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 an outstanding balance

The fastest way is usually a phone call to Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days.

If you prefer to close in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. A banker can close the account on the spot and answer questions about what happens to any remaining balance. This method works well if you have questions or complications — for instance, if you're unsure whether all your automatic payments have been moved to another account.

Online closure is available through the Bank of America mobile app or website, but only for certain account types and only if there are no complications. If you see a "close account" option in your settings, you can initiate closure there. However, many accounts cannot be closed online, so do not be surprised if the option does not appear.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the most reliable method and takes one to three business days to complete.
  • You must redirect or cancel any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before closing, or they may fail.
  • Any remaining balance in the account will be mailed to you by check, usually within two to four weeks after closure.
  • Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score or other Bank of America accounts you may hold.

What to do before you call or visit

Before you initiate closure, take three steps. First, make sure your account balance is zero or that you are prepared to receive a check for any remaining funds. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance — you must pay the overdraft first.

Second, redirect any automatic payments or recurring charges. Log into your account online or call the companies that pull money from this checking account — your insurance provider, utility company, subscription services, loan servicer, or any other business with authorization to charge you. Update them with a new account number or payment method. This step is critical: if you close the account and a payment tries to go through, it will fail and may trigger late fees or service interruptions.

Third, confirm that your direct deposit (if you receive one) has been moved to another account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account details. If you do not do this, your next paycheck may be rejected or delayed.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when it closes, Bank of America will mail you a check for that amount. The check is typically sent to the mailing address on file within two to four weeks after the account closure is complete. You do not need to do anything — the check arrives automatically.

If you want the funds transferred to another account instead of receiving a check, you can request this during the closure process. Tell the representative (whether by phone or in person) that you want the balance transferred to another Bank of America account or to an account at a different bank. They can initiate a transfer, though it may take a few business days to complete.

Closing a linked savings account or credit card

If you have a savings account or credit card connected to your checking account, closing the checking account does not automatically close those other accounts. They remain open and active unless you close them separately.

If you want to close a savings account, follow the same process: call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use the mobile app. For a credit card, you can call the number on the back of the card or use the Bank of America website. Credit cards require an additional step — you must pay off any balance before closure, and the card will be deactivated when ready.

Why your account might not close right away

Bank of America may delay closure if there are pending transactions still processing. A check you wrote, a debit card charge, or an ACH transfer can take several days to clear. The bank will not close the account until these transactions settle, to prevent overdrafts or failed payments.

If you initiated closure and the account is still open after a week, call customer service to ask what is pending. They can tell you which transactions are holding up the closure and when they are expected to clear. Once they do, the account will close automatically.

What to do if you change your mind

If you close your account and then realize you need it, you can reopen it. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch within a short window — Bank of America typically allows you to reopen a closed account within 30 days without reapplying. After 30 days, you would need to open a new account, which is treated as a fresh process.

Reopening is simpler than opening a new account because the bank already has your information on file. A representative can restore your account number and settings in minutes. However, if you have already received a check for your remaining balance, you will need to deposit that check before reopening, or the funds will be lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my checking account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts. Your credit report will not show that the account was closed.

What if I have pending checks or automatic payments I forgot about?

Contact Bank of America when ready and ask them to reopen the account or delay closure. Any checks or payments that try to process after closure will bounce, which can trigger overdraft fees or late charges from the companies trying to charge you. It is easier to catch this before closure than to fix it after.

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

No. You must pay the overdraft amount first. Call customer service or visit a branch and ask how much you owe, then deposit that amount. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take to receive a check for my remaining balance?

Bank of America typically mails the check within two to four weeks after the account closure is complete. The check is sent to the mailing address on file. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the bank with your account number and closure date.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

Phone closure is usually sufficient and is faster than visiting a branch. Call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and ID ready. Visit a branch only if you have complications, want to transfer funds to another account in person, or prefer to speak face-to-face.