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 or pending transactions
The fastest way is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Bank of America statement. A representative can walk you through the process in minutes, confirm your account has no holds or pending items, and close it while you're on the line. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask to close the account. Online closure is available for some account types through your digital banking portal, though not all accounts can be closed this way.
Before you close anything, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all automatic payments and transfers are stopped, and any outstanding checks have cleared. If you have a credit card, debit card, or other products tied to the account, those may need separate attention. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance or unresolved disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card or statement to close most accounts; a representative can do it when ready and confirm there are no holds.
- Visit a branch in person with a photo ID if you prefer face-to-face closure or if your account type is not available for phone closure.
- Stop all automatic payments, transfers, and recurring charges before closing, because the account will no longer exist to process them.
- Bring your account balance to zero or above, and wait for any outstanding checks to clear, so the closure is not delayed.
- If you have a Bank of America credit card or other linked products, closing a checking or savings account does not automatically close those.
Preparing your account before you close it
The single most important step is stopping all automatic payments and transfers. This includes bill pay, direct deposits, automatic transfers to other accounts, and any recurring charges tied to the account. Once the account is closed, Bank of America cannot process these transactions, and you may miss payments or incur overdraft fees at other institutions. Log into your online banking, go to the Transfers and Payments section, and cancel each one individually. If you are unsure what is set up, call the number on your statement and ask a representative to list every active payment and transfer.
Next, bring your balance to zero or above. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), Bank of America will not close the account until it is paid. If you have a small positive balance and want to withdraw it, you can do so at an ATM or branch before closing. Some people leave a small amount (a few dollars) in the account until closure is confirmed, in case a delayed charge posts, but this is optional.
If you have outstanding checks you wrote, wait until they clear before closing. A check can take up to two weeks to clear even after you have deposited funds. Bank of America will hold the account open if there are pending checks, so confirm with your bank that all checks have cleared before you proceed.
Closing your account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 for general customer service and ask to be transferred to the account closure team. Have your account number and a photo ID ready (you may be asked security questions to verify your identity).
Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will review the account for any holds, pending transactions, or negative balances. If everything is clear, they will process the closure when ready. Ask them to confirm the account is closed and to provide a reference number for your records. The account will typically be closed within one business day, though it may take a few days for the closure to appear in your online banking.
If the representative tells you the account cannot be closed because of a hold or pending item, ask what is blocking it and when it will clear. Do not hang up until you understand the next step.
Closing your account in person at a branch
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and visit any Bank of America branch during business hours. Tell a teller or banker you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, review the account for any issues, and process the closure. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If you have a large balance you want to withdraw in cash, let the teller know in advance so they can have enough cash on hand. Otherwise, you can request a check or have the funds transferred to another account. Ask for written confirmation of the closure before you leave.
Closing your account online
Not all Bank of America accounts can be closed through online banking. Checking and savings accounts opened online may have this option, but accounts opened in a branch, accounts with holds, or accounts with negative balances typically cannot be closed digitally.
If the option is available, log into your Bank of America online banking portal, go to Account Services or Settings, and look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" option. Follow the prompts, which will ask you to confirm your identity and review any outstanding items. If you do not see this option, your account type does not support online closure, and you will need to call or visit a branch.
What happens to linked products when you close an account
Closing a checking or savings account does not automatically close a Bank of America credit card, debit card, or other products linked to that account. Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed, but a credit card will remain open and active. If you want to close a credit card as well, you must do that separately by calling the credit card customer service line or visiting a branch.
If you have a Bank of America savings account linked to your checking account for overdraft protection, closing the checking account will remove that link. The savings account will remain open unless you close it separately.
What to do after your account is closed
Once Bank of America confirms the closure, update any institutions that have your old account number on file. This includes your employer (for direct deposit), your insurance company, your utility providers, or any other organization that sends you payments or charges your account. Even though the account is closed, stray transactions may still be attempted, and you want to make sure they go to your new account instead.
Keep the closure confirmation number and any written confirmation for your records. If a charge appears on a closed account or if you have questions later, you will need this documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, suspicious activity, or repeated overdrafts, Bank of America may review your history before opening a new one. A straightforward closure for your own reasons does not prevent you from banking there again.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not arrived yet?
Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number before you close the old account. If a deposit arrives after closure, Bank of America will typically return it to the sender, and you will need to contact them to reissue it. This can take several weeks, so update your account information first.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing the account?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Once the account is closed, the card will not work, but destroying it prevents accidental use or confusion. You can cut it up or shred it.
Will closing my account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards and loans appear on your credit history.
What if Bank of America says they cannot close my account?
Ask the representative to explain exactly why — usually it is a negative balance, a pending transaction, or a hold placed by a creditor or court. Once that issue is resolved, you can close the account. If you believe the hold is in error, ask how to dispute it.