Call Bank of America to close your card, pay off the balance first, and confirm the closure in writing

Closing a Bank of America credit card requires three steps: paying the full balance, calling the bank to request closure, and getting written confirmation. Bank of America does not let you close a credit card through their website or mobile app — you must speak to a representative by phone. The process takes about 10 minutes on the call, but the card remains on your credit report for seven years after closure, which affects your credit score temporarily.

Before you call, gather your account number (on your card or statement) and have a payment method ready if you carry a balance. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the card, those need to be handled before closure. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, so you must pay it down to zero first.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay your full balance to zero before calling — Bank of America will not close an account with money owed.
  • Call Bank of America at the number on the back of your card; do not use a general customer service line, as credit card closures require the card services department.
  • Ask the representative to send written confirmation of the closure to your mailing address, and keep this letter for your records.
  • Your credit score may drop temporarily after closure because the available credit decreases, even though you are removing debt.
  • Closing the card does not remove it from your credit report — it stays there for seven years, marked as closed.

Pay your balance to zero before calling

Bank of America requires a zero balance before they will process a closure request. If you have a balance, make a payment through your online account, by phone, or by mail. Online payments through Bank of America's website or mobile app typically post within one to two business days. If you are paying by check, mail it to the address on your statement at least one week before you plan to call, to allow time for processing.

If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted to your account, wait for them to appear before making your final payment. This prevents you from overpaying and having a credit balance on the account, which complicates closure. Once the balance shows zero, you are ready to call.

Call the credit card services department

The phone number for Bank of America credit card services is on the back of your card. This is the correct line to use — calling the main customer service number may route you to the wrong department and delay the process. Have your account number ready when you call.

Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the card. You do not have to provide a reason, but some representatives may offer incentives to keep the account open. If you have decided to close it, stay firm. The representative will then process the closure and provide you with a confirmation number.

Request written confirmation of the closure

Before you end the call, ask the representative to send written confirmation of the closure to your mailing address. This letter serves as proof that you requested the closure and when it was completed. Write down the confirmation number they gave you and the date and time of the call. Keep this information with the letter when it arrives.

The written confirmation typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call back and reference your confirmation number to request a copy. This document is important if there are any disputes about the account status later.

Understand the impact on your credit score

Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases, which raises your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you are using across all cards. Even though you are removing debt, this ratio can cause your score to drop by 5 to 10 points in the short term. Second, closing an account reduces the average age of your accounts if this card was older than your other cards, which can lower your score slightly.

These effects are temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as the account ages and your payment history on other accounts continues to build. The closed account remains on your credit report for seven years, so it still contributes to your credit history during that time.

Handle automatic payments and recurring charges before closure

If you have set up automatic payments or recurring charges on this card — subscriptions, insurance, utilities, or loan payments — you must change them to a different payment method before you close the account. Log into your Bank of America account or the websites of the companies you pay to update your payment information. Failing to do this can result in declined payments and late fees.

Check your last few statements to identify all recurring charges. Some subscriptions renew monthly or annually, so look back at least three months to catch everything. Once you have moved all recurring payments to another card or bank account, you can proceed with closure.

What happens after the card is closed

After closure is processed, you will no longer be able to use the card for purchases or balance transfers. Any pending transactions that have not yet posted will still process, and you will receive a final statement showing the closure date. You can still view your account history online for a limited time, though Bank of America eventually archives closed accounts.

If you ever need to reopen a Bank of America credit card, you can explore for a new one, but it will be treated as a new account with a new credit limit and terms. Reopening the same closed card is not an option. Keep your written closure confirmation in case you need to reference it for credit reporting or dispute purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Bank of America credit card online?

No. Bank of America requires you to call the credit card services number on the back of your card to close an account. The website and mobile app do not have a closure option. This policy ensures the bank can verify your identity and confirm the balance is zero before processing the request.

What if I have a credit balance after I close the card?

If you overpay and end up with a credit balance, Bank of America will refund it to you by check or to your linked bank account within 30 days. You can also request the refund when ready by calling customer service. A credit balance does not prevent closure, but it is simpler to pay exactly to zero before you call.

Will closing my card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points in the short term because your available credit decreases and your credit utilization ratio rises. The effect is usually temporary and your score recovers within a few months. The closed account stays on your credit report for seven years, so it continues to help your credit history during that time.

How long does it take for the card to be fully closed?

The closure is processed when ready when you call, and you receive a confirmation number on the call. The written confirmation arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The card stops working right away, though any pending transactions that have not yet posted will still process.

Can I reopen the same card after I close it?

No. Once closed, that specific account cannot be reopened. You would need to explore for a new Bank of America credit card, which is treated as a separate account with its own credit limit and terms. The old closed account remains on your credit report for seven years.