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 to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone in account services. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions or holds, and process the closure. If you have a balance in the account, they will either send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch by bringing a valid ID and asking a teller to initiate closure. This method works well if you want to withdraw your remaining balance in cash when ready or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. 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 do not see a closure option in your account settings, phone or in-person closure is your route.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with no branch visit required.
  • You must have zero balance or arrange for Bank of America to send remaining funds by check or transfer before closure is final.
  • Any pending direct deposits, automatic payments, or transfers tied to the account should be redirected to another account before you close it.
  • Closing the account does not affect other Bank of America accounts you hold, such as savings or credit cards.
  • Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks.

What you need to do before calling or visiting

Before you contact Bank of America, make sure your checking account has a zero balance. If money remains in the account, the bank will not close it until the balance is resolved. You can withdraw the remaining funds in cash at a branch, transfer them to another account (yours or someone else's), or request that Bank of America mail you a check. The check option typically takes five to seven business days to arrive.

Next, redirect any automatic payments or recurring transfers that are tied to the account. This includes payroll direct deposits, bill payments, subscription charges, and transfers to savings or investment accounts. Contact your employer, billers, and any services that pull money from the account and provide them with your new account number if you are moving to another bank. If you miss this step, payments may fail or bounce, which can trigger overdraft fees or late charges on your bills.

Check whether you have any pending transactions, holds, or disputes on the account. If Bank of America is holding funds due to a fraud investigation, a chargeback, or an overdraft, the account cannot close until that issue is resolved. Call customer service to ask whether any holds exist before you schedule your closure.

Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and a valid ID ready—the representative will ask you to confirm your Social Security number or other identifying information to verify you are the account holder. They will also ask why you are closing the account, though your reason does not affect whether closure is processed.

The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero and that no holds or pending transactions exist. If your balance is not zero, they will walk you through your options: withdraw the funds when ready if you are calling from a branch, request a check, or transfer the money to another account. Once the balance is cleared, they will process the closure and provide you with a confirmation number. Write down this number for your records.

After the call, Bank of America will send you a written confirmation letter within one to two weeks. Keep this letter in case you need proof that the account was closed, especially if you later dispute a charge or need to show that the account is no longer active.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch

Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with your valid ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance, and ask how you want to handle any remaining funds. You can withdraw cash on the spot, request a check, or transfer the balance to another account.

The teller will then process the closure and print a receipt showing the account is closed. This receipt serves as your when ready proof of closure. Unlike phone closure, you do not have to wait for a confirmation letter, though Bank of America will still mail you one within one to two weeks as a backup record.

In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw your balance in cash when ready or if you prefer to handle the process face-to-face. It also eliminates any ambiguity about whether the closure went through, since you receive a printed confirmation on the spot.

Closing through the Bank of America app or website

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and navigate to your account settings. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Not all account types offer online closure—if you do not see this option, it means your account requires phone or in-person closure.

If the option is available, click it and follow the prompts. Bank of America will ask you to confirm your account balance is zero and will walk you through any remaining steps. Once you submit the closure request, the account will be flagged for closure and you will receive a confirmation number. The closure typically takes one to two business days to finalize.

Online closure is the most convenient option if it is available for your account type, since you can do it at any time without calling or visiting a branch. However, you will still receive a mailed confirmation letter within one to two weeks.

What happens to linked accounts and services

Closing your checking account does not affect any other Bank of America accounts you hold, such as a savings account, money market account, or credit card. Those accounts remain open and active unless you specifically close them separately. Your credit card will continue to work, and any automatic payments tied to your savings account will continue as scheduled.

However, if you have set up transfers between your checking account and other accounts, those transfers will stop working once the checking account closes. If you want to continue moving money between accounts, you will need to set up new transfers using a different account or a different bank.

If you have a Bank of America line of credit or overdraft protection tied to the checking account, that service will no longer be available once the account closes. You can set up overdraft protection on another Bank of America account if you want to keep that feature active.

After your account is closed

Once Bank of America confirms the closure, the account number becomes inactive and cannot be used for deposits or withdrawals. Any checks you wrote from that account before closure will still clear if they have not been deposited yet, so be aware of any outstanding checks you may have issued. If someone tries to deposit a check to the closed account after closure is final, the bank will reject it and return it to the depositor.

Bank of America will keep records of the closed account for a set period (typically seven years) in case you need to dispute a charge or retrieve transaction history. You can request old statements or transaction records by calling customer service, even after the account is closed.

If you closed the account because of a problem with Bank of America's service or fees, consider whether you want to move your banking to another institution. If you are staying with Bank of America but switching to a different account type, make sure your new account is fully set up and funded before you close the old one to avoid any gaps in service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closure, either online, by phone, or in person at a branch. There is no waiting period. However, if the account was closed due to fraud or repeated overdrafts, Bank of America may review your process more carefully before approving a new account.

What if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment scheduled?

You must redirect these before closure. Contact your employer or the company making the payment and provide your new account number. If a payment attempts to post to the closed account after closure is final, it will be rejected and may trigger a late fee or failed payment notice. Do this at least one week before you close the account to allow time for the change to take effect.

Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts (credit cards, loans, lines of credit), not deposit accounts. Your credit score is unaffected by closing a checking account.

How long does it take for Bank of America to fully close the account?

The closure is usually final within one to two business days after you request it. You will receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Once the account is closed, the account number becomes inactive when ready and cannot be used for new transactions.

What if I owe Bank of America money on the account?

If your account is overdrawn or you owe fees, Bank of America will not close the account until the debt is paid. You must bring the account to zero balance or pay the outstanding amount before closure can be processed. If you dispute the charges, contact customer service to discuss the issue before requesting closure.