turn overdraft protection on or off, and manage linked external accounts. These changes take effect when ready or within one business day. You do not need to call anyone or visit a branch.
If you want to change your account nickname (the label that appears in your account list), you can do that from the same menu. This is purely cosmetic and takes effect right away.
Switching to a different Bank of America checking account product
Bank of America offers several checking account types: Basic Checking, Premium Checking, and Interest Checking. Each has different requirements, monthly fees, and benefits. If you want to move from one product to another — for example, from Basic to Premium — you cannot straightforward upgrade your existing account. Instead, Bank of America closes your current account and opens a new one with a new account number.
To switch products, log into online banking and look for "Open an Account" or "Accounts & Services." You will see the different checking options available to you. Select the one you want. Bank of America will show you the requirements (minimum balance, direct deposit, or other conditions) and the monthly fee. If you meet the requirements, you can open the new account right there. Your old account will close within a few business days, and your new account number will be active.
Before you switch, update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay that use your current account number. Your old account number will not work once the account closes. You have a few days to make these changes, but it is safer to do it before you open the new account.
What happens to your money and account number when you change accounts
If you are straightforward changing settings on your existing account — like turning off overdraft protection or switching to paperless statements — nothing happens to your money or account number. Your account stays the same.
If you are switching to a different account product, Bank of America will not automatically move your balance to the new account. You have to transfer the money yourself. Log into online banking, go to "Transfer Funds," and move money from your old account to your new one. This transfer is free and usually takes one business day. Once the money is moved, you can close the old account if you want, though Bank of America may close it automatically after a set period of inactivity.
Your old account number does not transfer. The new account has a new number. This is why you need to update any recurring payments before or when ready after you open the new account.
Changing overdraft and NSF settings
Bank of America lets you control how your account handles overdrafts — when you spend more than your balance. You can turn overdraft protection on or off, which determines whether Bank of America will cover the overdraft (and charge you a fee) or decline the transaction.
To change these settings, log into online banking, go to your account, and find "Overdraft Settings" or "Account Settings." You will see options to enable or disable overdraft protection. You can also link a savings account or another account to cover overdrafts automatically, which Bank of America calls "overdraft transfer." If you turn off overdraft protection, transactions that would overdraw your account will straightforward be declined — you will not be charged an overdraft fee, but the payment will not go through.
These changes take effect when ready. If you turn off overdraft protection at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, it is off for any transactions that process after that point.
Updating contact information and statement delivery
Your phone number, email address, and mailing address can all be changed in account settings without calling Bank of America. Log in, go to settings, and update each field. Bank of America uses your phone number for security alerts and your email for statements if you choose paperless delivery. Your mailing address is where Bank of America sends paper statements and account documents.
You can also change how you receive statements. Choose paperless (email only), paper (mailed to your address), or both. If you choose paperless, Bank of America will email you when a new statement is ready, and you can view it in online banking. Paper statements arrive by mail and typically take five to seven business days from the statement date.
All of these changes take effect within one business day.
When you need to call Bank of America to make a change
Most account changes do not require a phone call. However, if you want to switch account products and Bank of America's online system says you do not meet the requirements, or if you have questions about whether a specific change is possible, calling is faster than trying to figure it out online.
You can reach Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. If you are calling about switching account types, have information about your current account balance and any direct deposits or automatic payments you have set up. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. A representative can walk you through any account changes and answer questions about requirements or fees. Branches are open during business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my account number if I switch to a different checking account product?
No. When you switch to a different account product, Bank of America closes your old account and opens a new one with a new account number. You will need to update any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and recurring transfers to use the new number.
How long does it take to switch checking account products?
The new account opens when ready when you complete the process online. Your old account closes within a few business days. During that time, both accounts are active, so you can transfer money between them and update your payments.
What if I have automatic payments set up on my old account?
Automatic payments will fail once your old account closes because the account number no longer exists. Update them before you switch, or as soon as possible after. Log into each service (your utility company, insurance provider, subscription service, etc.) and change the account number to your new one.
Can I change my account type back if I do not like the new one?
Yes. You can open another new account with your original account type and transfer your money back. This means another new account number, so you would need to update your payments again. If you are unsure about switching, call Bank of America first to ask about the requirements and fees for the account you are considering.
Do I lose my transaction history if I switch accounts?
Your transaction history stays with your old account. When you log into online banking, you can still view statements and transactions from the closed account for several years. Your new account has its own separate history starting from the day it opens.