What happens when you close a Bank of America account

When you close a Bank of America account, the bank stops accepting deposits and withdrawals on that account when ready. Any pending transactions may still process for a few days after closure. You keep responsibility for any overdrafts or fees that post after you close, so you need to monitor the account briefly even after it is shut down. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account.

The closure itself takes effect the same day you request it, but the account remains visible in your online banking for 30 to 90 days so you can see final transactions and statements. After that window, the account disappears from your dashboard. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to that account, they will fail after closure, so you need to redirect them before you close.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Bank of America account in person at any branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through online banking if you have a checking account with a zero balance.
  • Move or spend any remaining balance before closing, because the bank will not transfer money to another account for you.
  • Update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay arrangements at least one week before closure to prevent failed transactions.
  • The account closes the same day you request it, but remains visible for 30 to 90 days so you can track final activity and statements.
  • If you have a credit card, savings account, or money market account with Bank of America, each one closes separately and requires its own closure request.

Prepare your account before you close it

Empty the account completely. Bank of America will not transfer a remaining balance to another bank or to another account you own. You must withdraw the money yourself or request a cashier's check. If you have a small balance under $100, you can ask the bank to issue a check, but it is faster to withdraw cash at an ATM or at a branch.

Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits. Log into your account and check the bill pay section for any recurring payments. Contact your employer or benefits provider to redirect your direct deposit to a new account at least one week before closure. If you have automatic transfers set up between Bank of America accounts, cancel those too. Any transaction that tries to post after closure will fail and may trigger overdraft fees at the receiving bank.

Write down your account number and routing number before closing. You will need these if you have to dispute a transaction or if a company claims a payment bounced. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 for most accounts, but confirm this in your account settings or on a recent check.

Close your account in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the account balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. This is the fastest method and leaves no room for miscommunication. The branch can also issue a cashier's check if you have a small remaining balance and do not want to wait for a check by mail.

Bring any debit cards or checks associated with the account. The representative may ask to see them or cut them up in front of you, though this is not always required. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America, be clear about which one you are closing—the representative will confirm the account number before proceeding.

Close your account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for account services. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and account number. Confirm that your balance is zero before you call, because the representative cannot process closure if money remains in the account.

The representative will ask why you are closing the account—this is optional to answer. They will confirm the closure date and explain what happens next. Ask them to note in your file that you requested closure, so there is a record if any issues arise later. Request a confirmation number for your records.

Phone closure takes about 10 minutes. The account closes the same day, but you will not receive written confirmation by mail unless you request it. If you do not hear back within a few days, call again to confirm the closure went through.

Close your account online

You can close a checking account through online banking if the balance is zero. Log in, go to the account settings or account details page, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. Not all account types allow online closure—savings accounts, money market accounts, and credit cards typically require a phone call or branch visit.

If the online option is not available, the system will direct you to call or visit a branch. Online closure is when ready, and you will see confirmation on screen. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page for your records, because the bank may not send a separate email.

What to do if you have a credit card or savings account

Credit cards and savings accounts close separately from checking accounts. If you have a Bank of America credit card, you must close it through a separate request. Call the number on the back of the card or visit a branch. The bank may ask why you are closing, and they may offer to lower your interest rate or waive fees to keep the account open—you can decline.

Savings accounts and money market accounts also require separate closure requests. You cannot close them online; you must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. Make sure the balance is zero before you request closure. If you have linked your savings account to your checking account for overdraft protection, the link will break when you close either account.

What happens after your account closes

The account remains visible in your online banking for 30 to 90 days. During this time, you can still see transactions and read statements. After this window closes, the account disappears from your dashboard. You can still request statements by calling the bank or visiting a branch if you need them later.

If a transaction posts after closure—for example, a delayed bill payment or a merchant charge—it will be rejected. The merchant or biller will see the account as closed and may contact you for a new payment method. You remain responsible for any legitimate charges, so you may need to pay them through another method.

If you receive a check from Bank of America after closure (such as a refund or interest payment), deposit it at another bank or cash it at a Bank of America ATM. The check will be valid even though the account is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new account at any time. If you closed the account in good standing with no outstanding fees or disputes, the process is straightforward. If the account was closed due to fraud or repeated overdrafts, the bank may require you to wait or may deny the new account.

What if I close my account and then a check I wrote bounces?

The check will be returned unpaid. The merchant or person who received it will see the account as closed. You remain responsible for paying the amount owed, and the merchant may charge you a returned check fee. Contact them directly to arrange payment through another method.

Do I need to close my account if I just want to switch banks?

No. You can keep your Bank of America account open and straightforward stop using it. However, closing it prevents accidental charges and removes the account from your dashboard. If you decide to close it later, the process is the same.

What if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment when I close?

It will fail. The transaction will be rejected because the account no longer exists. Contact your employer or biller to update your account information at least one week before closure. If a payment fails, you may owe a late fee to the biller.

Can someone else close my account for me?

No. Bank of America requires the account holder to request closure. If you are unable to visit a branch or make a phone call, you can authorize someone to act on your behalf by setting up power of attorney, but this requires legal documentation and advance setup.