You can close a Bank of America checking account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch
Bank of America lets you close a checking account online through their website or the mobile app. The process takes a few minutes and does not require a phone call or branch visit. You will need to have a zero balance in the account before you start — any remaining funds must be transferred out first.
The steps are straightforward: log in to your account, navigate to the account closure section, confirm you want to close the account, and submit. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to that account, you should redirect them before closing to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account balance must be zero before Bank of America will let you close it online — transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- You can close the account through the website or mobile app by logging in, finding the account settings, and selecting the close account option.
- Any automatic bill payments or direct deposits tied to the account will stop working once it closes, so update those with your new account information beforehand.
- Bank of America sends a confirmation email after closure, and the account typically closes within one to two business days.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect those products.
Steps to close your account through the website
Log in to your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you are in, look for the account you want to close in your account list on the dashboard.
Click on the checking account name or the settings icon next to it. You should see an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your account type. Select that option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are closing it. You can skip the reason or provide one; either way, the closure will proceed.
Review the final confirmation screen to make sure you have selected the correct account. Once you confirm, the request is submitted. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, and the account will close within one to two business days.
Closing your account through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in. Tap on the checking account you want to close from your account list.
Look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a settings gear icon at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on your phone's operating system. Select "Account Services" or "Manage Account." You should see a "Close Account" option. Tap it and confirm that you want to proceed.
The app will show you a confirmation screen with the account details. Tap to confirm closure. You will receive a confirmation email, and the account will close within one to two business days, just as it would through the website.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing
Before you close the account, identify any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to it. These include utility bills, subscription services, insurance payments, loan payments, or any other regular transfers. Log into each service's website or app and update the payment method to your new account or a different payment method.
Do the same for direct deposits — paychecks, government benefits, or other regular deposits. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number and routing number. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change well before you close the old account.
If you miss updating a payment or deposit before closure, the transaction will fail. The sender will typically receive a rejection notice, but you may face late fees or missed deposits depending on what the payment was for. That is why updating these is the most important step before closing.
What happens to your debit card when you close the account
Your Bank of America debit card linked to the checking account will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to do anything special — the card will straightforward decline when you try to use it after the closure is complete.
If you want to keep using a debit card, you can open a new checking account before closing the old one, or you can request a new card tied to a different Bank of America account you already have. If you are closing all your Bank of America accounts, you will need to get a debit card from a different bank.
How to transfer your remaining balance before closing
Bank of America will not let you close an account with money in it. If you have funds remaining, you have two options: transfer the money to another account or withdraw it in cash.
To transfer online, log into your Bank of America account and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Move Money" option. You can transfer to another Bank of America account you own, or to an external account at a different bank. If you are transferring to an external account for the first time, you will need to add it and verify it — this usually takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can transfer the balance when ready.
Alternatively, visit an ATM and withdraw the full balance in cash, or go to a Bank of America branch and ask the teller to withdraw it for you. Once the account balance is zero, you can proceed with closing it online.
What to expect after your account closes
Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with the closure date. The account will no longer appear in your online banking dashboard after one to two business days. Any pending transactions that were in process when you closed the account may still post — if money comes out after closure, Bank of America will either return it to the sender or hold it briefly and then return it.
If you need a record of your account history for tax purposes or other reasons, read or print your statements before closing. Once the account is closed, you can still view old statements through your Bank of America online account for a limited time, but it is safer to save them yourself.
If you ever need to reopen a checking account with Bank of America, you can do so at any time. There is no waiting period or penalty for having closed an account previously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my checking account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. If you have a negative balance, you owe Bank of America that amount. Contact the bank to arrange payment of the negative balance, then you can close the account.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or payment scheduled to post after I close?
Transactions scheduled after closure will be rejected. The sender will receive a notice that the account no longer exists. Update your direct deposit and automatic payments before closing to avoid missed deposits or failed payments.
Do I need to close my savings account or credit card if I close my checking account?
No. Closing your checking account does not affect any other Bank of America products. Your savings account and credit cards will remain open and active unless you close them separately.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
Bank of America typically closes the account within one to two business days after you submit the request online. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, but the account may still appear in your dashboard briefly while the closure processes.
Can I reopen the same account after I close it?
No. Once closed, that specific account cannot be reopened. You would need to open a new checking account if you want to bank with Bank of America again. The new account will have a different account number.