Change your passcode through the Bank of America app or website

You can change your passcode — the four-digit code you use to sign into your Bank of America account on your phone or computer — in about two minutes through either the mobile app or the website. The steps are nearly identical on both, and you do not need to call anyone or visit a branch.

Bank of America calls this code a "passcode" to separate it from your password, which is the longer text code you use when you first log in. Your passcode is the shorter security code that appears after you enter your username and password. If you want to change your password instead, the process is different and happens in a separate section of your account settings.

You will need to know your current passcode to set a new one. If you have forgotten it, you will need to reset it through a different process that involves verifying your identity — see the section below on forgotten passcodes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your four-digit passcode through the Bank of America app or website without calling customer service.
  • The process takes about two minutes and requires you to enter your current passcode before creating a new one.
  • Your passcode is different from your password — your password is the longer code you enter first when you log in.
  • If you forget your passcode, you will need to verify your identity through Bank of America's security questions or other verification methods before resetting it.

Steps to change your passcode on the mobile app

Open the Bank of America app and sign in with your username and password. After you enter your passcode, you will see your account dashboard.

Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings." Look for "Security" or "Passcode" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your phone's operating system, but it will be in the security section. Tap on it.

The app will ask you to enter your current passcode to confirm your identity. Type it in. Then you will see a field labeled "New Passcode" or "Create New Passcode." Enter a four-digit code that you have not used before. Bank of America will ask you to enter it again to confirm. Once you tap "Save" or "Confirm," your new passcode is active when ready.

Steps to change your passcode on the website

Go to bankofamerica.com and sign in with your username and password. Enter your current passcode when prompted. You will land on your account overview page.

Look for your profile icon or account menu — usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select "Settings" or "Profile Settings." Find the "Security" section. Click on "Passcode" or "Change Passcode."

Bank of America will ask you to enter your current passcode again. Type it in. Then enter your new four-digit passcode in the field labeled "New Passcode." Re-enter it in the confirmation field below. Click "Save" or "Update." Your new passcode takes effect right away.

What to do if you have forgotten your passcode

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot straightforward change it through the normal process — you will need to reset it instead. When you try to log in and enter an incorrect passcode multiple times, Bank of America will lock you out temporarily and offer you the option to reset it.

To reset a forgotten passcode, Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means answering security questions you set up when you opened your account, or confirming information like your Social Security number or a recent transaction. Once you have verified your identity, you can create a new passcode.

If you cannot answer the security questions or do not remember setting them up, you can call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a local branch with a photo ID. A representative can help you verify your identity and reset your passcode over the phone or in person.

The difference between your passcode and your password

Your passcode is the four-digit number you enter after you type your username and password. It is a second layer of security that appears on your phone or computer screen after you have already signed in with your longer login credentials. You use it every time you open the Bank of America app or log into the website.

Your password is the longer text code — usually a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — that you enter first when you log in. If you need to change your password instead of your passcode, go to Settings, find "Password" or "Login Credentials," and follow the prompts. The process is similar but happens in a different part of your account settings.

Some people use the words interchangeably, but Bank of America treats them as separate security codes. If you are unsure which one you need to change, think about what you are trying to do: if you want to change the four-digit code you enter every time you use the app, you are changing your passcode. If you want to change the longer code you use to first log in, you are changing your password.

Why you might want to change your passcode regularly

Changing your passcode every few months is a good security habit, especially if you think someone might have seen you enter it or if you have used the same code for a long time. A passcode that only you know makes it harder for someone else to access your account, even if they have your username and password.

You should change your passcode right away if you have shared it with someone, if you used it on a device you no longer own, or if you think your account might have been compromised. If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access, call Bank of America when ready at the number on your card — changing your passcode alone may not be enough to protect your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same passcode I used before?

No. Bank of America will not let you reuse a passcode you have used recently. The system requires you to create a code that is different from your previous ones. This is a security measure to prevent you from cycling back to an old code that someone might have seen.

What if I change my passcode but then forget the new one?

You can reset it the same way you would reset a forgotten passcode — by trying to log in, entering an incorrect code multiple times, and then verifying your identity through security questions or other Bank of America verification methods. You can also call customer service or visit a branch.

Do I need to change my passcode if I change my password?

No. Your passcode and password are separate codes, and changing one does not affect the other. You can change them independently whenever you want. Many people change their password more often than their passcode, but both are part of your account security.

Will changing my passcode affect my other Bank of America accounts?

If you have multiple Bank of America accounts linked to the same login, they all use the same passcode. Changing it will change it for all of them at once. If you have separate logins for different accounts, each login has its own passcode that you can change independently.