You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances

The fastest way to close most Bank of America accounts is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will walk you through the process, confirm you have no pending transactions, and close the account on the spot. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and ask to speak with an account representative — they can close it when ready. Online closure is available for some account types through your Bank of America login, though not all accounts offer this option.

Before you close, you need to handle three things: move any remaining money out, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still connected, and confirm you have no outstanding fees or negative balance. If you skip these steps, the bank may freeze the account or send you a bill later.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close most accounts over the phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
  • Empty the account completely and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits before closing, or the bank may not process the closure.
  • If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees, the bank will not close the account until you pay what you owe.
  • Closing takes effect when ready by phone or in person, but keep records of the closure confirmation in case disputes arise later.
  • Some account types, like investment or credit accounts, may require different steps or cannot be closed through standard channels.

What to do before you call or visit

Transfer any money still in the account to another bank. You can do this online through your Bank of America account, or ask the representative to issue you a check. If there is a small balance you cannot easily move, ask the bank to mail you a check after closure — most will do this automatically.

Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. This includes subscription services, gym memberships, insurance payments, or utility bills. Log into each service and update the payment method, or call the company directly. If you miss one, the payment will bounce and may trigger overdraft fees or late charges on accounts you have already closed.

Check for pending direct deposits. If your paycheck or benefits still go to this account, update your employer or the benefits agency with your new account number before closing. A deposit to a closed account will be returned, and you may have to wait weeks to receive it.

Review your account for any outstanding fees or negative balance. Log into your account online or call the bank to ask. If you owe money, pay it before closing — the bank will not process the closure until the balance is zero or positive.

Closing by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a valid ID ready. The representative will ask why you are closing (they may offer to keep the account open, but you can decline). Confirm that the account balance is zero and that no automatic payments are pending.

The representative will close the account when ready and provide a confirmation number. Write this down or ask them to email it to you. The account will be closed that day, though it may take a few business days to stop appearing in your online banking.

Closing in person at a branch

Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to any Bank of America branch. Tell the teller or account representative that you want to close your account. They will verify your identity, confirm the account balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.

Ask for a written confirmation of the closure. This is not always offered automatically, but you should have it in case the account appears on your credit report or the bank sends you a bill later. Keep this document for at least one year.

Closing online

Not all Bank of America accounts can be closed through online banking. Checking and savings accounts sometimes offer this option, but investment accounts, credit cards, and lines of credit usually do not. Log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option — if it is not there, you will need to call or visit a branch.

If the option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review the account balance. The bank will ask you to confirm that no automatic payments are pending. Once you submit, the closure request may take one to three business days to process, and you will receive a confirmation email.

What happens after you close

The account stops accepting deposits and payments when ready. Any checks you wrote before closing may still clear for up to six months, so do not be surprised if one arrives at the bank after closure — the bank will process it if funds are available, or return it if the account is already closed.

The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven years, but it will show as "closed by customer" rather than closed by the bank, which is better for your credit. You can still dispute transactions on the account for up to 60 days after closure, so keep your statements.

If the bank owes you money — for example, a refund of fees or interest — ask about the timeline when you close. Some refunds take one to two billing cycles to appear in your new account.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Call the bank or visit a branch and ask whether both signatures are required. Some banks allow one person to close a joint account, but the other person may be able to reopen it or dispute the closure.

If you and the other account holder disagree about closing, contact Bank of America to understand your options. You may be able to remove yourself from the account instead, leaving the other person as the sole owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must pay the negative balance first. Call the bank to find out how much you owe, pay it by phone or in person, and then close the account. If you do not pay, the bank will keep the account open and may send the debt to a collection agency.

What if I closed my account but money is still being withdrawn?

Contact Bank of America when ready at 1-800-432-1000. A closed account should not process new transactions. If money is being withdrawn, either the account was not fully closed or a payment was set up before closure. The bank can investigate and reverse unauthorized charges within 60 days of the transaction date.

Do I need to close my account before opening one at another bank?

No. You can open a new account anywhere without closing your old one first. However, closing the old account prevents accidental overdrafts and stops you from forgetting about it. It also simplifies your finances if you are consolidating banks.

How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up online?

Usually one to three business days. The account will disappear from your account list in online banking, but it may still appear on your credit report for seven years. This is normal and does not affect your credit score negatively — closed accounts in good standing actually help your credit history.

What if I want to reopen the account after closing it?

You can open a new account at Bank of America, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. Visit a branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to open a new checking or savings account. The process is the same as opening any new account.