The basic steps to close a Bank of America checking 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 to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can process the closure and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance and any pending transactions.
Before you close the account, make sure you have moved or spent any money in it — Bank of America will not close an account with a balance. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to that account, you will need to update those with your new account information or the companies involved, or they will fail when the account closes.
The closure itself is when ready once you confirm it, but checks you have written may still clear for up to six months after closure. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, or you can ask the representative to transfer it to another Bank of America account you own.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance in the account before Bank of America will close it, so withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.
- Automatic payments and direct deposits tied to the account will stop working once it closes, so update them with your new account details beforehand.
- Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is usually faster than visiting a branch, and you can do it from home without an appointment.
- Checks you have already written may clear for up to six months after the account closes, so keep track of outstanding checks.
- If you have a remaining balance after closure, Bank of America will mail it to you as a check unless you ask them to transfer it to another account.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing
Any paycheck, government benefit, or other 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 money and give them your new account number at least one week before you plan to close the account.
The same applies to automatic bill payments — your mortgage, utilities, insurance, subscriptions, anything that pulls money from this account automatically. Log into each company's website or call them to update the account number, or switch the payment method to a credit card or a different bank account. If you miss one and a payment fails, you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If you are unsure which payments are set up on the account, log into your Bank of America online banking and look at the last three months of transaction history. Any regular payment that appears monthly is likely an automatic debit you need to update.
Closing the account by phone versus in person
Calling 1-800-432-1000 takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no appointment. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are closing (they may offer incentives to stay, which you can decline), verify the account has a zero balance, and process the closure. You will receive written confirmation by mail within a few days.
Visiting a branch in person takes longer because of wait times, but some people prefer it if they have questions or want to handle the closure face-to-face. Bring a government-issued ID and ask to speak to an account representative. The process is the same — they will confirm the balance is zero and process the closure on the spot.
Online closure through Bank of America's website is not currently an option for checking accounts, though you can close savings accounts online. If you prefer not to call or visit, phone remains your best choice.
What happens to checks you have already written
A check you have written before closing the account can still be deposited or cashed by the person who receives it, even after the account is closed. Bank of America will honor checks for up to six months after closure, drawing from any remaining balance or from a reserve account they maintain for this purpose.
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, keep a record of the check numbers and amounts. If one of those checks is deposited after the account closes and you are unsure whether it will clear, contact Bank of America customer service with the check number and they can tell you whether it went through.
After six months, uncashed checks will no longer be honored. If someone tries to cash a check from your closed account after that window, it will be rejected.
Handling a remaining balance after closure
If the account has any money left in it when you try to close, Bank of America will not process the closure until the balance is zero. You can withdraw the money in cash at a branch, transfer it to another Bank of America account you own, or request a check be mailed to you.
If you choose the check option, it will be mailed to the address on file for the account. Make sure that address is current before you close, or the check may go to an old address. You can update your address through online banking or by calling customer service before you initiate the closure.
If you have a very small balance — a few cents or dollars — and do not want to make a trip to the branch, asking for a check is usually the simplest option, though it may take a week or two to arrive.
Reasons Bank of America may not close your account when ready
The most common reason for delay is an outstanding balance or pending transactions. If a check you wrote has not yet cleared, or a bill payment is scheduled to post in the next few days, Bank of America may ask you to wait until those clear before closing. This protects you from overdraft fees if the payment posts after the account is closed.
If you have a credit line or loan tied to the checking account, you may need to close or transfer that separately. Some Bank of America products — like overdraft protection or linked savings accounts — may also need to be addressed before closure is final.
If you have been the victim of fraud or there is a dispute on the account, Bank of America may place a hold on closure while they investigate. This is rare, but if it happens, ask the representative how long the investigation will take and when you can expect the account to close.
What to do if you change your mind after closing
If you close the account and then realize you need it back, you have a limited window to reopen it. Bank of America can usually reopen a closed account within 30 days if you contact them by phone or in person. After 30 days, the account is permanently closed and cannot be reopened — you would need to open a new account instead.
If you closed the account and a check or automatic payment posts after closure, contact Bank of America when ready. They may be able to recover the funds or redirect them, depending on how long it has been since the closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to close my Bank of America checking account?
No, Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if you close the account within a certain period after opening it (typically 90 days), you may forfeit any promotional bonus you received when you opened it. Check your account terms or ask the representative when you call.
What if I have outstanding checks that haven't cleared yet?
You can still close the account, but Bank of America will honor those checks for up to six months after closure. Keep a list of the check numbers and amounts so you know what to expect. If you are worried about a specific check, contact customer service with the check number before you close and they can tell you if it has cleared.
Can I close my account online or through the mobile app?
Bank of America does not currently allow you to close a checking account online or through the mobile app. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. Savings accounts can be closed online, but checking accounts require a phone call or in-person visit.
How long does it take to close the account after I call?
The closure is processed when ready once you confirm it over the phone. You will receive written confirmation by mail within a few days. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, which typically arrives within one to two weeks.
What happens if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
Bank of America will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive. You will need to deposit money to cover the negative balance, or the bank may deduct it from another account you have with them. Once the balance is settled, you can proceed with the closure.