The basic steps to close your 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 — you'll reach someone who can process the closure when ready and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance and any pending transactions.
Bank of America's customer service number is 1-800-432-1000. When you call, have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, check for any outstanding checks or automatic payments, and tell you how your remaining balance will be returned to you — usually by check mailed to your address on file, though you can request a transfer to another bank account instead.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card. A banker can process the closure on the spot. This method works well if you have questions about your account history or want to discuss what to do with your remaining funds before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and is the fastest option.
- Visit a Bank of America branch in person with your photo ID and debit card if you want to speak face-to-face or have questions about your balance.
- Bank of America will return your remaining balance by check or direct transfer to another account, depending on what you request.
- Before closing, make sure no automatic payments or recurring charges are still linked to the account, or they may be declined.
- If you have a negative balance or owe fees, the bank may hold your account open until the debt is paid or deducted from your final balance.
What to do before you call or visit
Before you contact Bank of America to close your account, spend a few minutes checking for any automatic payments or recurring charges still attached to it. Log into your online banking account and look at your recent transactions and scheduled payments. Common items people forget about include subscription services, utility bills, insurance payments, and gym memberships.
If you find automatic payments, you have two choices: cancel them before closing the account, or update them to a new bank account or payment method first. Canceling them outright means you'll need to set them up again elsewhere, which takes extra time. Updating them means the payments will keep going without interruption.
You should also check whether you have any outstanding checks you've written that haven't cleared yet. If you close the account and a check arrives after closure, it will bounce. Ask yourself whether you've written any checks in the last week or two that the recipient hasn't deposited yet.
What happens to your remaining balance
When you close your account, Bank of America will return whatever money is left in it. You don't lose the balance — the bank straightforward needs to get it back to you. The most common method is a check mailed to your address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you want your money faster, ask the representative to transfer it directly to another bank account instead. You'll need to provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. This transfer usually completes within one to three business days.
If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe the bank money — the bank may not close the account until the negative balance is paid. You can pay it when ready over the phone, or the bank can deduct it from any pending deposits or transfers.
Closing the account online or through the mobile app
Bank of America does not currently offer a way to close a checking account entirely through their website or mobile app. You can view your account status and manage settings online, but the actual closure requires speaking to a representative by phone or visiting a branch.
However, you can use online banking to prepare for closure. Review your recent transactions, confirm there are no pending automatic payments, and note your account number before you call. Having this information ready will make the phone call shorter.
What to do if you have a linked savings account or credit card
If you have a Bank of America savings account or credit card linked to your checking account, closing the checking account does not automatically close those other accounts. They remain open unless you specifically close them separately.
However, if you have set up transfers between your checking and savings accounts, those transfers will stop working once the checking account closes. If you want to keep moving money between accounts, you'll need to set up new transfers using your savings account and another checking account, or close the savings account as well.
Credit cards linked to your checking account for automatic payments will need to be updated with a new payment method before you close the checking account, or those payments will fail.
Fees and penalties to know about
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account has a negative balance at the time of closure, you will owe that amount. The bank may also charge overdraft fees if the account went negative before you closed it.
If you close the account and then a check or automatic payment comes through after closure, the transaction will be declined and you may face a non-sufficient funds fee. This is why checking for outstanding checks and automatic payments before closure is important.
Some Bank of America checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees. If you're closing because of these fees, closing the account will stop them when ready. You won't be charged for the month in which you close, as long as you close before the fee posts to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen a closed checking account, though Bank of America may treat it as a new account. Contact the bank to discuss reopening options. If your account was closed due to inactivity or violations of the account agreement, the bank may have restrictions on reopening.
What if I have a pending direct deposit coming to my closed account?
If you close your account and a direct deposit arrives after closure, the deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new bank account information before you close the account.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America checking account?
The closure itself is when ready — the representative will process it during your call or visit. However, it may take 7 to 10 business days for your remaining balance to reach you by check, or 1 to 3 business days if you request a direct transfer to another account.
Do I need to return my debit card when I close my account?
You don't have to return your debit card, but it's a good idea to destroy it once the account is closed so it can't be used. You can cut it up or shred it. The card will stop working automatically once the account closes.
What if I have a negative balance and can't pay it right away?
Bank of America will not close the account until the negative balance is resolved. You can pay it when ready over the phone, arrange a payment plan with the bank, or allow the bank to deduct it from your final balance if you have funds coming in. Contact customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to discuss your options.