Yes, you can freeze your Bank of America account, and it takes minutes
Bank of America lets you lock your debit card and credit cards through their mobile app or online banking portal. A freeze stops new transactions when ready—both in-person and online—but does not close the account or affect existing automatic payments you have already set up. You can unfreeze the same card just as quickly if you need to use it again.
This is different from closing an account. A freeze is temporary and reversible. Bank of America calls this feature Card Lock, and it is the fastest way to stop someone from using your card if it is lost, stolen, or if you suspect fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's Card Lock feature freezes your debit or credit card in seconds through the mobile app or online banking, stopping all new charges when ready.
- A frozen card does not affect automatic payments you have already scheduled, so your bills and subscriptions will still go through.
- You can unfreeze the same card at any time without waiting for a replacement or calling customer service.
- If your card is lost or stolen, freezing it buys you time while you decide whether to request a replacement card or close the account entirely.
- Freezing a card does not protect you from charges that were already pending before you froze it.
How to freeze a debit or credit card through the app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. Go to the card you want to freeze—you can see all your cards under the Accounts tab. Tap on the card, then look for the lock icon or a menu option that says "Card Lock" or "Lock Card." Tap it, and the card freezes when ready. You will see a confirmation message saying the card is now locked.
The same process works on the Bank of America website. Log in, find the card under your accounts, and look for the lock or Card Lock option in the card details. Click it to freeze. There is no waiting period and no phone call needed.
What happens when you freeze your card
Once frozen, the card cannot be used for new purchases at stores, online, or over the phone. Merchants will be declined if they try to charge it. However, charges that were already submitted before you froze the card may still post to your account—freezing stops new transactions, not ones already in the system.
Automatic payments you set up before the freeze will continue to work. Your mortgage, insurance, utility bills, and subscription services will still charge the card as scheduled. If you want to stop those, you need to cancel them separately through the merchant or your Bank of America account.
The freeze also does not affect your ability to check your balance, view transactions, or manage your account online. You can still see what is happening with the account; you just cannot spend from it.
Unfreezing your card when you need it again
Unfreeze the card the same way you froze it: open the app or website, find the card, tap or click the lock icon, and select "Unlock Card." It unfreezes when ready. You can freeze and unfreeze the same card as many times as you want with no fees or penalties.
If you froze the card because it was lost or stolen and you have now found it, you can unfreeze it right away. If you want a replacement card instead, you can request one through the app or by calling Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A replacement card usually arrives in 5 to 7 business days.
When to freeze versus when to close or report fraud
Freeze your card if you misplaced it temporarily, if you want to stop yourself from using it, or if you are not sure whether it has been compromised. It is the safest first step because it is reversible and takes no time.
Report fraud to Bank of America if you see charges on your statement that you did not make. Call 1-800-432-1000 or use the fraud reporting option in the app. Bank of America will investigate and may issue you a new card number. Fraudulent charges are usually removed from your account within one to two billing cycles, though the investigation itself can take longer.
Close the account only if you want to end your relationship with Bank of America entirely. Closing does not undo fraud or remove unauthorized charges—it just shuts down the account. If you have fraud on the account, freeze the card first, report the fraud, and let the investigation happen before you decide whether to close.
What Bank of America Card Lock does not do
Card Lock does not prevent charges that were already submitted to the card before you froze it. If someone used your card number online and the charge is pending, freezing the card will not stop it from posting. You will need to dispute that charge separately through your account or by calling Bank of America.
Freezing one card does not freeze your other cards. If you have multiple debit cards or credit cards with Bank of America, you must freeze each one individually. The same applies if you have cards with other banks—those are not affected by a Bank of America freeze.
Card Lock also does not protect you from identity theft beyond the card itself. If someone has your Social Security number or other personal information, they may be able to open new accounts in your name. If you suspect identity theft, you may want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does freezing my card close my Bank of America account?
No. Freezing a card locks only that card. Your account stays open, and you can still access it online, deposit checks, and manage your money. You can unfreeze the card anytime or request a replacement.
Will my automatic payments still work if I freeze my card?
Yes. Automatic payments you set up before the freeze will continue to go through. If you want to stop them, you must cancel them directly with the merchant or through your Bank of America account settings.
Can I freeze my account instead of just my card?
Bank of America does not offer an account-level freeze through Card Lock. You can only freeze individual cards. If you want to stop all activity on an account, you would need to close it, which is permanent.
How long does it take to unfreeze my card?
Unfreezing is when ready. Open the app or website, find the card, and click unlock. The card is usable when ready—there is no waiting period.
What should I do if I see fraud on my frozen card?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or use the fraud reporting tool in the app. Report the unauthorized charges and ask them to investigate. Keep the card frozen while they look into it. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges, but the investigation takes time.