Yes, you can change your Bank of America checking account type, but the process and your options depend on which account you have now and which one you want
Bank of America lets you switch between most of its checking accounts without closing your current account or opening a new one. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days. You do not lose your account number, routing number, or any of your transaction history. What changes is the set of features you get, the monthly fee structure (if any), and sometimes the minimum balance requirement.
The most common switches are from a basic account to one with better rewards, or from a premium account down to something with lower fees. You can also downgrade if you no longer meet the balance requirement for your current account type. The catch: not every account type is available to every customer, and some switches have restrictions based on your account history or the reason you're changing.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your checking account type through the Bank of America app, online banking, or by calling customer service, without closing your account.
- The change takes one to three business days and does not affect your account number, routing number, or existing transactions.
- Some account types are not available to all customers—your may be able to access depends on your account history, credit profile, and current balances.
- Downgrading to avoid a monthly fee is usually straightforward, but upgrading may require you to meet a minimum balance or deposit threshold first.
- If you cannot switch directly to the account you want, you may need to open a new account and transfer funds, though this is rare.
How to request the change through Bank of America's channels
The fastest way is through the Bank of America mobile app or online banking. Log in, go to your checking account, look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Account," and select "Change Account Type" or "Switch Products." The app will show you which accounts you can switch to. Select the one you want and confirm. You'll see the effective date before you finalize.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. A representative can walk you through your options, explain the fee structure and features of each account, and process the change on the spot. Over the phone, the change usually takes effect the next business day. In a branch, it can happen when ready, though the system may take a day to fully update.
Do not use email or chat to request an account type change. Those channels are slower and may route you back to phone or branch anyway. If you're having trouble finding the option in the app, that usually means the account type you want is not available to you—in that case, call to ask why and what your alternatives are.
What happens to your account number and automatic payments
Your account number and routing number stay the same when you change account types. Any automatic payments, direct deposits, or transfers you have set up will continue without interruption. You do not need to update your employer, creditors, or any other institution. Your debit card remains active and works the same way.
Your transaction history, balance, and all previous statements stay with the account. You can still access them after the switch. The only thing that changes in your account profile is the product type and the fee schedule that applies going forward.
may be able to access and restrictions for switching account types
Bank of America does not let every customer switch to every account type. The Advantage Plus account, for example, requires a minimum opening deposit and may not be available if you have had overdraft issues or negative account history. The Premium Rewards account has higher balance requirements and is sometimes restricted to customers with good credit or existing relationships with Bank of America's wealth management division.
If you're trying to downgrade to a basic account like Advantage Banking to avoid fees, you'll almost always be able to do that. If you're trying to upgrade to a premium or rewards account and the app says it's not available, it means you do not currently meet the criteria. You can ask a representative what those criteria are and whether you can meet them by increasing your balance or waiting a certain period.
Some account types are also being phased out or consolidated. If you have an older account type that Bank of America no longer offers, you may be required to switch to a current product rather than given the choice. The bank will usually notify you in advance and give you options.
Timing and when the change takes effect
If you change your account type online or through the app, the change is usually effective within one to three business days. The system processes it overnight, and you'll see the new account type reflected in your app or online banking by the next morning. Any new fees or benefits take effect on your next billing cycle, which typically starts on the first of the month or on your account anniversary date.
If you change your account type in a branch, it can take effect the same day, though the back-end system may take 24 hours to fully update. If you call customer service, the change usually takes effect the next business day. During that transition period, you may see both the old and new account type listed briefly—this is normal and resolves within a day.
If you're switching to avoid a monthly fee that's about to post, do it before the fee posts. Once a fee has been charged, you cannot reverse it by changing account types retroactively. If you're switching to get a benefit like a bonus or higher interest rate, check whether that benefit applies to your account when ready or starts on your next billing cycle.
What to do if you cannot switch to the account you want
If the account type you want is not available to you, ask the representative why. Common reasons are insufficient account history with Bank of America, recent overdrafts or returned items, a credit check that did not meet the threshold, or insufficient balance. Some of these can be resolved by waiting 30 to 90 days or by increasing your balance.
If you cannot wait or do not want to meet the requirements, your option is to open a new checking account of the type you want and transfer your funds. This is more work—you'll need to update automatic payments and direct deposits—but it's possible. You can keep your old account open or close it after the transfer is complete. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account.
Another option is to ask whether a different account type with similar features is available to you. For example, if you want a rewards account but do not may have access to for Premium Rewards, you might may have access to for a different rewards product. A representative can walk through what's actually available in your situation.
Fees and balance requirements after you switch
Each Bank of America checking account type has its own monthly maintenance fee and minimum balance requirement. When you switch, the new fee structure applies starting on your next billing cycle. If you're downgrading to avoid a fee, make sure the account you're switching to does not have its own fee, or that you can meet the balance requirement to waive it.
For example, Advantage Plus has a monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a minimum balance or set up a direct deposit. Advantage Banking has a lower fee and easier waiver requirements. Premium Rewards has a higher fee but includes benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers on other products. Read the fee schedule for your new account type before you confirm the switch.
If you switch accounts and then realize the new one does not work for you, you can switch back. There's no penalty for changing account types multiple times, though Bank of America may flag your account if you switch very frequently (more than once a month) without a clear reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my account type affect my credit score?
No. Changing your account type within Bank of America is an internal change and does not trigger a credit inquiry or appear on your credit report. Your credit score is not affected.
Can I switch back to my old account type if I change my mind?
Yes. You can switch back to your previous account type or to any other account type you're may be able to access for at any time. There's no waiting period or penalty. The change takes the same one to three business days.
What if I have pending transactions when I switch account types?
Pending transactions process normally and are not affected by the account type change. Your balance, holds, and transaction history all remain the same. The change only affects the fee structure and features going forward.
Do I need to update my direct deposit or automatic payments after switching?
No. Your account number and routing number do not change, so direct deposits and automatic payments continue without any action on your part. You do not need to contact your employer or any creditors.
Can I switch to a checking account type that's no longer being offered?
No. You can only switch to account types that Bank of America currently offers. If you have an older account type that's being discontinued, the bank will notify you and offer you a current account type to switch to instead.