You can close most Bank of America accounts through their website or mobile app without calling

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts online through their website or the mobile app. The process takes a few minutes and you do not need to visit a branch or speak to anyone on the phone. You will need to transfer or withdraw any remaining money first, and the account closes within one to three business days after you submit the request.

Before you close, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still connected to the account. If money is still coming in or going out, the closure may be delayed or rejected. You should also have any checks or debit cards destroyed once the account is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Move or withdraw all money from the account before you start the closure process, since Bank of America will not close an account with a balance.
  • Stop any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or other recurring transfers linked to the account at least a few days before closing.
  • You can close the account through the Bank of America website or mobile app by going to your account settings and selecting the closure option.
  • The account typically closes within one to three business days after you submit your closure request online.
  • If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing a checking or savings account does not affect the credit card, and you close those separately if needed.

Steps to close your account through the website

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you are signed in, look for the account you want to close in your account list on the left side of the screen.

Click on the account name, then look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a "More" option. Select "Close Account" or "Account Services" depending on what appears. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that the account has a zero balance and that you want to proceed. Answer the questions, then submit your request. You will see a confirmation message with a reference number — save this in case you need to check on the closure later.

Steps to close your account through the mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. Tap on the account you want to close from your account list at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the menu icon (three dots or lines) in the upper right corner of the account details page. Look for "Close Account" or "Account Settings" in the menu. Follow the same confirmation steps as the website version. You will receive a confirmation number on your screen — take a screenshot or write it down for your records.

What to do with money still in the account

Bank of America will not close an account that has any balance, even a few cents. Before you start the closure process, you must move or withdraw all the money.

You can transfer the money to another bank account you own by setting up a one-time transfer through Bank of America's transfer tool. You can also withdraw the full balance at an ATM or by visiting a branch. If you have a very small balance that is hard to access, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask them to close the account with the remaining balance — they can do this by phone, though the online process is faster if your balance is zero.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before closing

Any automatic bill payments or direct deposits linked to the account need to be stopped or moved to a different account before you close. If you do not, the closure may be delayed or rejected, and payments could fail.

Log into each service where you have automatic payments set up — your utility company, insurance provider, subscription services, or any other recurring charge. Update the payment method to a different account or credit card. For direct deposits like paychecks, contact your employer's payroll department and give them your new account number at your new bank. Wait at least two or three business days after making these changes before you close the account, to make sure the old account is no longer being used.

What happens after you submit your closure request

Once you submit the request online, Bank of America processes it within one to three business days. You will not receive a separate confirmation email or letter — the confirmation number you received when you submitted the request is your proof that you asked to close the account.

Check your account a few days later to confirm it no longer appears in your account list. If the account is still showing after three business days, log back in and check the account details to see if there is a message explaining a delay. Common reasons for delays include a small remaining balance, a pending automatic payment, or a hold placed by the bank.

Destroying cards and checks after closure

Once the account is closed, destroy any debit cards, ATM cards, and unused checks connected to that account. Cut the cards in half or shred them so they cannot be used. For checks, you can shred them or write "VOID" across the front and back before throwing them away.

If you have automatic payments that were still trying to use the closed account, you may see declined transaction notices from those companies. This is normal and means the payment failed because the account no longer exists. Once you have updated those payments to a new account, the declined notices should stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close a Bank of America account if I still owe money on it?

No. Bank of America will not close an account that has a negative balance or outstanding fees. You must pay any amount owed before you can close the account. If you are unsure whether there are unpaid fees, log in and check your account details or call customer service.

What if I close my account and then need to access old statements?

You can still view and read old statements from closed accounts through your Bank of America online account for a limited time after closure. If you need statements after that period, contact Bank of America customer service and they can send them to you, though there may be a fee for older statements.

Does closing a checking account affect my Bank of America credit card?

No. Closing a checking or savings account has no effect on any credit cards you have with Bank of America. Your credit card account remains open and active. If you want to close a credit card, you must do that separately through the credit card settings in your account.

What if the online closure does not work or gets stuck?

If you encounter an error or the process will not complete, you can close the account by phone. Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell them you want to close the account. Have your account number ready. They can close it for you over the phone, though you still need to have a zero balance first.

How long does it take for the account to fully close after I submit the request?

Most accounts close within one to three business days. In rare cases, if there are pending transactions or holds on the account, it may take longer. Check your account a few days after submitting your request to confirm it has been closed.