The fastest way to close your account
You can close a Bank of America account by visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or using their online banking platform. The in-person route is fastest if you have questions about what happens to your remaining balance or pending transactions. If you call, have your account number ready — you'll find it on your debit card, checks, or in your online banking dashboard.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to it have been moved elsewhere. Bank of America will not automatically redirect these, and missed payments or lost deposits can create problems weeks after your account is closed. If you're unsure what's connected to the account, log into your online banking and check your recent transactions and scheduled payments.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a branch, call customer service, or use online banking to start the closure — each method takes about the same time, but in-person lets you ask questions when ready.
- Move any automatic payments, direct deposits, and recurring bill payments to another account before closing, because Bank of America will not forward them.
- If you have a remaining balance, Bank of America will mail you a check within 7 to 10 business days, or you can withdraw the money before closure.
- Closing an account does not hurt your credit score, but it may affect your credit history if the account was in good standing.
- Keep your account number and the closure confirmation for your records in case questions arise later.
What happens to money still in the account
If you have money left when you close the account, you have two choices: withdraw it in person at a branch, or let Bank of America mail you a check. The check arrives within 7 to 10 business days after closure. Withdrawing in person is safer if the amount is large, because you avoid the small risk of a check getting lost in the mail.
If the account is overdrawn — meaning you owe Bank of America money — they will not close it until the negative balance is paid. You'll need to deposit enough to bring the account to zero or positive before the closure can go through.
Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits
This is the step most people forget, and it causes real problems. Before you close the account, log into your Bank of America online banking and look at your recent transactions. Search for any payments that repeat monthly — insurance, utilities, subscriptions, loan payments, or anything else that comes out automatically.
For each automatic payment, you need to contact the company or organization that takes the money and give them your new account number at your new bank. Do not assume the payment will straightforward stop; it will fail, and the company may charge you a late fee or report you as delinquent. The same applies to direct deposits from your employer or benefits — contact your payroll department or benefits administrator and provide your new account details.
Once you've moved everything, wait at least one full billing cycle before closing the account. This gives you time to confirm that payments went through at the new account and that no unexpected charges hit the old one.
Closing the account in person at a branch
Find your nearest Bank of America branch using their website or by calling 1-800-432-1000. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the representative you want to close the account and ask them to confirm that no automatic payments are still attached.
The representative will ask why you're closing — you don't have to give a detailed reason, but they may offer to help you keep the account or switch to a different product. If you've decided to close it, straightforward say so. They'll process the closure on the spot and give you a confirmation number and a receipt. Ask them to write down the confirmation number on the receipt so you have it in writing.
Closing the account by phone
Call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell them you want to close your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then confirm that no automatic payments are attached and ask about your remaining balance.
If you have money in the account, tell them whether you want to withdraw it in person or have them mail a check. They'll process the closure and give you a confirmation number — write it down when ready. Ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation, because a phone call alone leaves no record if a question comes up later.
Closing the account online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for account settings or account management. Some account types allow you to request closure directly through the platform. Not all accounts can be closed online — if you don't see a closure option, you'll need to call or visit a branch.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts and confirm your identity. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — screenshot it or write it down. Bank of America will send a written confirmation to the address on file within a few business days.
What to do if you have a credit card with Bank of America
Closing a credit card is different from closing a checking or savings account. If you want to close a Bank of America credit card, call the number on the back of your card or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the credit card department. Ask them to close the account and confirm that the balance is zero before closure.
If you carry a balance, you'll need to pay it off first. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance. Once the balance is paid, the closure takes effect when ready, though the account will still appear on your credit report for several years.
After your account is closed
Keep your confirmation number and the date of closure for at least one year. If Bank of America or another company claims you still have an account with them, you'll have proof that you closed it. Check your bank statements from your new bank for the next two billing cycles to make sure no unexpected charges from the old account appear.
If you set up a new account elsewhere, make sure your employer, benefits administrator, and any companies that charge you automatically have your new account information. If a payment fails because it tried to hit your closed Bank of America account, contact the company when ready to explain and provide your new details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not hurt your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card may have a small temporary effect on your credit score, but only if you carry balances on other cards — the effect usually fades within a few months.
What if I closed my account and a payment still tries to go through?
The payment will fail, and the company that tried to charge you may assess a late fee or report you as delinquent. Contact them when ready, explain that you closed the account, and provide your new account number. Ask them to resubmit the payment to your new account and to waive any late fees as a courtesy.
How long does it take for Bank of America to send my remaining balance as a check?
Bank of America typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days after your account closes. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call customer service with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it or reissue the check.
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new account with Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a problem or dispute, contact them first to understand whether anything on your record might prevent you from opening a new one.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing my account?
Yes, cut up or shred your debit card so it cannot be used. The card will stop working once the account is closed, but destroying it prevents anyone from finding it and attempting to use it.