The basic steps to close your account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform. The fastest route is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where you can speak to a representative who will walk you through the closure and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance and any pending transactions.

Before you call or visit, move any money out of the account into another bank or withdraw it as cash. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to them (such as overdraft fees), so you'll need to settle that first. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you should redirect those to another account before closing, or at minimum notify the companies involved so payments don't bounce.

The actual closure takes a few minutes once you're connected with someone. They'll confirm your identity, review any recent activity, and process the closure. You'll receive written confirmation by mail within a few business days. Any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet may still process against the account for a short period after closure, so keep that in mind if you're expecting checks to bounce.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use online banking to close your account; phone is usually fastest.
  • Move your money out first and settle any fees or negative balances Bank of America is owed before requesting closure.
  • Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, or notify those companies of your new banking information.
  • Checks you've already written may still clear for a short time after closure, so don't assume they'll bounce when ready.
  • You'll receive written confirmation of closure by mail within a few business days.

What happens to money still in the account

Any balance remaining in your checking account stays yours. Bank of America will not keep it. When you request closure, ask the representative how you want the remaining funds handled—they can issue a check, transfer it to another account you own at Bank of America, or transfer it to an external bank account if you provide the routing and account number.

If you have a small balance and don't specify what to do with it, Bank of America will typically mail you a check. This takes longer than an when ready transfer, so if you need the money quickly, request a transfer to another account instead. If the account sits closed with an unclaimed balance for a long time, the money may eventually be turned over to your state's unclaimed property program, but this is rare and takes years.

Pending transactions and checks that haven't cleared

Checks you've written that haven't cleared yet are the main thing to watch. Bank of America will honor checks for a period after closure if there's enough money in the account, but the timeline varies. Some checks may process weeks after you close the account if they were written before closure and take time to reach the bank.

To avoid confusion, contact anyone you've recently written a check to and ask them to deposit it before your closure date, or provide them with updated banking information if you're switching banks. For recurring payments like utilities or insurance, update your banking information with those companies before closing so payments don't fail.

Debit card transactions that are pending—where the merchant has authorized the charge but hasn't settled it yet—will typically process normally even after closure, as long as the account has funds. Once the account is closed, no new transactions can post to it.

Closing the account in person versus by phone

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch gives you when ready confirmation and lets you handle the money transfer on the spot. You can withdraw cash, deposit a check into another account if you have your debit card with you, or arrange a transfer right there. Bring your ID and your debit card or checkbook so the teller can verify your identity.

Closing by phone is faster if you don't have a branch nearby or prefer not to visit. You'll need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing information from your account. The representative will confirm your closure request and explain how your remaining balance will be handled. You won't have the same when ready control over the money, so make sure you understand the method they're using to return it to you.

Online closure through Bank of America's website or mobile app is available for some account types, though checking accounts often require a phone call or branch visit. Log into your account and look for account settings or account management options to see if closure is available; if not, you'll need to call or visit.

What to do about overdraft fees or negative balances

If your account is negative—meaning you owe Bank of America money—you must pay that balance before they will close the account. This typically happens when you've overdrafted and incurred overdraft fees. Call the number on your statement or 1-800-432-1000 to find out the exact amount owed, then pay it by transferring funds from another account, making a payment online, or visiting a branch.

Once the negative balance is paid, you can proceed with closure. Bank of America won't close an account while you owe them money, so this step is non-negotiable. If you're unsure whether you have fees or a negative balance, log into your account online or call to check before you request closure.

Switching to another bank before closing

If you're moving to a different bank, open your new account first, then close the Bank of America account. This prevents a gap where you don't have access to banking services. Once your new account is open and you have a debit card or account number, you can transfer your Bank of America balance to it and then request closure.

Update your direct deposits and automatic payments with your new bank's information before closing Bank of America. Most employers and billers let you change banking information online or by phone. Give yourself at least a week for direct deposits to start hitting the new account, and verify that automatic payments are processing correctly before you close the old account.

If you're concerned about a payment failing during the transition, contact the company and ask them to confirm receipt of your new banking information. Some companies process payment requests in batches, so there can be a delay between when you update your information and when they actually use it.

After your account is closed

Once closed, you cannot reopen the same account. If you want to bank with Bank of America again in the future, you would need to open a new account. Your closed account number will not be reused, so there's no risk of someone else getting your old account number.

Keep your closure confirmation letter for your records. If a check or payment posts to the account after closure and you're unsure whether it went through, you can reference the account closure date and confirmation number when you call Bank of America to ask about it. Your account history remains accessible through online banking for a period after closure, though this varies by account type.

If you had a Bank of America credit card linked to your checking account, closing the checking account does not close the credit card. You'll need to manage the credit card separately. Similarly, if you had a savings account or other products with Bank of America, those remain open unless you specifically close them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?

Yes. Pending transactions will typically process normally even after closure, as long as the account has sufficient funds. However, if a transaction posts after the account is closed and there's no money in it, the transaction may be rejected. It's safer to wait for pending transactions to clear before closing, or to keep enough money in the account to cover them.

What if I have direct deposit set up?

Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new bank account information before you close. Direct deposits usually take one or two pay cycles to start hitting the new account, so update this information at least a week before you plan to close. If a deposit arrives after closure, Bank of America will typically return it to the sender, and you'll need to contact them to resubmit it to your new account.

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

The closure is processed when ready when you request it, but you'll receive written confirmation by mail within a few business days. The account is closed right away, meaning no new transactions can post to it. Checks that were written before closure may still clear for a short period, but new activity cannot begin.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history. A checking account is not a credit product, so closing it has no impact on your credit report or score.

What if I forgot to redirect a payment and it bounces?

Contact the company that sent the payment and ask them to resubmit it to your new bank account. Explain that you closed your Bank of America account. Most companies can update your banking information and resend the payment without penalty. If it's a bill payment and you're worried about a late fee, call the company and ask them to note that the bounce was due to account closure on your end, not non-payment.