You can close a Bank of America checking account in person, by phone, or by mail — each method takes different amounts of time and requires different steps
Bank of America lets you close a checking account through three routes: visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or sending a written request by mail. The fastest is in-person closure at any Bank of America branch, which can happen the same day. Phone closure takes one to three business days. Mail takes longer because Bank of America needs to receive your letter, process it, and confirm the closure.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to it have been moved to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance — you must bring it to zero or positive first. If you have outstanding checks or pending transactions, those will still clear after closure, so leave enough time for them to post.
Key Takeaways
- Closing in person at a Bank of America branch is the fastest method and can be completed the same day with your ID and account information.
- You must have a zero or positive balance before closure; Bank of America will not close accounts that are overdrawn.
- Any automatic payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits must be redirected to another account before you close.
- Phone closure takes one to three business days, while mail closure can take two to four weeks depending on processing time.
- After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation for your records in case questions arise about remaining transactions.
Closing your account in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and ask to speak with a banker about closing your checking account. Bring your debit card and checkbook if you have them. The banker will pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero or positive, and process the closure on the spot. If you have pending transactions, they may ask you to wait a few days before returning, or they can note the account for closure once those clear.
This method is best if you want when ready confirmation and a paper record of closure. The banker can answer questions about what happens to any remaining funds, whether you have outstanding checks, and how long it takes for the account to fully close in their system. Ask for a written confirmation or take a photo of the closure paperwork before you leave.
Closing your account by phone
Call Bank of America's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, review your account balance, and confirm there are no pending transactions or automatic payments. If everything is clear, they will process the closure over the phone.
Phone closure typically takes one to three business days to finalize in the system. The representative should give you a confirmation number — write it down and ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation. If your account has a negative balance, they will tell you how much you owe before they can close it. If you have outstanding checks or pending direct deposits, ask them specifically how long you should wait before calling back.
Closing your account by mail
Write a letter to Bank of America requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking), and your signature. Mail it to the address on your statement or the address listed on Bank of America's website for your region. Include a copy of your ID if you want to be extra cautious, though it is not always required.
Mail closure is the slowest option — expect two to four weeks from the time Bank of America receives your letter. During that time, any checks you have written or automatic payments you have set up may still post. Keep your account open and funded until you are certain all pending transactions have cleared. Once closure is complete, Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account is closed.
What to do before you close
Stop or redirect any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or recurring transfers that are tied to this account. Log into your online banking or call the companies directly to update their payment information. This includes utilities, insurance, streaming services, loan payments, or any other recurring charge. If you miss this step, payments may fail and you could face late fees or service interruptions.
Move any direct deposits to your new account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number and routing number. Direct deposits usually take one to two pay cycles to update, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.
Withdraw any remaining cash or transfer it to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance, and they will not transfer funds to another account for you — you must do this yourself. If you have a small balance remaining, you can ask the banker or representative to close it once the balance reaches zero.
What happens to your money after closure
Any funds in your account at the time of closure remain yours. If you closed the account in person or by phone and had a positive balance, ask the banker or representative how you will receive that money — they can cut a check, transfer it to another account you provide, or give you other options. If you closed by mail, Bank of America will send you a check for any remaining balance within one to two weeks of closure.
Checks you wrote before closure will still clear even after the account is closed, as long as the check is presented within the standard timeframe. Bank of America will honor those checks from the closed account. This is why it is important to make sure you have enough funds to cover outstanding checks before you close.
If you have a negative balance or outstanding issues
Bank of America will not close an account that is overdrawn. If your account is negative, you must deposit money to bring it to zero or positive before closure can happen. If you have overdraft fees, ask the representative whether they can be waived — policies vary, but it is worth asking, especially if this is your first overdraft.
If you have a dispute or fraud claim pending on the account, closure may be delayed until the investigation is complete. Contact Bank of America's fraud department or dispute resolution team before attempting to close. If you have a loan or credit product tied to this checking account, closing the account may affect that product — ask before you proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America checking account online?
Bank of America does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must close in person, by phone, or by mail. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized closures.
What if I have a negative balance?
Bank of America will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive. Deposit money to cover the negative amount, then request closure. If you dispute the negative balance, contact their customer service to resolve it first.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
In-person closure is when ready in the system, though the account may show as "closed" for a few days. Phone closure takes one to three business days. Mail closure takes two to four weeks. During this time, outstanding checks and pending transactions may still post.
Will closing my account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking accounts — only credit products like loans and credit cards. Closing a checking account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.
What if I change my mind after closing?
Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. You would need to open a new checking account. If you closed it very recently and realize you made a mistake, call Bank of America when ready to see if they can reverse the closure before it fully processes.