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 outstanding balances

The fastest way is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or the Bank of America customer service line. A representative can walk you through the process, confirm you have no pending transactions, and close the account on the same call. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask to close the account. Online closure is available for some account types through your digital banking portal, though not all accounts can be closed this way.

Before you close anything, make sure you know what you're closing. Bank of America often bundles accounts — you might have a checking account, a savings account, and a money market account all linked together. Closing one doesn't automatically close the others. You'll also need to handle any outstanding checks, automatic payments, or direct deposits tied to that account before closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on your debit card or statement to close an account by phone, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Visit a Bank of America branch in person with a photo ID if you prefer to close the account face-to-face.
  • Stop any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account at least a week before closure to avoid failed transactions.
  • Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before closing, or ask the bank to mail you a check after closure.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case questions arise later.

What to do before you call or visit the branch

The first step is to move money out of the account or decide what you want the bank to do with it. If there's a balance, you can transfer it to another account (at Bank of America or elsewhere), withdraw it in cash, or ask the bank to mail you a check after closure. Most banks mail checks within 5 to 10 business days, so if you need the money quickly, transfer it yourself.

Next, stop any automatic payments or direct deposits. Log into your Bank of America account online or call the customer service number to see what's connected to this account. Common items include payroll deposits, bill payments, subscription charges, and insurance premiums. You'll need to update these with your new account information or cancel them entirely. Do this at least a week before you plan to close the account — if a payment tries to go through after closure, it will fail and may trigger overdraft fees or late charges with the company you owe money to.

Check for any outstanding checks you've written. If you wrote checks that haven't cleared yet, they will bounce after you close the account. Contact anyone you wrote checks to and ask them to wait for a new check, or transfer enough money back into the account temporarily to cover them.

Closing by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and a photo ID handy — the representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.

Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why (this is optional information — you don't have to explain), confirm that you've moved your money or arranged for a check, and verify there are no pending transactions. Once everything checks out, they will close the account when ready. The representative should give you a confirmation number — write it down and ask them to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure.

The entire call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have multiple accounts, you'll need to specify which one you're closing, or close them one at a time.

Closing in person at a branch

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and go to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Tell a representative at the desk that you want to close an account. They will take you to a private area, verify your identity, and ask the same questions a phone representative would: whether you've moved your money, whether there are pending transactions, and which account you're closing.

In-person closure has one advantage: you can withdraw cash on the spot if there's a balance in the account. You can also ask questions face-to-face if you're unsure about anything. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Ask for written confirmation before you leave the branch.

Closing online through your digital account

Not all Bank of America accounts can be closed online. Checking and savings accounts sometimes can be, but money market accounts, CDs, and accounts with outstanding balances usually cannot. Log into your Bank of America account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option — the exact location varies depending on whether you're using the mobile app or the website.

If the option appears, click it and follow the prompts. The system will ask you to confirm your identity and verify that you've moved your money. If you don't see a "Close Account" option, your account type doesn't support online closure, and you'll need to call or visit a branch instead.

What happens after you close the account

Once closed, you won't be able to use the debit card, make transfers, or access the account online. Any checks or automatic payments tied to that account will fail. If someone tries to deposit a check into the closed account, the bank will return it to the sender.

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance. If there was money left in the account, you should receive a check within 5 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, call customer service with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it.

Keep your closure confirmation number and any written confirmation the bank sends you. If a company later claims you still owe money on the account, or if a check bounces because the account was closed, you'll have proof of when and how you closed it.

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

If you're closing a checking or savings account but you have a Bank of America credit card linked to the same profile, closing the bank account won't close the credit card. The credit card will remain open and active. You'll still receive statements and be responsible for payments.

Similarly, if you have multiple bank accounts (checking, savings, money market) all under one login, closing one account doesn't close the others. You have to close each account separately if you want them all 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. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may require you to pay those before opening a new account. If the account was closed due to inactivity or at your request, you should be able to open a new one without issue.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You cannot close an account with a negative balance (overdraft). You must deposit enough money to bring the balance to zero or positive first. Once the balance is settled, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for a closed account to stop appearing in my online banking?

Closed accounts usually disappear from your active account list within 24 hours, though you may still see them in your account history for several months. This is normal and doesn't mean the account is still open.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I always use the phone?

Phone closure works for most account types. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash on the spot or prefer to handle it face-to-face, but it's not required. Online closure is the fastest option if your account type supports it.

What if Bank of America says they can't close my account?

This usually means there's a pending transaction, an outstanding balance, or a hold on the account. Ask the representative what the specific issue is. Once you resolve it — by waiting for a transaction to clear, paying a balance, or removing a hold — you can close the account.