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 method is usually a phone call — you reach someone when ready, confirm your identity, and the account closes within one to three business days. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and your account number or debit card. Online closure is available but limited: you can only close certain account types through the app or website, and you may still need to call if your account has complications.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money left, Bank of America will mail you a check within five to seven business days after closure. If your balance is negative — meaning you owe the bank — you must pay that amount before closing. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account will fail after closure, so review your recurring bills and subscriptions first.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, which usually takes one to three business days.
  • Bring your photo ID and account number to a local branch if you prefer to close in person.
  • Empty your account balance before closing; Bank of America mails refunds by check if money remains.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay transactions linked to the account before closure.
  • Request written confirmation of closure for your records, especially if you had overdraft fees or disputes.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments, transfers, or direct deposits tied to your checking account will stop working once the account closes. If your paycheck goes directly into this account, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new account number at least one week before closure. The same applies to any government benefits, pension payments, or regular transfers — update the receiving institution with your new account information first.

For automatic bill payments you set up through Bank of America's bill pay service, log into your account and cancel each one individually before closing. If you have recurring charges from merchants (subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance premiums), update your payment method with each company. If you miss one and a charge attempts after closure, it will be rejected, and you may face late fees from the merchant.

Closing in person versus by phone

Closing by phone is faster and requires no travel. Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (the number works Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern). Have your account number or the debit card ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing, and process the closure when ready. You'll receive written confirmation by mail within five to seven business days.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch gives you a receipt on the spot and lets you ask questions face-to-face. Bring your photo ID and either your debit card or account number. The branch staff will print a closure confirmation before you leave. This method works well if you have questions about fees, pending transactions, or if your account has complications that might require a supervisor's attention.

Handling leftover money and negative balances

If your account has a positive balance when you close, Bank of America will mail a check to the address on file within five to seven business days. The check is drawn on a Bank of America account, so it can be deposited at any bank. Make sure your mailing address is current before you initiate closure — if the check goes to an old address, you'll need to contact Bank of America to request a replacement.

If your account is overdrawn — you owe the bank money — you cannot close until you pay the negative balance. This includes any overdraft fees that have posted to the account. You can pay online through your Bank of America account, at an ATM, by phone, or in person at a branch. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Bank of America debit card stops working when ready after closure. If you have checks printed for this account, they will be rejected if anyone tries to cash them after the account closes. Destroy any remaining checks or contact Bank of America to request that they be cancelled. If you've given check numbers to creditors or service providers, contact them and provide a new payment method before closure.

If you have a safety deposit box rented through Bank of America, closing your checking account does not automatically close the box. You must handle that separately — visit your branch and settle any rental fees owed, then retrieve your contents. The box rental is a separate service from your checking account.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Bank of America typically closes accounts within one to three business days of your request. You'll receive written confirmation by mail. During this window, any transactions that were already in process may still post to the account. Once the account is fully closed, you cannot reopen it under the same account number — if you want to bank with Bank of America again, you'll open a new account.

If you had recurring overdraft fees or disputes on the account, request written closure confirmation and keep it for your records. Some customers ask for a letter stating the account is closed in good standing, which can be useful if you later need to dispute a charge or if a merchant tries to collect on an old transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?

Yes, but those transactions may still post after closure. Any pending charges will be rejected if they arrive after the account closes, which could trigger overdraft or late fees from the merchant. It's safer to wait for pending transactions to clear before closing, or contact the merchants to cancel them first.

What if I have a negative balance and can't pay it right away?

You cannot close the account until the balance is paid. Contact Bank of America to discuss payment options — they may allow a payment plan for large overdraft amounts, though this varies by situation. Once the balance is zero, you can close.

Do I need to close my savings account if I'm closing my checking account?

No. Your checking and savings accounts are separate. You can close one without closing the other. If you want to close both, you'll need to request closure for each account separately.

How long does it take to receive a refund check if my account has money left?

Bank of America mails refund checks within five to seven business days after closure. The check is sent to the address on file. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact Bank of America with your closure confirmation number.

Can I close my account online?

Bank of America allows online closure for some account types through their mobile app or website, but not all. If the option doesn't appear in your account settings, you'll need to call or visit a branch. The phone method is usually faster regardless.