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 an outstanding balance

The fastest way is usually a phone call to Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You'll need your account number and a form of ID ready. If you have a zero balance, the process takes about 10 minutes. If you have money in the account, the bank will ask how you want it sent — they can mail a check, transfer it to another bank account, or you can withdraw it in person at a branch.

Before you call, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to this account are moved elsewhere. The bank won't close the account if active transactions are still scheduled, and you don't want a payment to bounce after closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account; have your account number and ID ready.
  • Your account balance must be zero or you must arrange how the remaining money will be sent to you.
  • Stop any automatic bill payments or direct deposits at least a few days before closing to avoid failed transactions.
  • Closing takes effect when ready by phone, but checks or transfers of remaining funds may take 5 to 10 business days.
  • You can also close in person at any Bank of America branch if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What to do before you call the bank

Start by reviewing your account for any scheduled transactions. Log into your online banking or call the bank to see if you have automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits set up. Each of these needs to be canceled or redirected before closure, or the bank will refuse to close the account and you'll have to call back.

Next, bring your account balance to zero. Withdraw cash at an ATM or a branch, or transfer the money to another account you control. If you have a small balance and want the bank to handle it, you can ask them to mail you a check, but this adds 5 to 10 business days to the process.

If you have a debit card linked to this account, you don't need to do anything special — the bank will deactivate it when the account closes. However, if you use that card for online shopping or subscriptions, update those accounts now with a different payment method.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready — you can find it on a check, your debit card, or in your online banking portal. The representative will ask for your Social Security number or other identifying information to confirm you own the account.

They will confirm your balance is zero. If it isn't, they'll ask whether you want a check mailed to you or a transfer to another account. Provide the routing and account number if you're transferring to another bank — this information is on a check from that account or available from your other bank's customer service.

The representative will then close the account. This happens when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Write it down. The account will no longer accept deposits or withdrawals, and your debit card will stop working.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a representative you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account and confirm the balance is zero, just as a phone representative would.

If you have cash in the account, you can withdraw it right there. If you want a check mailed or a transfer to another bank, provide that information and the representative will process it. You'll receive a receipt confirming the closure.

In-person closure can be useful if you have questions the representative can answer face-to-face, or if you're uncomfortable giving banking information over the phone. The process is otherwise identical to closing by phone.

What happens to checks and pending transactions

Any checks you've written but haven't cleared yet will bounce if they arrive after the account closes. Before you close, contact anyone you've recently written a check to and let them know the account is closing. If a check is still outstanding, ask the person to hold it or provide a new account number.

Pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but not yet deducted — may still post after closure. Bank of America will honor these if they were authorized before the account closed, but the money will come from your remaining balance. This is another reason to make sure your balance is truly zero and all scheduled payments are stopped.

If you need to reopen the account later

Bank of America does not charge a fee to reopen a recently closed account, but you will need to go through the full account opening process again. You'll need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The bank may ask why the account was closed and whether anything has changed.

If you closed because of a problem with the bank — a fee dispute, poor service, or a security concern — consider whether those issues have been resolved. If you closed to move to a different bank, there's no reason to reopen unless you change your mind about that decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

Bank of America does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. This is a security measure to confirm you own the account before closing it.

What if I have a negative balance or owe the bank money?

The bank will not close the account until the negative balance is paid. Contact customer service to find out the exact amount owed, then deposit that amount. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for my money to arrive if the bank mails a check?

Bank of America typically mails a check within 5 to 10 business days after closure. If you need the money sooner, request a transfer to another bank account instead — this usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track borrowing and repayment, not deposit accounts.

What if I have a joint account?

If another person is on the account, the bank will need permission from both account holders to close it. Both of you may need to call, or you can both visit a branch together with ID. Contact the bank to confirm their process for joint accounts.