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

The fastest way is usually a phone call to Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You'll need your account number and a form of ID ready. If you have direct deposits, automatic payments, or a balance in the account, the representative will walk you through what needs to happen before the account closes — you can't close an account with money still in it, and you need to redirect any automatic payments first.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to speak with a banker. They can process the closure on the spot, though you may still need to handle outstanding transactions beforehand. Online closure is available for some account types through your Bank of America login, though this option is less common and may not work if your account has complications.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
  • You must withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before the account can close — Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
  • Redirect any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or recurring charges to another account before you close, or they will fail.
  • The account typically closes within a few business days after all outstanding items clear, though Bank of America may keep records for several years.

What you need to do before calling

Before you contact Bank of America, take these steps so the closure goes smoothly. First, withdraw or transfer your entire balance. You can do this at an ATM, through a transfer to another bank account, or by asking the representative to issue you a check during your closure call.

Second, stop any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and review your recent transactions to see what's set to come out. Common ones are utility bills, insurance payments, subscription services, and loan payments. Change the payment method on each of these to a different account or payment method before you close.

Third, update your direct deposit if you receive one. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account information. This usually takes a few business days to process, so do it well before you close the account.

Closing the account by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and ID ready — they may ask for your Social Security number or other identifying information to confirm you own the account. The representative will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions.

If you still have a balance, the representative can issue you a check for that amount, which will be mailed to your address on file. If you have pending automatic payments or direct deposits, the representative will tell you what's still coming and may ask you to wait until those clear before closing. Once everything is resolved, they'll process the closure and give you a confirmation number.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Bring your ID to your nearest Bank of America branch and ask to speak with a banker about closing your account. They will pull up your account, confirm your balance is zero, and check for any pending transactions. If everything is clear, they can close the account when ready and give you a receipt.

If you have a remaining balance, the banker can issue you a check on the spot or transfer the money to another account if you provide the details. This method is useful if you want to handle everything in one visit and get a paper record of the closure right away.

What happens after you close

Bank of America typically closes the account within a few business days after you request it, assuming no outstanding transactions are pending. You'll stop being able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any attempt to use the account after closure will be declined.

Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts for several years for regulatory and tax purposes. If you need a statement or record of transactions from the closed account later, you can request it by calling customer service or visiting a branch. There is usually no fee for this.

If you have a linked savings account or credit card

If you have a Bank of America savings account linked to this checking account, closing the checking account does not close the savings account. They are separate and will remain open unless you close them separately. The same is true for any Bank of America credit cards — closing a checking account has no effect on them.

If you have automatic transfers set up between your checking and savings accounts, those will stop working once the checking account closes. Make sure you've moved any money you want to keep to your savings account or another bank before you close.

Common reasons the closure might be delayed

The most common reason a closure doesn't go through when ready is an outstanding balance or pending transaction. If a check you wrote hasn't cleared yet, or if a bill payment is scheduled to come out in the next few days, Bank of America will ask you to wait. You can either wait for those to clear, or ask the representative to cancel pending transactions if possible.

Another reason is if you have an overdraft or negative balance. You'll need to pay this off before the account can close. If you're unsure whether you have an outstanding balance, ask the representative to review the account in detail before you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still owe Bank of America money?

If you have an overdraft or negative balance, you must pay it off before the account closes. If you owe money on a separate loan or credit card, that doesn't prevent you from closing the checking account — those are separate obligations.

What if I close my account and then receive a check or direct deposit?

Once the account is closed, any checks deposited to it will be returned to the sender. Direct deposits will fail and bounce back to the sender. This is why it's important to update your direct deposit information before you close and to wait until any outstanding checks have cleared.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on checking or savings accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.

How long does it take to close the account?

If there are no pending transactions or outstanding balance, the account can close within a few business days. If there are pending items, it may take longer — sometimes up to two weeks — depending on when those transactions clear.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new Bank of America checking account at any time, but you cannot reopen a closed account. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact Bank of America when ready to see if they can stop the closure before it's final.