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 pending transactions

The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will verify your identity, check for any outstanding checks or automatic payments, and process the closure. If you have a balance, they will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with a photo ID. A banker can walk through the process with you and answer questions about what happens to any remaining balance or pending transactions. This method works well if you have complications — like a negative balance or fraud concerns — that need when ready attention.

Online closure through the Bank of America app or website is available for some account types, though the option does not appear for all customers. If you see a "close account" option in your settings, you can initiate it there, but you may still need to call to confirm and handle the final balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, which is the most straightforward method for most people.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance before closing; if your account is overdrawn, you will need to deposit funds first.
  • Any remaining balance will be mailed as a check or transferred to another account, so provide clear instructions about where the money should go.
  • Stop or confirm the status of automatic payments and recurring transfers before you close, so bills do not bounce after the account is gone.
  • Ask for written confirmation of the closure, including the date and any final balance, so you have a record.

What to do before you call or visit

Before you contact Bank of America, make sure your account is ready to close. Check your balance online or at an ATM — if it is negative, you will need to deposit money to bring it to zero. Bank of America will not close an overdrawn account until the debt is paid.

Review any automatic payments or recurring transfers linked to the account. Log into your Bank of America online banking and look at your recent transactions to see what is set up. Common ones include insurance premiums, utility bills, loan payments, or transfers to savings. You will need to either cancel these or move them to a different account before the closure takes effect, or they will fail and may trigger late fees.

If you have checks still in circulation — checks you wrote that have not cleared yet — wait until they do before closing. Alternatively, you can ask Bank of America to hold the account open for a short period while those checks process. The same applies to pending deposits or transfers you are expecting.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours. Bank of America customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your account number and a photo ID ready — the representative will ask for information to confirm who you are.

Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will ask why (this is optional to answer), check for any holds or pending transactions, and confirm your balance. If you have money in the account, they will ask how you want it sent to you — as a mailed check, or transferred to another bank account. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

The representative will give you a confirmation number and tell you when the closure is complete. Most closures happen when ready, though if there are pending transactions, it may take a few business days. Ask them to email or mail you written confirmation so you have proof of the closure date.

Closing in person at a branch

Bring your photo ID and visit any Bank of America branch. Tell a banker you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, verify your identity, and walk you through the same process as a phone closure — checking your balance, reviewing pending transactions, and arranging for any remaining funds.

The advantage of closing in person is that you can ask questions and handle complications on the spot. If there is a hold on your account, a banker may be able to explain it and remove it when ready. If you are closing because of a problem with the account or a dispute, the banker can document your reason and escalate it if needed.

Ask for a written receipt showing the account is closed, the closure date, and your final balance. Keep this for your records.

What happens to your money and remaining balance

Any money left in your account will not disappear. Bank of America will either mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account, depending on what you request. If you ask for a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you provide another bank account, the transfer usually happens within 1 to 3 business days.

If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe Bank of America money — you must pay the negative balance before the account closes. You can do this by depositing funds, transferring money from another account, or paying over the phone with a debit card or bank transfer. Once the balance is zero or positive, the closure can proceed.

If you do not provide instructions for where to send your balance, Bank of America will hold it and you will need to contact them later to claim it. It is better to give clear instructions during the closure process.

After your account is closed

Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any automatic payments or transfers set up on that account will fail. This is why it is critical to move those payments to another account before you close.

If you have a Bank of America credit card, closing your checking account does not affect it — they are separate. Your credit card will continue to work normally.

Keep your closure confirmation for at least one year. If a check you wrote before closing the account is deposited after the closure, it will bounce. If that happens, contact the person or company who deposited it and explain that the account is closed; they may be able to redeposit it to a new account you provide, or you can pay them directly.

If you want to reopen the account later

Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed checking account within a certain timeframe, though policies vary. If you close the account and change your mind within a few weeks, call customer service and ask if it can be reopened. They may be able to restore it, or they may require you to open a new account instead.

If you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, reopening may not be possible when ready. Bank of America may place you on a list that prevents new accounts for a period of time. If this happens, you can ask how long the restriction lasts and when you can reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before the account closes. Deposit funds or transfer money from another account to cover the negative balance, then contact Bank of America to proceed with the closure.

What if I have automatic payments set up on this account?

You must cancel or move them before closing. Log into your Bank of America account and review your recent transactions to find all recurring payments. Contact each company or service to change the payment method, or set up the payment on a different account before the closure takes effect.

How long does it take to close a Bank of America checking account?

The closure is usually when ready once you call or visit, but if there are pending transactions or checks still clearing, it may take a few business days. Any remaining balance will be mailed or transferred within 5 to 10 business days.

Will closing my checking account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and will not change your credit score. Only credit accounts — like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit — affect your credit.

What if I forgot to move a bill payment before closing?

The payment will fail and bounce. Contact the company or service when ready and provide a new payment method or account number. You may owe a late fee, but explaining that you closed the account may help them waive it. Pay as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.