The steps to close a Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America checking or savings account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest method is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance and any pending transactions. If you prefer to close the account in person, bring a valid ID to any Bank of America branch and ask to speak with an account representative.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have a plan for any remaining money. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and they will not transfer funds to another bank during the closure process—you need to withdraw or transfer the money yourself first. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to this account, you should update those with your new bank or payee information before closing, or they may fail.
The closure itself is usually when ready once you complete the request, though it can take a few business days for the account to fully disappear from your online banking view. Any checks you have written from the account may still clear for up to six months after closure, so keep records of your account number and routing number if you need to reference them later.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch with your ID, or use online banking to request closure—phone is usually fastest.
- Your account balance must be zero before Bank of America will close the account; they do not transfer remaining funds automatically.
- Update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before closing so they do not fail.
- Closure is usually when ready, but checks written before closure may still clear for several months afterward.
- Keep your account number and routing number recorded in case you need them for tax documents or to track outstanding checks.
What to do with your remaining balance
If you have money in the account, you have three options: withdraw it in cash at a branch or ATM, transfer it to another bank account, or request a check from Bank of America. The transfer method is fastest if you are moving to another bank—you can initiate an external transfer through your Bank of America online banking portal by entering the receiving account details, and the money usually arrives within one to three business days.
If you withdraw cash, bring your debit card and ID to any Bank of America ATM or branch. If you request a check, the bank will mail it to your address on file, which can take five to ten business days. Do not close the account until the money has actually left—waiting to see the transaction post in your new account is safer than assuming the transfer went through.
Updating automatic payments and direct deposits before closure
Any paycheck, government benefit, or regular payment set to deposit into this account will fail if the account is closed. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the payment (Social Security, your insurance company, your landlord's payment processor) and provide them with your new account number and routing number at least one week before you close the account.
For automatic bill payments you have set up through Bank of America—such as utilities, credit card payments, or loan payments—log into your online banking and cancel each one individually. Then set up the same payments through your new bank or directly with each payee. Do not rely on Bank of America to forward these payments; they will straightforward stop.
What happens to pending transactions and checks
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, or if you have pending transactions that have not posted, closing your account does not stop them. Checks can clear for up to six months after you close the account, and the bank will honor them as long as the funds are available. This means you need to keep enough money in the account to cover outstanding checks, or you risk overdraft fees or bounced checks.
If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, call Bank of America or log into your online account before closing to check the transaction history. If you have written a check and want to cancel it, you can request a stop payment through the bank, though this usually costs $25 to $35 and only works if the check has not already been processed.
Closing the account online versus by phone versus in person
Bank of America allows you to close some accounts through their online banking portal under the "Account Services" or "Manage Account" section, though not all account types support online closure. Checking and savings accounts typically can be closed online, but if you have a credit card, investment account, or business account, you will need to call or visit a branch.
Closing by phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes and gives you a chance to ask questions about what happens next. The representative will confirm your identity, verify that your balance is zero, and process the closure while you are on the call. In-person closure at a branch is also straightforward if you have time to visit, and you can ask about any account-specific details while you are there.
Online closure is the fastest if your account type supports it, but you lose the chance to ask questions in real time. If you run into any issues—such as a pending transaction that is holding up the closure—you will need to call anyway.
What to do if the account will not close
Bank of America will refuse to close an account if the balance is not zero, if there are pending transactions, or if there is an outstanding fee or overdraft. Check your account balance carefully; sometimes a small pending charge or fee will prevent closure. If you see a pending transaction that is holding things up, wait for it to post and clear, then try again.
If the bank says there is an outstanding balance or fee you do not recognize, ask for an itemized list of what is owed. Dispute any charges you believe are incorrect before closing. Once you have resolved the issue and the balance is truly zero, you can request closure again.
If you have a joint account, both account holders must request closure together, or one account holder must have written authorization from the other. If you are having trouble closing a joint account because the other person will not cooperate, contact Bank of America to understand your options—you may be able to remove yourself from the account instead of closing it entirely.
After your account is closed
Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to log into it through online banking, and your debit card will stop working. Bank of America will keep records of the account for your tax and legal protection, so you can still request statements or account information if you need them for tax purposes or to dispute a transaction.
If you receive a 1099 form or other tax document related to the account, it will be mailed to your address on file. Keep any statements or records you downloaded before closure, as you may need them to reconcile your finances or to prove you had the account if a dispute arises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. Contact Bank of America to find out the exact amount owed, then deposit funds to bring the balance to zero before requesting closure. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding debt.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not posted yet?
Wait for the deposit to post before closing the account, or contact the sender to redirect it to your new account first. If you close the account before the deposit arrives, it may be returned to the sender, and you will have to request it again.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score. However, if you have a credit card or loan with Bank of America and close those accounts, it may have a small impact on your credit history. Closing a credit card account can lower your available credit, which may slightly increase your credit utilization ratio.
How long does it take for the account to completely disappear from my online banking?
The account usually stops appearing in your online banking within a few business days, though it may take up to a week. You can still contact Bank of America to request statements or information about the closed account for several years after closure.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?
Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts. If you want to bank with them again, you will need to open a new account. The process is the same as opening any new checking or savings account.