You can close most Bank of America accounts through their website or mobile app without calling

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts online through their website or the mobile app. The process takes a few minutes and you do not need to visit a branch or call. However, you will need to handle a few things first — paying off any outstanding balances, moving money out, and making sure no automatic payments are still linked to the account.

The exact steps depend on whether you are closing a checking account, savings account, or both. Some account types, like investment or credit card accounts, cannot be closed through the website and require a phone call or branch visit instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Before closing, transfer your remaining balance to another account, pay any fees or overdrafts, and cancel automatic payments and direct deposits tied to that account.
  • You can close checking and savings accounts through the Bank of America website or mobile app by going to Settings, then Account Services, then Close Account.
  • The account closes when ready online, but it may take a few business days for the closure to fully process in their system.
  • If you have a credit card, investment account, or loan with Bank of America, you will need to call or visit a branch to close those separately.
  • Keep your account number and final statements for your records in case you need to reference the closure later.

What you need to do before closing

Move any money still in the account to another bank account you control. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance — you have to withdraw or transfer the funds first. If you have direct deposit set up, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and update your banking information so payments go to your new account instead.

Check for any automatic payments or bill pay transactions scheduled to come out of this account. Log into the account and look at your recent transactions to see what is set to recur. You will need to update those payments at the companies or services involved — your utility company, insurance provider, subscription services, and so on. If you leave automatic payments linked to an account you are closing, they may fail or bounce, which can hurt your credit or result in late fees.

Pay off any overdraft fees, negative balances, or other charges on the account. Bank of America will not let you close an account with money owed to them. If you are unsure whether there are outstanding fees, log in and check your current balance, or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm before you start the closure process.

Steps to close your account online

On the Bank of America website: Log in to your account. Click on Settings (the gear icon, usually in the top right corner). Select Account Services. Find the account you want to close and click on it. Look for the option that says Close Account or similar language. Follow the prompts to confirm the closure. You will see a confirmation message with a reference number — write this down.

On the Bank of America mobile app: Open the app and log in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Go to Settings. Select Account Services. Choose the account you want to close. Tap Close Account and follow the confirmation steps. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and usually by email as well.

The account will close when ready in the online system, though it may take a few business days for the closure to fully process behind the scenes. You should no longer be able to use the debit card or access the account online after closure, but statements and records will remain available for a period of time if you need to reference them.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card linked to the closed account will stop working right away. You do not need to do anything special — it will straightforward decline if you try to use it. If you want to be extra cautious, you can cut it up or destroy it, but it is not required.

If you have checks printed for this account, they will no longer be valid once the account closes. Do not use them. If you have outstanding checks that have not cleared yet, they may bounce after the account closes, so try to track down any checks you have written and make sure they have cleared before you close the account. If a check bounces after closure, the recipient may contact you for payment.

When you cannot close online

Bank of America credit cards, investment accounts, loans, and lines of credit cannot be closed through the website or app. You will need to call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person to close those accounts. Have your account number ready when you call.

If you have a joint account, both account holders may need to agree to the closure. If you are unsure whether the account is joint or if there are any holds or restrictions on it, call the number above before you try to close it online. They can tell you whether the online closure will work or whether you need to come in.

After your account is closed

Keep the confirmation number and reference information from your closure for your records. Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account balance at the time of closure and any remaining transactions. This statement is important to keep — it serves as proof that the account was closed and can help if there are any questions later.

If you had automatic payments or subscriptions linked to this account, double-check with those companies over the next week or two to make sure the new payment method is working. Sometimes there is a delay before the system updates, and you want to catch any failed payments before they become a problem.

If you still have questions about the closure or need to reopen the account, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a local branch. There is usually a window of time after closure during which you can reopen an account, though policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any overdraft fees or negative balance before closing. If you owe Bank of America money on the account, they will not let you close it online. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out exactly what you owe, pay it, and then try closing again.

What if I close my account but a check I wrote hasn't cleared yet?

The check will likely bounce because the account no longer exists. Try to contact the person or company you wrote the check to and ask them to hold it or return it. If it does bounce, you may need to pay them directly or write a new check from a different account to avoid late fees or damage to your relationship with them.

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

The account closes when ready online, but it can take a few business days for Bank of America's system to fully process the closure. You will not be able to use the account right away, but statements and records may still be visible for a short time after.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Yes, but only within a certain window — usually 30 to 60 days, though this varies. Call 1-800-432-1000 if you need to reopen it. After that window closes, you would need to open a new account instead.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I really do it all online?

For checking and savings accounts, you can do it entirely online through the website or app. You do not need to visit a branch or call. However, credit cards, investment accounts, and loans must be closed by phone or in person.