You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances or linked services.
Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through their mobile app or website. Before you start, you need to know your account balance, settle any outstanding fees or transfers, and decide what to do with any linked services like bill pay or automatic deposits. The process itself takes minutes, but the account closure can take five to ten business days to fully process.
The reason you're closing matters less than the practical steps: if you're moving money elsewhere, you'll want to redirect direct deposits and set up new payment methods before the account closes. If you have a negative balance or pending transactions, the bank will hold the account open until those clear. Credit cards, investment accounts, and retirement accounts follow different closure rules than deposit accounts, so confirm which type you're closing.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request closure; the phone route is fastest if you have no complications.
- Move any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers to another account before closing, because the bank will not forward these after the account shuts down.
- Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before closure, or the bank will mail you a check, which can take two to three weeks.
- If you have a negative balance or pending transactions, the bank will keep the account open until those settle, which may take several days.
- Closing a deposit account does not affect credit cards, investment accounts, or other Bank of America products you hold separately.
What happens to your money when you close
Your remaining balance does not disappear—the bank must return it to you. If you have money in the account when you request closure, you can transfer it to another bank account during the call or visit, withdraw it in cash at a branch, or let the bank mail you a check. The check route takes the longest: Bank of America typically mails the check within five to ten business days after the account closes, and postal delivery adds another three to five days.
If the account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—the closure request will be delayed. The bank will hold the account open until the negative balance is paid off, either through a deposit you make or through a pending transaction that clears. Once the balance is settled, the closure proceeds. Any fees the bank charges during this holding period will be deducted from the account.
Stopping automatic payments and deposits before closure
This is the step most people forget, and it causes real problems. Any paycheck, government benefit, or other automatic deposit set to hit this account will bounce or be rejected once the account closes. You need to contact your employer, the Social Security Administration, your benefits provider, or whoever sends you regular deposits and update your banking information with them before the account closes.
The same applies to automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and transfers you have set up. Log into the account and review the last few months of transactions to find everything that recurs. Update each one with a new account number at your new bank, or cancel it if you no longer need it. Bank of America will not forward these payments to a new account, and the bank that receives the rejected payment may charge you a fee.
Closing by phone versus in person versus online
| Method | Time Required | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone: 1-800-432-1000 | 10–15 minutes | Account number, ID, final balance decision | straightforward closures with no complications; fastest route |
| In person at a branch | 15–20 minutes | Photo ID, account number | Withdrawing cash, closing multiple accounts, asking questions face-to-face |
| Mobile app or website | 5–10 minutes | Login credentials, account number | Accounts with zero balance and no pending transactions |
The phone route is usually fastest because a representative can answer questions in real time and process the closure when ready. You'll need your account number and a form of ID ready, and you should have already decided whether to transfer your balance, withdraw it, or receive a check. In-person closure at a branch works well if you want to withdraw cash or close multiple accounts at once, and the staff can help you troubleshoot if there are complications.
Online closure through the mobile app or website is the quickest if your account is straightforward—zero balance, no pending transactions, no linked services. However, not all account types can be closed online. If you see no closure option in the app, you'll need to call or visit a branch.
What happens to linked services and credit cards
Closing a checking or savings account does not automatically close a Bank of America credit card, investment account, or line of credit. These are separate products and remain open unless you close them separately. If you have bill pay set up through the account you're closing, that service will stop working once the account closes, so you'll need to set up bill pay through a different account or use a different method to pay bills.
If you have a debit card tied to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. The bank will not send you a replacement card. If you're keeping other Bank of America accounts open, you can request a debit card for one of those instead.
Timing: how long closure actually takes
The closure request itself is when ready—once you call, visit, or submit the request online, it's recorded. However, the account does not fully close for five to ten business days. During this window, the bank processes any pending transactions, clears any outstanding fees, and ensures no new transactions hit the account. If you have checks outstanding or automatic payments still processing, these may clear during this period, which can extend the timeline.
If you requested a check for your remaining balance, add another three to five business days for postal delivery. If you transferred the balance to another bank, that transfer typically completes within one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank.
Reasons the bank might refuse or delay closure
Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance until you pay what you owe. If there are pending transactions—a check you wrote that hasn't cleared, a pending wire transfer, or a charge dispute—the bank will hold the account open until those resolve. If you have a safety deposit box, you'll need to empty it and close that separately before the account can fully close.
If the account is linked to a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other loan with the bank, closure may be restricted or delayed. Contact the loan department to confirm there are no holds on the account before you request closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account online if I have a negative balance?
No. The online closure tool will not process if the account is negative. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to close an account with a negative balance. You'll need to pay the negative amount first, or the bank will hold the account open until the balance clears.
What if I have direct deposit set up and I close the account?
Your next direct deposit will be rejected and returned to your employer or benefits provider. You must update your banking information with them before the account closes. Contact your employer's payroll department, the Social Security Administration, or your benefits provider and provide your new account number.
Do I lose my debit card when ready when I close the account?
The debit card stops working once the account closes, which happens five to ten business days after you request closure. You do not need to physically destroy the card, but you should not attempt to use it after the closure date.
Can I reopen a Bank of America account I just closed?
Yes, but there may be a waiting period. If you closed the account in good standing with no negative balance or fraud issues, you can usually open a new account when ready. Contact a branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether any restrictions explore to your specific situation.
What if Bank of America owes me money after the account closes?
If there is a remaining balance after all transactions clear, the bank will mail you a check within five to ten business days of closure. The check is mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the bank with your former account number and request a replacement.