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 an outstanding balance
The fastest way is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your card or 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through what happens to any remaining balance, pending transactions, and linked services. If you have a mortgage, investment account, or credit card with Bank of America, each one closes separately — closing your checking account does not close the others.
Before you call, make sure any automatic payments tied to that account are redirected to another bank account. Bank of America will not automatically move them. If you have direct deposit set up, update your employer or benefits provider with your new account information. Any checks you have written that have not cleared may still process after you close the account, which can create overdraft fees.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person to close your account; online closure is available for some account types but not all.
- Redirect automatic payments and direct deposit to another account before closing, because Bank of America will not move them for you.
- Outstanding checks may still clear after closure and can trigger overdraft fees, so verify all pending transactions first.
- Each account type (checking, savings, credit card, mortgage) closes independently; closing one does not close the others.
- Keep your account number and final statement for your records, especially if you have pending refunds or disputed transactions.
What happens to money still in the account
Bank of America will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account you specify. You can request the transfer during the closing call or ask them to mail a check to your address on file. The check typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you have a small balance and no forwarding address on file, the bank may hold it in an unclaimed property account, which you can reclaim later through your state's unclaimed property program.
If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe the bank money — you must pay the negative balance before closing. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding debt. Ask the representative how much you owe and whether you can pay it when ready over the phone or if you need to visit a branch.
Closing a checking or savings account by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready, which appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by providing your Social Security number or other verification information. They will review any pending transactions, automatic payments, and direct deposits linked to the account.
Ask the representative whether any checks you have written are still pending. If they are, you have the option to wait until they clear before closing, or you can close when ready and risk overdraft fees if those checks process after closure. The representative will also confirm where your remaining balance should go — to another Bank of America account, a different bank, or by check in the mail.
Once you confirm the details, the account closes when ready. You will receive a final statement by mail within 30 days. Keep this statement for your records, especially if you have any refunds or disputed transactions pending.
Closing an account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close your account. They will print a summary of your account balance, pending transactions, and any automatic payments or direct deposits. Review this carefully before signing the closure form.
If you have a remaining balance, the teller can issue a cashier's check on the spot or transfer the money to another account. This is faster than waiting for a mailed check. If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the balance in full before the teller can process the closure.
Closing a credit card or line of credit
Credit cards and lines of credit close differently than deposit accounts. Call the number on the back of your card or 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close the account. The representative will confirm your balance and payment due date. You must pay off the full balance before the account officially closes, though Bank of America may allow you to close the account and continue making payments on the remaining balance.
Closing a credit card can affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards. This is a side effect of closing the account, not something Bank of America controls. If you are concerned about the impact, you can ask the representative whether you can keep the account open but unused instead.
What to do with linked accounts and services
If you have set up transfers between your Bank of America account and another bank, those transfers will fail once you close the account. Update any external accounts that pull money from your Bank of America account at least one week before closure. This includes bill pay services, investment accounts, insurance payments, and subscription services.
If you have a Bank of America debit card tied to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. Destroy the card by cutting it in half, or ask the teller to destroy it during your in-person closure. If you have checks, you can continue to use them until they run out, but they may bounce if the account is already closed. Shred any unused checks to prevent fraud.
After your account closes
Bank of America will mail your final statement within 30 days. This statement shows the closing date, final balance, and any fees charged in the last billing cycle. Keep this for your tax records and in case you need to dispute a transaction later.
If you have a pending refund from a merchant or a disputed charge, contact the merchant or Bank of America before closing the account. Refunds may be rejected if they arrive after the account is closed. If a refund does arrive after closure, Bank of America will hold it in an unclaimed property account, and you can reclaim it by contacting the bank with proof of the original transaction.
If you opened the account online and want to confirm it is closed, log into your Bank of America account. Closed accounts no longer appear in your account list. If the account still shows up after 24 hours, call 1-800-432-1000 to verify the closure was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account online?
Bank of America does not offer online closure for most account types. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. Some savings accounts may have an online closure option through your account dashboard, but this varies. Calling is the most reliable method for any account type.
What if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments?
Bank of America will not automatically redirect them. You must update your employer, benefits provider, or billers with your new account information before closing. If a payment attempts to process after closure, it will be rejected, and you may face late fees from the biller.
Will closing my account hurt my credit?
Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not affect your credit score. Closing a credit card or line of credit may lower your score temporarily because it reduces available credit. The impact is usually small and temporary if you have other accounts in good standing.
How long does it take to close an account?
Closing by phone or in person takes 10 to 15 minutes. The account closes when ready, but your final statement arrives by mail within 30 days. If you have a remaining balance being mailed as a check, allow 5 to 10 business days for delivery.
What if I forgot to redirect a bill payment before closing?
Contact the biller when ready and provide your new account information. If a payment was rejected due to the closed account, ask the biller to resubmit it to your new account. You may be charged a late fee, which you can dispute with the biller if the closure was recent and unexpected.