Call Bank of America to request the closure
The fastest way to close a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service line. You can reach them at 1-800-432-1000 (the number is on the back of your card). Have your card number and a form of ID ready when you call. A representative will walk you through the closure process and answer questions about what happens to your account.
When you call, the representative may ask why you want to close the card or offer you incentives to keep it open. You do not have to accept these offers. straightforward tell them you want to proceed with closing the account. They will confirm the closure over the phone, and you should receive written confirmation in the mail within a few days.
Closing over the phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This method is better than closing online because a representative can answer questions in real time and confirm the closure when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your card; a representative will process it over the phone and you will receive written confirmation by mail.
- Pay off your full balance before closing so you do not owe interest on remaining charges after the account shuts down.
- Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces the total credit available to you, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- After closure, your card will stop working when ready, but Bank of America will continue reporting the closed account to credit bureaus for up to 10 years.
Pay your balance in full before you close
Before you call to close the card, make sure you have paid off everything you owe. If you close the account with a balance remaining, you will still owe that money. Bank of America will continue to charge interest on the unpaid balance, and you will need to make payments until it is gone.
Check your current balance by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling customer service, or looking at your most recent statement. Pay the full amount due, not just the minimum payment. Wait a day or two for the payment to post to your account, then call to close.
If you have pending charges that have not yet appeared on your statement, those will still post after you close the card. You will be responsible for paying them. For this reason, it is wise to wait a few days after your last purchase before closing to make sure all charges have posted.
What happens to your credit score when you close a card
Closing a credit card can cause your credit score to drop temporarily. This happens because your score partly depends on how much credit you are using compared to how much is available to you. When you close a card, the available credit shrinks, which can make your score go down even if you have not changed your spending.
The impact is usually temporary. Most people see their score recover within three to six months, especially if they keep other accounts open and continue paying on time. The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of responsible use.
If your score is important right now — for example, because you are about to explore for a mortgage or car loan — you may want to wait a few months before closing. If you are not planning to borrow money soon, the temporary dip is usually not a concern.
Stop using the card when ready after closure
Once Bank of America confirms the closure, your card will stop working right away. You will not be able to use it for purchases or cash advances. If you have set up automatic payments or subscriptions on this card, those will fail. You should update any recurring charges to a different payment method before you close the account.
Check your statements from the past few months to find subscriptions, insurance payments, or other regular charges. Common ones include streaming services, gym memberships, phone bills, and insurance premiums. Contact each company to update your payment method, or set up the payment from a different card or bank account.
If you forget to update a subscription and it fails after closure, the company will contact you for a new payment method. This is not an emergency, but it is easier to update everything before you close.
Keep the account open if you want to protect your credit score
If you are concerned about the impact on your credit score, you have another option: keep the card open but stop using it. You do not have to close an account just because you do not want to use it anymore. Many people keep old cards open with a zero balance to maintain their available credit and their credit history.
If you choose this route, Bank of America may close the account for inactivity after a long period of no use — usually one to three years, depending on the card type. To prevent this, use the card occasionally (a small purchase every few months) and pay it off in full. This keeps the account active without costing you anything.
This approach is especially useful if the card has no annual fee. You get the benefit of keeping your credit score stable while still removing the card from your daily use.
What to do with your physical card after closure
After Bank of America confirms the closure, you should destroy your physical card so it cannot be used or stolen. Cut it into pieces or shred it. Do not throw it away whole, because someone could find it and attempt to use it.
You do not need to return the card to Bank of America. Closing the account is final, and the card will not work regardless of whether you destroy it or keep it. Destroying it is straightforward a security precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America credit card online?
Bank of America does not offer a way to close a credit card through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service at 1-800-432-1000. This is by design — the bank wants to speak with you directly to confirm the closure and address any concerns.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
This depends on the type of card you have. Some Bank of America cards let you keep your rewards points after closure; others require you to use them before the account closes. Call customer service before you close to ask about your specific card. If you have points, redeem them first or transfer them if that option is available.
Will closing the card affect my other Bank of America accounts?
No. Closing a credit card does not affect your checking account, savings account, or any other Bank of America products. Your other accounts will continue to work normally. Only the credit card itself will be closed.
How long does it take for the card to stop working?
Your card will stop working when ready after the representative confirms the closure over the phone. You will not be able to use it for purchases or withdrawals right away. Written confirmation will arrive in the mail within a few days.
Can I reopen the card after I close it?
Once a credit card is closed, you cannot reopen that specific account. If you change your mind, you would need to explore for a new card. However, Bank of America may offer you a new card with similar benefits. If you think you might want the card back, consider keeping it open with a zero balance instead of closing it.