You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through multiple channels. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your card — you'll reach someone who can walk you through it in about ten minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, any Bank of America branch can close your account on the spot. Online closure is available for some account types through your digital banking portal, though it's less common and comes with more restrictions.

Before you close anything, move your money out first. You'll need a zero balance — Bank of America won't close an account with funds still in it. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account, change those to your new bank before you initiate closure. The bank will also ask whether you want them to mail you a check for any remaining balance, or whether you've already transferred it elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your debit card to close most accounts; the process takes about ten minutes and you can do it from anywhere.
  • You must have a zero balance before closing — transfer or withdraw all remaining funds first.
  • Update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges linked to the account before you close it.
  • In-person closure at a branch is an option if you want to hand over your card and get written confirmation on the spot.
  • After closure, keep your final statement and any confirmation number the bank provides, in case questions arise later.

Closing by phone: the fastest method

Call the customer service number on the back of your Bank of America debit card or the number listed on your statement. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — the representative will ask for both. They'll verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and ask why you're closing (this is optional to answer). The whole call usually takes five to ten minutes.

The representative will confirm the closure date — usually the same day or the next business day — and ask how you want to handle any remaining balance. If there's money left, they'll either mail you a check or you can direct them to transfer it to another account. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up and write it down. The bank will send you a final statement showing the account is closed.

Closing in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your debit card and a government-issued ID. Tell a representative you want to close your account. They'll pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure right there. This takes about ten to fifteen minutes and you'll get a receipt showing the account is closed.

In-person closure is useful if you want to hand over your card directly and get when ready written proof. It also eliminates any chance of miscommunication — the representative can show you on their screen that the account is closed. If you have questions about pending transactions or final fees, they can answer them while you're there.

Closing online through your digital account

Bank of America's online closure option is limited and not available for all account types. Log into your account on the Bank of America website or mobile app, go to Settings or Account Management, and look for a "Close Account" option. Not all accounts will have this available — if you don't see it, you'll need to use phone or in-person closure instead.

If the online option appears, the system will walk you through confirming your balance is zero and selecting how to handle any remaining funds. You'll get an on-screen confirmation, but you won't receive a confirmation number the way you would over the phone. For that reason, take a screenshot of the final confirmation page before you close the browser.

What to do before you close

Check your account for any automatic payments or recurring charges. Log into your Bank of America account and look at your recent transactions — anything marked as "recurring" or "subscription" needs to be cancelled or moved to your new bank first. This includes utility bills, insurance payments, gym memberships, streaming services, or any other regular charges. If you close the account while these are still active, the payments will fail and you may face late fees from the companies you owe.

Update your direct deposit with your employer or benefits provider. If you receive a paycheck or government benefits into this account, contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits agency and give them your new bank account number. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so do it well before you close the old account. Withdraw or transfer all remaining money using an ATM, a teller, or a transfer to another bank. Bank of America won't close an account with a balance, so this step is non-negotiable. If you have multiple accounts with the bank and want to keep some open, you can transfer funds between them before closure.

What happens after you close

Your account will be closed on the date the bank confirms, usually the same day you request it or the next business day. You won't be able to use your debit card after that date. Any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet may bounce, so make sure you've accounted for any outstanding checks before you close.

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account closure. Keep this for your records. If you requested a check for any remaining balance, it will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. If you have questions about the closure later — for example, if a charge appears after the account is closed — you'll need that final statement and your confirmation number to contact the bank.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to consent to closure. Call the bank or visit a branch with the other account holder present, or have them call separately to authorize the closure. Bank of America may require both signatures if you're closing in person.

If one account holder wants to close and the other doesn't, the bank can convert it to a single-name account instead, removing one person's access while keeping the account open. This requires agreement from both parties and takes a few business days to process. Contact the bank to discuss this option if you and the other account holder disagree about closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank of America does not report checking or savings account closures to credit bureaus. However, if you close an account while you owe money on it, that debt can still be reported and affect your credit.

What if I have a pending transaction when I try to close?

Bank of America may delay closure until pending transactions clear. If you have a charge that's pending but not yet posted, ask the representative how long it will take to clear. You can usually close the account once the transaction posts, even if it takes a few days.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?

You cannot reopen a closed account, but you can open a new account with Bank of America at any time. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact the bank when ready — they may be able to reverse the closure if it hasn't fully processed yet.

Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?

You should destroy your debit card after the account closes to prevent accidental use or fraud. Cut it up or shred it. The card will no longer work once the account is closed, but destroying it removes any chance of confusion.