How to tell if Bank of America is down
Bank of America publishes real-time service status on its official status page at bankofamerica.com/security — scroll to the bottom and look for a "System Status" link. This page shows whether online banking, the mobile app, ATMs, and phone lines are working normally or experiencing delays. If you see a notice there, the problem is on Bank of America's side, not yours.
If the status page shows everything is normal but you still cannot access your account, the problem is likely on your end — your internet connection, your device, or your login credentials. Try these steps in order: restart your device, switch from WiFi to mobile data (or vice versa), clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser entirely.
You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether they are experiencing outages. They will tell you when ready if service is down in your region or nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's official status page at bankofamerica.com/security shows real-time information about service outages and delays.
- If the status page shows normal service but you cannot log in, the problem is usually your internet connection, browser, or device settings.
- Calling 1-800-432-1000 will connect you to someone who can confirm whether Bank of America is experiencing an outage in your area.
- Clearing your browser cache and cookies, or trying a different browser, often fixes login problems that are not caused by an outage.
What to do while you wait for service to return
If Bank of America confirms that service is down, you can still access some account information through the mobile app even if the website is unavailable — or vice versa. The app and website sometimes experience separate outages. If both are down, you can call 1-800-432-1000 to check your balance, transfer money, or report fraud.
If you need to pay a bill or make a transfer urgently, ask whether you can use a different bank's service to send money. Many banks allow you to send money to another person's Bank of America account using that person's routing number and account number, even if Bank of America's own systems are temporarily unavailable.
Common reasons your Bank of America account seems down
Your browser may have cached an old version of the Bank of America website. Cached data is a copy of a website stored on your device to make it load faster next time — but sometimes it becomes outdated and causes login errors. Clear your cache by going to your browser settings, finding the option to clear browsing data or cache, and selecting "all time" or the longest time range available.
Your password may have expired or been reset. Bank of America sometimes requires password changes for security reasons. If you see an error message about your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. You will need access to the email address or phone number on file with your account.
Cookies — small files that websites use to remember you — may be corrupted. Clearing cookies is similar to clearing cache: go to your browser settings, find the option to clear cookies or browsing data, and select all time. After you clear cookies, you may need to log in again to all websites you use.
Your device's date and time may be set incorrectly. Bank of America's security system checks that your device's clock matches the real time. If your device is set to the wrong date or time, the bank's servers will reject your login. Check your device's date and time settings and correct them if needed.
When Bank of America experiences planned maintenance
Bank of America schedules maintenance windows — periods when they take systems offline intentionally to make updates or repairs. During these windows, online banking and the mobile app may be unavailable for a few hours, usually at night or on weekends. Bank of America announces planned maintenance on its status page several days in advance.
If you see a notice about planned maintenance on the status page, the outage is temporary and expected. You can still call 1-800-432-1000 to conduct banking by phone during maintenance windows.
Reporting a problem to Bank of America
If you have tried the steps above and still cannot access your account, and the status page shows normal service, contact Bank of America directly. Call 1-800-432-1000 and describe the exact error message you see. Have your username, the device you are using, and the browser or app version ready to share.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a representative to help you log in or investigate the problem. Bring a photo ID and your debit card or account number.
Protecting your account while service is disrupted
During an outage, do not share your username, password, or account number with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from Bank of America. Bank of America will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text message. If someone contacts you during an outage claiming to help restore your access, hang up and call 1-800-432-1000 yourself to verify.
Scammers sometimes use outages as an opportunity to trick people into revealing login information. If you receive an email or text that looks like it is from Bank of America and mentions the outage, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to bankofamerica.com by typing the address into your browser yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Bank of America outages usually last?
Unplanned outages typically last between 30 minutes and a few hours. Planned maintenance windows usually last 2 to 4 hours and are announced in advance on the status page. If an outage lasts longer than a few hours, call 1-800-432-1000 to ask for an update.
Can I still use my debit card if online banking is down?
Yes. Outages to the website and mobile app do not affect your debit card, ATM card, or the ability to make purchases in stores. You can still withdraw cash from ATMs and use your card at checkout. Only online and mobile banking are affected during these outages.
Will I be charged fees if I miss a payment during an outage?
Bank of America generally does not charge late fees if you miss a payment important date because of a confirmed outage on their side. Call 1-800-432-1000 to report the outage and ask them to note it on your account. Keep the date and time of the outage for your records.
What is the difference between the website being down and the app being down?
The website and mobile app run on separate systems, so one can be down while the other works. If the website is not loading, try the mobile app. If the app is not working, try the website. If both are down, the status page will show outages for both.
How do I know if an outage is affecting only me or everyone?
Check the Bank of America status page first — if it shows an outage, the problem is affecting many people. If the status page shows normal service, try logging in from a different device or ask a friend to try logging into their own Bank of America account. If they can log in and you cannot, the problem is specific to your account or device.