You can close most Bank of America accounts through the app, but some types require a phone call or branch visit

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts directly in the mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you'll confirm your account details, choose where any remaining balance should go, and submit the closure request. The app will show you when ready whether your account type can be closed this way or whether you'll need to contact the bank by phone or in person.

Not every account closes through the app. Money Market accounts, CDs (certificates of deposit), and accounts with outstanding loans or credit lines typically require a phone call to 800-432-1000 or a visit to your local branch. If you're unsure whether your account can close in the app, try starting the process — the app will tell you before you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts usually close in the app within a few taps, but the app will tell you if yours requires a phone call instead.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance before closing; if you owe money, you'll need to pay it first or call the bank.
  • Any remaining balance gets transferred to another account you choose, so have a receiving account ready before you start.
  • The closure takes effect when ready in the app, but it may take a few business days for the account to fully close on the bank's system.

Steps to close your account in the Bank of America app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. From the home screen, tap the account you want to close. Scroll down and look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a "More" option — the exact location varies slightly depending on your phone type, but it's usually at the bottom right of the account details screen.

Tap "Close Account" or "Account Services" and then "Close Account." The app will ask you to confirm the account number and show you the current balance. If the balance is positive, you'll choose where the money should go — either to another Bank of America account you own or to an external account. If the balance is zero, you can proceed directly to closing.

Review the closure summary and tap "Close Account" to confirm. The app will show a confirmation message with a reference number. Take a screenshot or note this number in case you need to reference the closure later. The account will close when ready in the app, though it may take two to five business days to fully process on Bank of America's system.

What happens to your remaining balance

If your account has money in it when you close, Bank of America requires you to move that balance somewhere before the closure completes. You can transfer it to another Bank of America account you own — checking, savings, or money market — or to an external bank account. The transfer happens as part of the closure process, so you won't need to move the money separately.

If you choose an external account, provide the routing number and account number. The transfer may take one to three business days to appear in the receiving account, depending on that bank's processing time. Bank of America does not charge a fee to transfer your balance during closure.

When you'll need to call or visit a branch instead

Some account types cannot close through the app. If you have a Money Market account, a CD, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), or a credit card linked to the account, you'll need to call 800-432-1000 or visit a branch. The app will tell you this before you finish the closure request, so you won't accidentally start a process you can't complete.

If your account has an outstanding balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay that balance first. You cannot close an account with a negative balance through the app. Call the bank or visit a branch to discuss payment options if you're unable to pay the full amount when ready.

Accounts with direct deposits or automatic payments

Before you close an account, check whether any paychecks, benefits, or regular deposits go into it. You'll need to update your direct deposit information with your employer or the organization sending the money — give them your new account number at least a week before the closure takes effect. If direct deposits continue to the closed account, they may be returned or delayed.

Similarly, if you have automatic bill payments or subscriptions set to withdraw from this account, update those before closing. Check your recent transactions in the app to see what's been coming out regularly. Changing these takes a few minutes but prevents payments from failing after the account closes.

What to do if the closure doesn't go through

If you start the closure process and the app tells you it cannot close your account, take note of the reason given. Common reasons include a pending transaction, a hold on the account, or an account type that requires phone closure. The app message will usually explain which one applies to you.

If the reason isn't clear, call 800-432-1000 and have your account number ready. Bank of America's phone team can tell you exactly why the account cannot close in the app and walk you through closing it by phone or in person. Keep the reference number from your attempted closure if you have one — it helps the representative locate your request.

After your account closes

Once the account fully closes, it will disappear from your app within a few business days. You won't be able to access it or make transactions. If you need a record of the account for tax or financial purposes, read your statements before closing — the app usually lets you access statements for closed accounts for a limited time after closure.

If you closed the account by mistake or change your mind, contact Bank of America when ready. Some accounts can be reopened within a short window, but the sooner you call, the better. After a certain period (usually 30 days), the account cannot be reopened and you would need to open a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, if the account has an outstanding balance you don't pay, that could be reported as a debt and harm your score. Pay any balance before closing.

Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?

No. If you have a transaction that hasn't fully processed yet, the app will prevent you from closing. Wait for pending transactions to complete, then try again. This usually takes one to two business days.

What if I closed my account and then realized I need it?

Contact Bank of America at 800-432-1000 as soon as possible. If you call within a few days of closure, they may be able to reopen the account. After 30 days, reopening is usually not possible and you would need to open a new account instead.

Do I need to close my debit card when I close my account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes, so you don't need to take separate action. If you want to destroy the card for security reasons, you can cut it up or shred it after the account closes.

How long does it take for the account to fully disappear from my app?

The account usually disappears from your app within two to five business days after you submit the closure request. You'll see a confirmation message when ready, but the full removal from your account list takes a few days as Bank of America's system processes the closure.