You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your account settings, but the method depends on which type of account you have
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes, but you need to meet two conditions first: your account balance must be zero, and you cannot have any pending transactions. If you have a credit card, investment account, or mortgage with Bank of America, those close through different channels — credit cards go through a separate process, and loans typically require a phone call or branch visit.
Before you start, gather your account number (visible on your debit card or statement) and make sure you know where you want any remaining funds sent. Bank of America will not close an account with a balance, so you will need to transfer or withdraw the money first.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America checking or savings account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before you can close it online.
- Log into your Bank of America account on their website or mobile app, then navigate to account settings to find the close account option.
- If you have overdraft protection or linked accounts, you may need to remove those connections before closing.
- Credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts require different closure methods and cannot be closed through the same online process.
- After closing, keep your account number and final statement for your records in case you need proof of closure later.
Steps to close a checking or savings account online
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or open the mobile app. Once you are signed in, look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Account" — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually in a menu marked with three horizontal lines or a gear icon.
Find the account you want to close and select it. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Services." Bank of America will show you a confirmation screen that lists any balance remaining and any pending transactions. If either exists, you cannot proceed — you will need to resolve those first.
Review the information Bank of America displays, including the reason for closure (they may ask why, but this is optional). Confirm the closure. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email and a final statement to the address on file. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few business days for the closure to appear in your online banking.
What to do if you have a balance or pending transactions
Bank of America will not let you close an account with money in it or with transactions still processing. If you have a balance, transfer it to another account or withdraw it at an ATM or branch. If you are waiting for a check to clear or a pending charge to post, wait until those transactions complete before attempting to close.
Pending transactions can take anywhere from one to five business days to clear, depending on what they are. If you are unsure whether a transaction is still pending, log into your account and check your recent activity. Transactions marked "pending" will block closure; transactions marked "posted" or "completed" will not.
Removing overdraft protection and linked accounts
If you have overdraft protection set up on your account — a feature that links your checking account to a savings account or credit line to cover overdrafts — you need to turn this off before closing. Log into your account settings, find "Overdraft Protection," and disable it. This usually takes effect when ready.
If you have linked this account to another Bank of America account for transfers, you may need to remove that link as well. Check your "Linked Accounts" or "Transfer Settings" section and delete any connections. Some accounts will not close until these links are removed.
Closing credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts
Credit cards close through a different process. Log into your Bank of America account, go to your credit card, and look for "Account Services" or "Manage Account." You should see a "Close Account" option there. Bank of America will ask you to confirm, and the card closes when ready, though the account may remain visible in your history for several months.
Mortgages and home equity lines of credit cannot close online. You will need to call Bank of America at the number on your statement or visit a branch. Investment accounts (brokerage accounts, IRAs, and similar) also require a phone call or branch visit because Bank of America needs to discuss what happens to your holdings.
What happens after your account closes
Bank of America sends a final statement to your address on file within one to two weeks. This statement shows all activity up to the closure date and confirms the account is closed. Keep this statement for your records — you may need it for tax purposes or to prove the account is closed if a company tries to charge it later.
After closure, the account number becomes inactive. Any automatic payments or direct deposits set to that account will fail. If you have recurring bills or paychecks going to this account, update those with your new account information before you close. Bank of America will not forward payments to a new account automatically.
If you cannot close your account online
Some accounts cannot close through the website or app. If you see an error message or the close option does not appear, the account likely has a balance, pending transactions, or an active service (like overdraft protection) that needs to be removed first. Work through the steps above to resolve these issues.
If you have tried everything and still cannot close online, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 (the number is on your debit card or statement). A representative can close the account over the phone and explain why the online option was not available. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person — bring your ID and account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance (meaning you owe money). You must bring the balance to zero by depositing funds or paying the overdraft. Once the balance is zero, you can close the account.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or check?
Wait for the transaction to post before closing. Pending transactions block closure. Once the deposit or check clears and appears as "posted," you can proceed. If you are expecting a deposit after closure, update the account information with your employer or the paying party first.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages), not deposit accounts. Closing a credit card may have a small impact, but closing a checking account has none.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The account closes when ready when you confirm online, but it may take a few business days to disappear from your account list. Your final statement arrives within one to two weeks. After that, the account is fully closed and the number becomes inactive.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?
Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts. If you want to bank with them again, you will need to open a new account. The new account will have a different account number.