How to close a Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest method is usually a phone call to customer service at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process and confirm the closure when ready. If you prefer to close it in person, bring a valid ID to any Bank of America branch and ask to speak with an account representative.
Before you close the account, make sure any pending transactions have cleared, transfer or withdraw your remaining balance, and set up direct deposit elsewhere if your paycheck or benefits go to this account. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but you are responsible for making sure no automatic payments or recurring charges are still tied to it.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, or visit a branch in person with a valid ID.
- Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before closing, and check that no pending transactions are still processing.
- Update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges to a different account before the closure takes effect.
- Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure, usually within one to two weeks.
- If you have a mortgage, credit card, or other Bank of America loan, closing a checking or savings account does not affect those products.
What to do before you close the account
The most common problem when closing a bank account is forgetting about a payment or deposit still tied to it. Before you call or visit, log into your online account and review the last three months of transactions. Look for any recurring charges—subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance payments—and any automatic deposits like payroll or government benefits.
Transfer or withdraw all remaining money in the account. If you have a linked savings account or money market account with Bank of America, you can move funds between them online. If you are moving money to a different bank, initiate the transfer at least three to five business days before you plan to close the account, because transfers between banks can take that long to complete.
If your paycheck or benefits (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds) are deposited into this account, update your direct deposit information with your employer or the relevant government agency before closing. The same applies to any bills you pay automatically from this account—update those payment methods at the creditor or service provider's website.
Closing the account by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You will need your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative will verify your identity, ask why you are closing the account (this is optional to answer), and confirm that there are no pending transactions or holds on the account.
The representative will tell you the exact date the account will close, which is usually when ready or within one to two business days. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down. Bank of America will mail you a written confirmation letter within one to two weeks; keep this for your records in case you need proof the account was closed.
Closing the account in person at a branch
Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to any Bank of America branch. Tell the teller or account representative that you want to close your account and provide your account number. They will verify your identity and review the account to make sure there are no pending transactions.
If you have cash or a check in the account, the representative can give you the balance in cash or issue you a cashier's check on the spot. Ask for written confirmation of the closure before you leave the branch. This is especially important if you need proof of closure for another bank or creditor.
What happens after you close the account
Once the account is closed, you cannot deposit money into it or write checks from it. Any checks you have already written that have not cleared may still process after the closure date, and Bank of America will honor them using the remaining balance or may return them unpaid. If you are concerned about outstanding checks, contact the people or businesses you wrote them to and let them know the account is closing.
If a payment or deposit tries to go into the closed account after the closure date, it will be rejected. Your employer or the government agency sending the deposit will receive a notice that the account is closed, and they may contact you for updated information. This is why updating direct deposit and automatic payments before closing is so important.
Bank of America will keep records of the closed account for a period of time. If you need a statement or other documentation from the account after it closes, you can request it by calling customer service or visiting a branch.
If you have other Bank of America products
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect any other products you have with Bank of America. If you have a credit card, mortgage, home equity line of credit, auto loan, or investment account, those remain open and active. You will continue to receive statements and can use those products normally.
If your credit card or loan is set to make automatic payments from the account you are closing, update the payment method before the closure date. Log into your credit card or loan account online and change the payment account to a different bank account, or set up a different payment method like a debit card or ACH transfer.
What to do if you cannot close the account
Bank of America may refuse to close an account if there is an outstanding balance, a pending dispute, a hold placed by law enforcement, or an unresolved fraud claim. If a representative tells you the account cannot be closed, ask them to explain the specific reason in writing and what steps you need to take to resolve it.
If the account has a negative balance (you owe Bank of America money), you will need to pay that amount before closing. If there is a hold or dispute, the representative can tell you when it is expected to be resolved. Once the issue is cleared, you can close the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account online?
Bank of America does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must close the account by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or in person at a branch. Some banks allow online closure, but Bank of America requires direct contact with a representative to verify your identity and confirm the closure.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history—not on bank accounts. Closing a Bank of America checking account will not appear on your credit report.
What if I have a pending deposit or check that has not cleared?
Tell the representative you are closing the account and ask them to note any pending transactions in the account record. If a check or deposit clears after the account closes, Bank of America will honor it using the remaining balance. If there is no balance left, the check or deposit may be returned unpaid, and the sender will be notified.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The account is usually closed when ready when you call or visit in person, but it may take one to two business days for the closure to process completely in Bank of America's system. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks. During this time, do not attempt to use the account.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
You can open a new Bank of America account at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact customer service when ready—they may be able to reverse the closure if it has not fully processed yet. Otherwise, you will need to open a new account.