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 process the closure when ready and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance and any pending transactions.

Before you close, make sure you've withdrawn or transferred out any money you want to keep. Bank of America will not hold funds after closure, but the process of getting money out of a closed account is slower than straightforward moving it beforehand. You should also check that no automatic payments or direct deposits are still connected to the account — those will fail once the account closes, which can create problems with bills or paychecks.

If you have a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working once closure is complete. If you have checks, they will no longer be valid. Bank of America typically closes accounts within one to three business days after you request it, though the exact timing depends on whether there are pending transactions still processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, which is usually the fastest method.
  • Visit any Bank of America branch in person with your ID to close an account face-to-face if you prefer to handle it locally.
  • Remove all your money from the account before closing, because retrieving funds from a closed account takes longer than a transfer.
  • Cancel any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account before you request closure.
  • Your debit card and checks will stop working when ready after the account closes, so plan ahead if you use them regularly.

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 — usually by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.

The representative will confirm your current balance and ask what you want to do with any remaining money. If there is a balance, they can transfer it to another account you own at Bank of America, or you can request a check be mailed to you. Some accounts have a small fee for closing, though most do not — the representative will tell you if one applies to your account type.

Once the representative processes the closure, your account will be flagged for closure but may take a few business days to fully close. If you have checks or automatic payments still pending, the closure may be delayed until those clear. Ask the representative for the exact date your account will be fully closed so you know when your debit card will stop working.

Closing your account in person at a Bank of America branch

You can walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with your ID and ask to close your account. A teller or banker can process the closure on the spot. This method works well if you prefer to handle banking in person or if you want to withdraw cash when ready rather than waiting for a transfer or check.

Bring your ID and your account number if you have it, though the banker can look up your account using your name and ID alone. If you have a large balance you want to withdraw in cash, call ahead to make sure the branch has enough cash on hand — some branches may need a day's notice for very large withdrawals.

The in-person closure process is the same as over the phone: the banker will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and ask what you want to do with any remaining money. You'll receive a receipt confirming the closure request, and the account will fully close within one to three business days.

Using Bank of America's online banking to close your account

Bank of America allows you to request account closure through their online banking platform. Log into your account, go to the settings or account management section, and look for the option to close your account. The exact location varies depending on whether you're using their website or mobile app, but it's usually under "Account Settings" or "Manage Your Account."

When you request closure online, you'll be asked to confirm your identity and choose what to do with any remaining balance. You can request a check be mailed to you or transfer the money to another Bank of America account. The online closure request is processed the same way as a phone or in-person request — your account will fully close within one to three business days.

One drawback to online closure is that you cannot ask questions or get when ready confirmation that the request went through. If you're unsure whether your request was received, call customer service to verify. Some account types may not allow online closure, in which case you'll need to call or visit a branch instead.

What to do before you close your account

Before you request closure, go through your account and cancel any automatic payments or recurring charges. Check your recent transactions for subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance payments, or other bills that withdraw money automatically. If you close the account while these are still active, the payments will fail, which can result in late fees or service interruptions.

If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government benefits, update the deposit information with your employer or the benefit program before you close the account. Deposits to a closed account will be rejected, and getting the money rerouted takes time. Contact your employer's payroll department or log into your benefits account to change the routing information to a new bank account.

Withdraw or transfer out any money you want to keep. While Bank of America will not lose your money if you close the account with a balance, retrieving it afterward is slower than moving it beforehand. You can transfer money to another bank account you own, or ask the bank to mail you a check.

What happens to your money after closure

If you have money in your account when you close it, you must tell the bank what to do with it. Your options are to transfer the balance to another Bank of America account you own, or to request a check be mailed to your address on file. The bank will not keep the money or transfer it anywhere without your instruction.

If you close the account and later realize you forgot to move money out, you can contact Bank of America and request the funds. The process is slower than a normal transfer — it may take several weeks — but the bank will locate your closed account and send you the money. Keep your account number and the date of closure so you can reference them when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?

You can request closure, but Bank of America will delay the final closure until pending transactions clear. This usually takes three to five business days. If you have checks you wrote that haven't cleared yet, the account will stay open until they do. Ask the representative how long they expect the pending items to take before the account fully closes.

Will I be charged a fee to close my account?

Most Bank of America accounts have no closure fee. However, some account types — particularly premium or investment accounts — may charge a small fee. The representative will tell you if a fee applies when you request closure. If you're charged a fee you don't expect, ask the representative to explain what it covers.

What if I close my account and then need to access it again?

Once an account is fully closed, you cannot reopen it. You would need to open a new account instead. If you think you might need the account again, consider leaving it open but unused rather than closing it. There is no penalty for having an inactive account at Bank of America.

How long does it take for my debit card to stop working?

Your debit card will stop working once the account is fully closed, which typically happens within one to three business days. Some cards may stop working when ready, while others may work for a day or two after closure is requested. Do not rely on the card after you request closure — use a different payment method instead.

Can someone else close my account for me?

Bank of America requires the account owner to request closure for security reasons. If you have power of attorney over someone else's account, you may be able to close it, but you'll need to bring documentation to a branch. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring.