The basic steps to close your account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you reach someone when ready and the account closes within one to three business days. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative; they will process the closure on the spot.

Before you close the account, make sure any pending transactions have cleared and that you have moved your direct deposits and automatic payments elsewhere. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance or pending checks. If you have a negative balance, you must pay it first.

Once the account is closed, Bank of America will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account you specify. This usually takes five to ten business days after the closure is processed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, which typically takes five minutes and closes the account within one to three business days.
  • Visit a Bank of America branch with your photo ID to close in person, which is when ready but requires you to be present during business hours.
  • Cancel all automatic payments and redirect direct deposits before closing, because Bank of America will not process the closure if transactions are still pending.
  • Pay any negative balance on the account before closing; Bank of America will not close an account you owe money on.
  • Your remaining balance will be mailed as a check or transferred to another account within five to ten business days after closure.

What to do before you call or visit

Review your account for any pending transactions. Log into your online banking or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to check for outstanding checks, pending ACH transfers, or scheduled bill payments. Any of these will delay or block the closure.

Move your direct 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 do this at least two weeks before you plan to close.

Redirect automatic payments. Go through your bills — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — and update each one with your new account information. Do not assume the payments will stop; they may bounce and create fees or service interruptions.

Check your balance. If your account is overdrawn, you must deposit money to bring it to zero or positive before Bank of America will close it. If you have a positive balance, decide whether you want it mailed as a check or transferred to another account.

Closing by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready — you can find it on a check, your debit card, or in your online banking portal. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up.

The representative will confirm that there are no pending transactions and no negative balance. They will ask where you want your remaining balance sent — as a check to your address on file, or transferred to another account. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

The account will close when ready, though it may take one to three business days for the closure to fully process in Bank of America's system. You will receive a confirmation number; write it down. If you do not receive your remaining balance within ten business days, call back with this number.

Closing at a branch in person

Find your nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on bankofamerica.com. Bring your photo ID and your debit card or checkbook. Go during business hours — most branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings.

Tell the representative at the desk that you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, verify your identity, and confirm there are no pending transactions or negative balance. If everything is clear, they will process the closure when ready.

Ask the representative how you want your remaining balance handled. You can take a cashier's check on the spot, have a check mailed to you, or request a transfer to another account. If you choose a transfer, you will need to provide the routing and account number of the receiving bank.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working when ready after the account closes. If you have checks remaining from that account, do not use them — they will be rejected. Destroy any unused checks by cutting them in half or shredding them.

If you have automatic payments set up on checks — which is rare but possible — those will fail once the account closes. This is another reason to redirect all payments before you close.

If you have a Bank of America savings account too

Closing your checking account does not affect any savings account you have with Bank of America. They are separate accounts and must be closed separately if you want both closed. If you want to close both, follow the same steps for each one.

If you have linked your checking and savings accounts for overdraft protection, that link will break when you close the checking account. Your savings account will remain open and unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can open a new account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or using bankofamerica.com. There is no waiting period. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account.

What if I have a pending direct deposit that hasn't hit yet?

Wait for it to clear before closing. Call your employer or the organization sending the deposit and confirm the deposit date. Once it posts, you can close the account. If you close before it arrives, the deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender, and you will have to contact them to resend it to your new account.

How long does it take to receive my remaining balance after closing?

If you request a check, it will be mailed within five to ten business days. If you request a transfer to another bank, it typically takes three to five business days. If you take a cashier's check at the branch, you have it when ready.

Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close your account by phone from anywhere, or visit any Bank of America branch regardless of where you opened the account. The account is in their system nationwide.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking accounts — only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a checking account has no impact on your credit history or score.