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 an outstanding balance
The fastest way is usually a phone call to Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, and walk you through the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days after all checks clear and automatic payments stop.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card. A banker can process the closure on the spot. If you have a balance in the account, they will issue you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
Online closure is available through your Bank of America login, though it works only for certain account types and only if there are no complications. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. If you do not see this option, your account type or situation requires a phone call or branch visit instead.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone — this is the fastest method for most people and takes one to three business days.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits before you close the account, or they may fail and create overdraft fees.
- If you have a balance, the bank will send you a check or let you transfer the money to another account during the closure process.
- Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but leaving it open with a zero balance does not hurt you either.
What to do before you call or visit the branch
Before you start the closure process, take three steps to avoid problems. First, make sure all automatic payments — utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments — are switched to a different account or payment method. If a payment tries to go through after closure, it will fail and may trigger overdraft fees or late payment penalties from the company you owe.
Second, stop any direct deposits from your employer or benefits. Contact your payroll department or the benefits office and give them your new account number if you have another Bank of America account or an account at a different bank. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect.
Third, check for any pending checks you have written. If you have outstanding checks that have not cleared yet, wait until they do before closing the account, or the bank may refuse to honor them. You can call customer service to ask if any checks are still pending.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money in the account when you close it, the bank will not keep it. During the closure call or branch visit, tell the representative how you want the balance handled. Your options are a check mailed to your address on file, a transfer to another bank account you own, or a transfer to another Bank of America account if you have one.
A check usually arrives within five to seven business days. A transfer to another account at Bank of America happens when ready. A transfer to an account at a different bank takes one to three business days and requires you to provide the account number and routing number.
Closing the account does not affect your credit
Closing a checking account has no impact on your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on the checking accounts you hold or close. You will not see any change to your credit report.
However, if you close the account while you owe the bank money (an overdraft balance or a fee you have not paid), the bank may report that debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before you close the account.
If you have a linked savings account or other products
If you have a Bank of America savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to the checking account, closing the checking account does not close those other accounts. They remain open and active. However, if any of those accounts rely on the checking account for transfers or bill pay, you may need to update your settings after the checking account closes.
If you have a Bank of America credit card, closing the checking account does not affect it. You can still use the card and make payments from a different account. If you want to close the credit card itself, that is a separate process and requires a separate request.
What to expect after closure
After the account closes, you will no longer be able to use your debit card or write checks from that account. Any attempt to do so will be declined. You will not receive statements for the closed account, though Bank of America keeps records of the account for your own reference if you need them later.
If you have set up online bill pay through the account, those payments will stop. If you want to continue paying bills online, set up bill pay through your new account or use a different payment method before the closure is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new checking account at any time by visiting a branch or going online. However, if you closed the account due to problems with the bank or because of unpaid fees, the bank may require you to wait a certain period or pay outstanding balances before opening a new account. Ask the representative when you close whether there are any restrictions.
What if I have pending transactions when I try to close?
The bank will not close the account until all pending transactions clear. Pending transactions can take one to three business days to settle. If you are in a hurry, ask the representative how long the pending items will take and call back after they clear, or visit the branch again.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it all by phone?
Phone closure works for most accounts and most situations. You only need to visit a branch if you want to withdraw cash from your balance, if the bank requires it for your specific account type, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Call first to ask whether your account can be closed by phone.
Will the bank charge me a fee to close the account?
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if you have an outstanding balance, unpaid fees, or an overdraft, you will need to pay that before or during closure. The closure itself is free.
What if I have a joint account — can I close it without the other person?
No. Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. Contact the bank and ask whether both owners need to be present or whether one owner can authorize closure on behalf of both. Policies vary, so confirm before you call.