You can close a Bank of America account online through the mobile app or website, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances or linked services
Bank of America does not offer a fully automated account closure through their online banking portal. Instead, you initiate the closure request online, but a representative must complete it. For most checking and savings accounts, you can start the process through the mobile app or website, answer a few questions about why you're closing, and then either finish the call with a representative when ready or schedule one for later. The actual closure typically happens within one to three business days after the representative confirms your request.
If your account has a negative balance, pending transactions, or linked services like credit cards or investment accounts, the process takes longer or requires additional steps. You'll need to resolve those issues before closure can be completed.
Key Takeaways
- Start your closure request in the Bank of America mobile app or at bankofamerica.com by navigating to account settings, but you cannot finish closing the account without speaking to a representative.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before Bank of America will close it.
- If you have a negative balance, you must deposit funds to bring it to zero; if you have a positive balance, you can request a check or transfer the money out first.
- Linked services like credit cards, investment accounts, or lines of credit must be closed separately or transferred before your checking or savings account can be closed.
- The actual closure takes one to three business days after a representative confirms your request, and you'll receive written confirmation by mail.
How to start the closure request online
Open the Bank of America mobile app or go to bankofamerica.com and sign in. Navigate to the account you want to close. In the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and look for "Account Services" or "Manage Account." On the website, click on the account name and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option. You may see it under a "More" or "Actions" menu.
Select the option to close the account. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the account you're closing and may ask why you're closing it. Answer the questions honestly—this information helps them understand customer needs, but your answer does not affect whether they will close the account. Once you've answered, you'll be offered the choice to speak with a representative now or schedule a callback for a time that works for you.
What you need to do before closure can happen
Your account balance must be zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account or request a check. If the account is negative (you owe Bank of America money), you must deposit enough to bring it to zero before closure can proceed. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance.
Check for pending transactions. If you have checks that haven't cleared, automatic payments scheduled, or pending transfers, wait for them to complete or cancel them before requesting closure. A representative can see pending activity and will tell you to resolve it before they can close the account.
Close or transfer linked services. If you have a credit card, investment account, or line of credit tied to this account, those must be closed separately or moved to a different account. Bank of America will not close a checking or savings account if other products are still linked to it. Call the number on the back of any linked card or log into those accounts separately to close them.
Speaking with a representative to complete closure
When you choose to speak with a representative during the online process, you'll either be connected when ready or given a callback time. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, verify that your account balance is zero, check for pending transactions or linked services, and then process the closure.
The representative will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask follow-up questions about your experience with Bank of America. Answer these or decline to answer—either way, the closure will proceed. Once the representative confirms everything is in order, they will submit the closure request. You'll receive a confirmation number, and the account will be marked for closure.
What happens after you request closure
The account will be closed within one to three business days. During this time, any remaining pending transactions will be processed. You will not be able to use the account after closure is submitted, even if it takes a few days to fully process.
You'll receive written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records. If you notice any charges or activity on the account after closure, contact Bank of America when ready—this is rare but can happen if a merchant processes a transaction after the closure date.
If you cannot close the account online
Some accounts cannot be closed through the online process. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other secured loan with Bank of America, you must call to discuss closure options. Similarly, if you have investment or brokerage accounts, those require separate handling.
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 (the number on the back of your debit card) and ask to speak with someone about closing your account. They can tell you when ready whether your account type can be closed and what steps you need to take. If you're outside the United States, use the international number on your account statement.
What to do with direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close the account, update any direct deposits (like paychecks or benefits) to go to your new bank account. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number and routing number. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect.
Cancel or update any automatic payments that come out of the Bank of America account. Log into each service (utilities, subscriptions, loan payments) and change the payment method to your new account or a different payment method. Do not rely on the account closure to stop these payments—some merchants will attempt to charge the account even after it's closed, and you could face overdraft fees or late payment marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account the same day I request it?
No. You can start the request online, but a representative must complete it, and the actual closure takes one to three business days. If you speak with a representative when ready after starting the request, they can submit the closure the same day, but the account won't be fully closed until one to three days later.
What if I have a negative balance on my account?
You must deposit money to bring the balance to zero before Bank of America will close the account. The amount you owe is the negative balance—for example, if the balance shows -$50, you need to deposit $50. You can deposit money online through a transfer from another bank or by visiting a branch.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. However, if you have an outstanding balance on a linked credit card, closing the deposit account does not close the credit card or stop you from owing that balance.
What if I close my account and then need to access it again?
Once the account is fully closed, you cannot reopen it. You would need to open a new account. If you think you might need the account again, consider leaving it open but unused instead of closing it. There is no fee for an inactive checking or savings account at Bank of America.
Do I need to visit a branch to close my account?
No. You can close the account entirely through the online process without visiting a branch. However, if you prefer to close it in person or if you cannot complete the online process, you can visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask a representative to close the account for you.