The basic steps to close your account
You can close a Bank of America account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you'll reach someone who can walk you through the process and answer questions about what happens to your money and any pending transactions.
Before you close, move any money you want to keep to another bank account. Bank of America will not hold your funds, but the timing matters: if you close while checks are still clearing or automatic payments are scheduled, those transactions may bounce or fail. Give yourself at least a week after your last expected payment clears.
You do not need a reason to close, and Bank of America will not try to talk you out of it. The process takes a few minutes on the phone or in person, though the actual closure may take a few business days to finalize in their system.
Key Takeaways
- Call Bank of America customer service, visit a branch, or use online banking to request closure — phone is usually fastest.
- Move your money to another account before closing, and wait for any pending checks or automatic payments to clear first.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, you may need to close those separately or confirm they close with your checking account.
- Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter once the account is fully closed, which usually takes three to five business days.
Calling Bank of America to close your account
The phone number for Bank of America customer service is 1-800-432-1000. When you call, tell the representative you want to close your account and have your account number ready. They will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing your Social Security number.
The representative will confirm your current balance and ask where you want any remaining funds sent. You can have them mail you a check, transfer the money to another bank account you provide, or move it to another Bank of America account if you have one. They will also ask if you have any outstanding checks or automatic payments scheduled — be honest here, because closing before these clear can cause problems.
Once you confirm the details, the representative will process the closure. Ask them for a confirmation number and note the date. You should receive a written confirmation letter in the mail within a week.
Closing your account in person at a branch
If you prefer to close your account face-to-face, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID and your debit card or account number. A teller or banker can close the account on the spot. This method works well if you want to withdraw your remaining balance in cash rather than waiting for a check or transfer.
Bring any checks you have not used yet — the banker may ask you to return them or confirm they will not be used. If you have automatic payments set up, mention them so the banker can note them in the closure record. Just as with a phone closure, ask for a confirmation number and keep any paperwork they give you.
What to do before you close
Check your account for any pending transactions. Log into your online banking and look at recent activity and any scheduled transfers or bill payments. If you have automatic payments coming from this account — insurance, utilities, subscriptions, loan payments — you must either cancel them or update them to pull from your new bank account before closing.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks, update your employer or payroll system with your new bank details. The same goes for any government benefits or regular payments. Closing your account will not stop these deposits, but they will fail and bounce back to the sender, which can delay your money and create confusion.
Review your last few statements for any checks you wrote that may not have cleared yet. Large checks can take two weeks or longer to process. If you are unsure, wait an extra week after your last expected check clears before closing.
Handling linked accounts and credit cards
If you have a Bank of America savings account linked to the checking account you are closing, ask the representative whether closing the checking account affects the savings account. Usually they are separate and the savings account stays open, but confirm this before you hang up or leave the branch.
Bank of America credit cards are not connected to your checking account, so closing your checking account does not close your credit card. If you want to close a credit card as well, that is a separate process — you can do it at the same time by asking the representative, or handle it later on your own.
If you have a Bank of America investment or brokerage account, those are also separate and will not be affected by closing your checking account.
After your account closes
Once Bank of America processes the closure, you will no longer be able to use your debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any remaining balance will be sent to you as directed — by check, transfer, or cash withdrawal. Keep your confirmation number and any paperwork until you see the final transaction in your new bank account.
If you notice a problem — a check that should have cleared did not, or a payment bounced — contact Bank of America with your confirmation number. They can help trace what happened and may be able to reopen the account temporarily if needed, though this is rare.
You do not need to do anything else. Bank of America will not charge you for closing, and there is no penalty for closing early even if you just opened the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my Bank of America account after I close it?
Bank of America may let you reopen a closed account within a short window, usually 30 days, if you contact them quickly. After that, you would need to open a new account. If you closed because of a problem with the account or the bank, opening a new one means starting fresh with a new account number.
What happens to my debit card when I close my account?
Your debit card will stop working when ready or within a few hours of closure. You do not need to do anything with it — it will straightforward decline at checkout. If you want to destroy it for security, you can cut it up, but it is not required.
Do I have to close in person, or can I do it over the phone?
You can close over the phone or online without visiting a branch. In-person closure is only necessary if you want to withdraw your remaining balance in cash on the spot. Otherwise, phone or online is faster and just as final.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit cards, loans, and payment history — not on checking accounts. Closing a savings or money market account also does not impact credit.
What if I have a negative balance or owe Bank of America money?
If your account is overdrawn, you cannot close it until the balance is paid. Deposit money to bring the account to zero or positive, then request closure. If you owe Bank of America for fees or other reasons, they will deduct that from your remaining balance before sending you any funds.