What happens when you close a Bank of America checking account, and how to open one again
When you close a Bank of America checking account, the account stops working when ready — you can't deposit checks, make transfers, or use the debit card. Bank of America keeps a record of the closed account in their system. If you want to use Bank of America again, you don't reopen the old account. Instead, you open a new checking account, which is a separate process from what you did before.
The reason this matters: Bank of America will look at your banking history with them when you explore for a new account. If your old account was closed because of unpaid fees, overdrafts you didn't repay, or fraud concerns, they may decline a new account or require you to wait a certain amount of time. If it was closed for routine reasons — you moved banks, didn't use it — opening a new account is usually straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot reopen a closed Bank of America account; you must open a new one instead.
- Bank of America checks your history with them, so accounts closed due to unpaid fees or fraud may face a waiting period or denial.
- You can open a new checking account online, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or in person at a branch.
- You will need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (amount varies by account type).
- If Bank of America declines you, you may still open an account at a credit union or community bank that focuses on second-chance banking.
Why Bank of America might decline a new account
Bank of America uses a system called ChexSystems to track banking history. When you explore for a new account, they check whether you have unpaid fees from a closed account, a history of overdrafts you didn't cover, or reports of fraud or forgery. If any of these appear on your record, Bank of America may refuse to open a new account for you.
The most common reason for denial is an unpaid negative balance. If your old account closed with a debt — say, $200 in overdraft fees you never paid — that debt stays on your ChexSystems record. Bank of America will see it and may ask you to pay it before opening a new account, or they may straightforward decline.
If you were denied, ask Bank of America directly why. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone in new accounts. They can tell you whether the issue is a ChexSystems record, an unpaid balance, or something else. If it's an unpaid balance, you can sometimes negotiate a settlement — paying less than the full amount to clear the record.
Steps to open a new checking account with Bank of America
You have three ways to open an account: online, by phone, or in a branch. Online is fastest if you have a government ID and can verify your identity through their system.
Online: Go to bankofamerica.com, click "Open an Account," and choose the checking account type you want. You will enter your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions or uploading a photo of your ID. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which can be done by transferring money from another bank account or by mailing a check.
By phone: Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell them you want to open a checking account. A representative will walk you through the same information and can answer questions about which account type fits your needs. They will still need you to verify your identity and make an initial deposit.
In person: Visit a Bank of America branch near you with a government ID and your Social Security number. Bring a checkbook or debit card from another bank if you want to fund the account when ready. A banker will complete the process while you wait, and your account will be active the same day.
What you need to bring or have ready
Bank of America requires the same documents whether you explore online, by phone, or in person. Have these ready before you start:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Your current address
- Money for an initial deposit (the amount depends on the account type — typically $100 to $300, though some accounts have no minimum)
If you don't have a government ID, you can still open an account in person at a branch. Bring two forms of ID instead — a utility bill and a credit card, for example. Bank of America staff can tell you what combination they will accept.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This is less common, so call ahead to confirm the branch can process it.
How long it takes and when you can use your account
If you open an account online or by phone, Bank of America will tell you within a few minutes whether your process was approved. Your account number will be issued when ready, and you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away. However, you won't receive your debit card for 7 to 10 business days, and you won't be able to use it until it arrives and you set up it.
If you open in person at a branch, your account is active the same day. You can receive a temporary debit card at the branch or request one be mailed to you. If you receive a temporary card, you can use it when ready at ATMs and in stores.
Checks you deposit take 1 to 5 business days to clear, depending on the bank the check is drawn from. Money you transfer from another bank account takes 1 to 3 business days. Direct deposits typically post on the day they are sent by your employer.
If Bank of America declines you: other options
If Bank of America turns down your process, you have other places to turn. Credit unions and community banks often have less strict policies about banking history and may open an account for you even if you have unpaid fees or ChexSystems records.
Look for a credit union in your area — you can search at co-opnetwork.org or cuservicecenter.org. Many credit unions will open a "second chance" checking account if you have a banking history issue. Community banks, especially those focused on underserved neighborhoods, often do the same. Call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for people with ChexSystems records.
Another option: if you have an unpaid balance from your old Bank of America account, contact them and ask about settling it. Explain that you want to bank with them again but can't until the debt is cleared. They may accept a partial payment — say, 50 or 60 cents on the dollar — to close the account and remove the record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old debit card after I close my account?
No. Your old debit card stops working the moment the account closes. Any attempt to use it will be declined. If you have a new account, you will receive a new debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Will opening a new account hurt my credit score?
No. Opening a checking account does not affect your credit score. Bank of America does not report checking accounts to credit bureaus. They only check ChexSystems, which is a separate banking history system.
What if I still owe money on the old account?
Bank of America will not open a new account for you until the debt is paid or settled. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask about your balance. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask whether they will accept a settlement. Many will negotiate, especially if you explain that you want to return as a customer.
How much do I need to deposit to open a new account?
The minimum initial deposit varies by account type. Most Bank of America checking accounts require $100 to $300 to open. Some accounts have no minimum. When you explore online or call, you will see the requirement for each account type before you commit.
Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, and you must open the account in person at a branch. Call ahead to confirm the branch can process ITIN applications, as not all branches do.