You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding issues
The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will walk you through the closure, confirm your account has no pending transactions, and arrange for any remaining balance to be sent to you. If you prefer to close in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative — they can close it on the spot.
Before you close, make sure direct deposits have been redirected, automatic payments have been cancelled or moved to another account, and any outstanding checks have cleared. Bank of America will not close an account with unresolved issues, and if you close before these are handled, you may face overdraft fees or bounced payments.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close by phone, or visit a branch in person with a photo ID to close when ready.
- Cancel all automatic payments and redirect direct deposits before closing, or they will fail after the account shuts down.
- Wait for outstanding checks to clear and confirm your balance is zero or arrange for a refund before you initiate closure.
- Bank of America will mail any remaining balance to your address on file within 5 to 7 business days if you close over the phone.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect them unless you specifically request it.
What to do before you call or visit the branch
The most common reason a Bank of America account closure gets delayed is unfinished business. Before you contact the bank, log into your online account or mobile app and review your recent activity. Look for any pending deposits, scheduled transfers, or automatic payments that are still active.
Write down the names and account numbers of any services that pull money from your checking account — utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments. You will need to update these with your new account information or cancel them. If you have direct deposit set up through an employer or government program, contact that organization to redirect future deposits to your new account.
Check whether you have any outstanding checks you wrote that have not yet cleared. If you are unsure, ask the bank representative during your closure call — they can tell you if any checks are still pending. Once everything is redirected or cancelled, your account is ready to close.
Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready, though they can look it up with your Social Security number and date of birth. The representative will ask why you are closing — you do not have to give a detailed reason, but they may offer to help you keep the account open. You can decline.
The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero or arrange for any remaining funds to be mailed to you. They will also verify that no pending transactions are waiting to clear. If everything is clear, they will process the closure when ready. The account will be closed within one business day, and any balance will be mailed to your address on file within 5 to 7 business days.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and write it down. If you need proof that the account is closed for any reason — to show a creditor or to confirm the closure went through — you can reference this number.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with a photo ID. Tell a teller or account representative that you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, review your balance and pending transactions, and process the closure right there.
If you have a remaining balance, the representative can give you a cashier's check on the spot, transfer the money to another account, or mail it to you. Closing in person is the fastest option because you walk out knowing it is done, and you can receive your balance when ready if you choose.
Bring your debit card if you have one — the representative may ask you to cut it up or will destroy it in front of you to prevent accidental use after closure.
What happens to linked accounts and services
Closing your checking account does not automatically close a savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to the same Bank of America login. Each account is separate, and you must request closure of each one individually if that is what you want.
However, if your savings account is set up to transfer money to your checking account automatically, that transfer will fail once the checking account closes. Log into your account and cancel any transfers or linked services before you close the checking account.
If you have a Bank of America credit card, it will remain open and active. You can continue using it and paying the bill normally. The closure of your checking account will not affect your credit card account or your credit score.
If you have overdraft protection or a line of credit
Some Bank of America checking accounts come with overdraft protection, which means the bank will transfer money from a linked savings account or line of credit if you overspend. Before you close, make sure you understand what will happen to this protection.
If you have a Bank of America line of credit or overdraft protection tied to your checking account, closing the checking account will disable that protection. This is usually fine, but if you rely on it, set up a replacement before you close. You can also ask the representative during your closure call whether any outstanding overdraft charges need to be paid first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen a closed Bank of America account within a certain window, though the exact timeframe varies. Contact the bank within 30 days of closure to ask about reopening. After that, you may be able to open a new account, but it will be treated as a fresh account rather than a reopening of the old one.
What if I have a negative balance or outstanding fees when I try to close?
Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the amount owed before closure. If you have pending overdraft fees, the representative will tell you the total amount due and can take payment over the phone or in person before processing the closure.
How long does it take for Bank of America to send my remaining balance after I close?
If you close by phone and request a mailed check, the bank will mail it to your address on file within 5 to 7 business days. If you close in person, you can receive a cashier's check when ready or request a transfer to another account on the same day.
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit, not deposit accounts.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that is supposed to hit after I close?
The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Before you close, contact your employer, benefits administrator, or whoever sends you direct deposits and provide them with your new account information. Allow at least one pay cycle for the change to take effect before you close your Bank of America account.