You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding issues
The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through the process, confirm your account balance, and arrange for any remaining funds to be sent to you. If you have a zero balance and no pending transactions, the account can close within a few business days.
You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch by bringing a valid ID and your debit card. A banker will verify your identity, check for outstanding checks or automatic payments, and process the closure on the spot. This method works well if you want to withdraw any remaining balance in cash or have questions about what happens to your money.
Online closure is available through your Bank of America account if your account meets certain conditions: a zero balance, no pending transactions, and no linked accounts or services. Log into your account, navigate to account settings, and look for the close account option. Not all account types allow online closure, so you may see a message directing you to call or visit a branch instead.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, which is the fastest method for most people and takes a few business days.
- Visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID and debit card if you want to withdraw remaining funds in cash or discuss your account before closing.
- Before closing, make sure all automatic payments and recurring transfers are stopped, or they may be rejected and cause problems with your other accounts.
- Bank of America will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer to another account you specify, so have that information ready when you call or visit.
- If you have a linked savings account, credit card, or loan, closing your checking account will not affect those products unless you specifically ask to close them too.
What to do before you call or visit
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers at least a week before you close the account. This includes bill payments, paycheck deposits, subscription charges, and transfers to savings accounts. If a payment tries to go through after the account closes, it will be rejected, and you may face late fees or service interruptions with the company you owe money to.
Check your account balance and make sure it is zero or that you are prepared to receive the remaining funds. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance unless you arrange for them to send it somewhere. You can transfer money to another bank account, request a check, or withdraw it in cash at a branch.
Gather any information you will need during the call or visit: your Social Security number, a valid ID, and the account number. If you are closing the account by phone, have a pen ready to write down your confirmation number and the date the account will close.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Your Bank of America debit card will stop working when ready or within a few business days after the account closes, depending on the method you use. If you close in person, the banker may deactivate it right away. If you close by phone, it typically stops working within 24 hours. You do not need to do anything with the card — it will straightforward decline at checkout.
Any checks you have printed for this account will bounce if they are deposited after the account closes. If you have outstanding checks you expect to clear, wait until they have been processed before closing the account, or contact the people you wrote them to and let them know the account is closing. Bank of America can sometimes hold the closure for a few days if you ask.
How long the closure takes
If you close the account by phone or in person with a zero balance and no pending transactions, the account typically closes within one to three business days. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email or letter with the closure date and any remaining balance information.
If your account has a balance, the time depends on how you want to receive the money. A transfer to another bank account usually takes three to five business days. A check sent by mail can take one to two weeks to arrive, depending on postal service. If you withdraw cash in person, the account can close when ready.
If you have linked accounts or services
Closing your checking account does not automatically close a linked savings account, money market account, or credit card. These remain open unless you specifically ask Bank of America to close them too. However, if you have set up transfers between accounts, those will stop working once the checking account closes.
If you have a Bank of America loan or mortgage, closing your checking account will not affect the loan. You can continue making payments from a different bank or set up a new payment method with Bank of America. Contact the loan department before closing if you want to change how you make payments.
What to do if you cannot close online or by phone
Some account types — such as accounts with fraud disputes, pending legal holds, or outstanding fees — cannot be closed online or by phone. Bank of America will direct you to visit a branch in person. Bring your ID, debit card, and any documentation related to the issue, such as a fraud report or notice of a hold.
If you have a negative balance (meaning you owe Bank of America money), you must pay that amount before the account can close. This can happen if fees accumulated or a check bounced. Ask the representative how much you owe and whether you can pay it when ready or if you need to mail a check.
After your account closes
Keep your closure confirmation number and the date the account closed. If you receive a bill or notice related to this account after it closes, you can reference this information to dispute it. Bank of America may send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance.
If you closed the account because of a problem — such as fees, poor service, or a data breach — you do not need to do anything else. Your account information will be retained by Bank of America for their records, but you will no longer have access to it through online banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closing. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or violation of their terms, you may not be able to open a new account with them. Contact Bank of America to ask whether you are may be able to access to open a new account.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that is supposed to hit after I close the account?
Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and give them your new bank account information before you close. If a deposit arrives after the account closes, Bank of America will return it to the sender, and you will need to contact them to resend it to your new account.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close a Bank of America account by phone from anywhere, or visit any Bank of America branch regardless of where you opened the account. Your account is part of the same system nationwide.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on checking or savings accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.
What if I forgot to stop an automatic payment before closing?
Contact the company that was receiving the payment and let them know your account closed. They will see the rejection and may contact you for a new payment method. You can also call Bank of America to confirm the account is closed and ask them to note that the payment was rejected.