How to close your Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America account by calling customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your card or 1-800-432-1000. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero, all pending transactions have cleared, and you have redirected any automatic payments or direct deposits to another account.
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account. The process itself takes a few minutes, but it can take up to 10 business days for the account to fully close in their system. If you have a negative balance, you must pay it before the account can be closed.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request account closure.
- Your account balance must be zero and all pending transactions must have cleared before closure.
- Redirect automatic payments, direct deposits, and recurring charges to another account before closing.
- The account will be fully closed within 10 business days, though the request is processed when ready.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account.
Prepare your account before requesting closure
Spend a few days before you close making sure nothing is still moving in or out of the account. Log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app and review your recent transactions. Look for any charges that are still pending — these can take several days to post, and the account cannot close until they do.
Check for automatic payments you have set up through the account. These include utility bills, insurance premiums, subscriptions, loan payments, or any other recurring charge. You will need to update the payment method for each one before you close the account. The same applies to direct deposit: if your paycheck or benefits go into this account, contact your employer or the benefits administrator and provide them with your new account number.
If the account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Bank of America money — you must pay the full amount before closure. You can transfer funds from another account or deposit a check. Once the balance reaches zero and all pending transactions have cleared, you are ready to close.
Close your account by phone
Calling is usually the fastest way to close an account. Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready, which you can find on a check, your debit card, or in the mobile app. The representative will confirm your identity by asking for your Social Security number or other verification information.
The representative will ask why you are closing the account — this is optional information and you do not have to answer. They will confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand the account will close. Once you confirm, the closure is processed when ready. You will receive a confirmation number; write it down or ask for it to be emailed to you.
After closure is requested, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days for the account to fully disappear from the Bank of America system. During this time, any checks you have written that have not yet cleared may still post to the account. If that happens, Bank of America will return the check unpaid.
Close your account in person at a branch
You can walk into any Bank of America branch and ask to close your account. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. A banker will pull up your account, confirm your identity, and verify that your balance is zero.
The banker will process the closure on the spot and give you a written confirmation. This method works well if you want to speak face-to-face or if you have questions about the process. Branch hours vary by location, so check the Bank of America website or call ahead to confirm when your nearest branch is open.
Close your account using the mobile app
Bank of America's mobile app allows you to request account closure without calling or visiting a branch. Open the app, go to the account you want to close, and look for a menu option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." The app will walk you through a series of confirmation screens to verify your identity and confirm that your balance is zero.
Once you submit the request through the app, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. The closure process is the same as closing by phone — it takes 5 to 10 business days to complete. If you do not see a close account option in your app, update to the latest version or use the phone or branch method instead.
What happens after you close your account
Once the account is fully closed, you will no longer be able to access it online or through the mobile app. Any debit card linked to the account will stop working. If you have checks printed for this account, they will be returned unpaid if anyone tries to deposit them after the closure is complete.
Bank of America will keep a record of the closed account for your file. If you need a statement or transaction history after closure, you can still request it by calling customer service or visiting a branch. The bank typically keeps records for seven years.
If you had a credit card through Bank of America, closing a checking or savings account does not affect the credit card. The credit card remains open unless you specifically close it separately.
Reasons to close and what to do instead
People close Bank of America accounts for different reasons. If you are closing because of high fees, you might explore Bank of America's basic checking account options, which have lower or no monthly fees depending on your balance and direct deposit setup. If you are switching banks, make sure your new bank account is fully set up and working before you close the old one — this prevents you from being locked out of banking if something goes wrong with the transfer.
If you are closing because of a dispute or error, contact Bank of America customer service first. Many issues can be resolved without closing the account. If you have been inactive for a long time, Bank of America may close the account automatically, but you can reopen it by visiting a branch or calling customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes. If you close the account and change your mind within a short time, you can visit a branch or call customer service to reopen it. The exact window for reopening varies, but generally you have 30 days. After that, you will need to open a new account instead.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared?
Wait until the check clears or is returned before you close the account. You can check the status in your transaction history. If you close before a check clears, Bank of America will return it unpaid, which may result in a fee from the person or business that wrote it.
Do I need to close my debit card separately?
No. When you close the account, the debit card linked to it stops working automatically. You do not need to take any separate action. If you want to destroy the card, you can cut it up or shred it.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not bank accounts. Closing a bank account has no impact on your credit history or rating.
What if my account has a negative balance?
You must pay the negative balance in full before the account can close. You can transfer money from another account, deposit a check, or bring cash to a branch. Once the balance reaches zero, you can proceed with closure.