Where to change your password

You can change your Bank of America password in two places: online through your account, or by calling customer service. The online method takes about two minutes. The phone method takes longer but works if you cannot access your account or prefer to speak with someone.

Most people use the online route because it is faster and you see the change happen when ready. You will need your current password to start the process, so if you have forgotten it, you will need to use the "Forgot password" link on the login page instead — that is a different process that involves verifying your identity through email or text.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password online by logging in, going to Settings, and selecting the password option under Security.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character.
  • Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email before the change takes effect.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it instead of trying to change it.
  • You can also change your password by calling 1-800-432-1000 and speaking with a representative, though this takes longer.

Steps to change your password online

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your current username and password. Once you are in, look for the gear icon or "Settings" link, usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select "Security" from the menu that appears.

Find the option that says "Change password" or "Update password" and click it. The system will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. After you submit, Bank of America will send a verification code to your phone or email — the method depends on what you have set up in your account. Enter that code on the screen to complete the change.

Once the code is verified, your password is changed when ready. You do not need to log out and back in, though you can if you want to confirm it worked. The next time you log in from a new device or browser, you will use your new password.

Password requirements and what makes a strong one

Bank of America requires your new password to be at least 8 characters long. It must contain uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and at least one special character like ! @ # $ % ^ & * or a hyphen. The system will tell you if your password does not meet these rules before you can submit it.

A strong password is one you have not used before on this account and one you do not use anywhere else. If you use the same password across multiple websites and one of those sites gets hacked, someone could access your bank account. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone can store a unique password so you do not have to remember it.

What to do if you cannot log in to change your password

If you have forgotten your current password or cannot access your account, do not try to use the "Change password" option. Instead, go to the Bank of America login page and click "Forgot password?" or "Forgot username?" depending on what you need.

The system will ask you to enter your username or the email address tied to your account, then verify your identity. Bank of America will send a link to your email or a code to your phone. Click the link or enter the code, and you will be able to set a new password. This process usually takes a few minutes and does not require you to call anyone.

If you do not have access to the phone number or email address on file, call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you cannot reset your password on your own. They can verify your identity by asking security questions and help you regain access to your account.

Changing your password on the Bank of America mobile app

You can also change your password through the Bank of America mobile app on your phone. Log in, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, and select "Settings." Scroll down to "Security" and tap "Change password."

The process is the same as online: enter your current password, type your new password twice, and verify with a code sent to your phone or email. The change takes effect when ready across all devices and browsers.

How often you should change your password

Bank of America does not force you to change your password on a set schedule. You do not need to change it every 30 or 90 days unless you suspect someone has accessed your account or you have used the password on a website that was hacked.

Change your password right away if you notice unfamiliar transactions, if you receive a message from Bank of America asking you to update it, or if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access. If you think your account has been compromised, call 1-800-432-1000 when ready — the bank can freeze your account while you change your password and review recent activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password if I get a message from Bank of America asking me to?

Yes. If Bank of America sends you an official message through your account or by email asking you to change your password, do it as soon as you can. This usually means the bank has detected suspicious activity or a security issue. Never click a link in an email claiming to be from Bank of America unless you initiated the password reset yourself — scammers often send fake emails that look like they come from the bank.

What happens if I forget my new password right after changing it?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it again. You will go through the same identity verification process. There is no limit to how many times you can reset your password, so do not worry about locking yourself out.

Can I change my password from a public computer or library?

You can, but it is not recommended. Public computers may have malware or keyloggers that record what you type. If you must change your password from a public computer, use the library's computer rather than your own device, and make sure you log out completely when you are done.

Will changing my password affect my online bill pay or linked accounts?

No. Changing your Bank of America password does not affect bill pay, transfers, or accounts you have linked to your profile. You will still be able to use all those features with your new password once you log back in.

How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?

Your new password works when ready after you verify the code. If you are logged in on multiple devices, you may stay logged in on those devices for a while, but the next time you log out and back in, you will need to use your new password.