How to close your Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your card or to Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You will need to have your account number ready, confirm your identity, and let the bank know if you want them to close just one account or all your accounts with them.
Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared, your balance is zero or you have arranged to withdraw remaining funds, and you have redirected any automatic payments or direct deposits that go to this account. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and leaving money behind means you may still receive statements or notices.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America lets you close accounts by phone, in a branch, or online, and the process usually takes a few minutes.
- You must have a zero balance or withdraw remaining funds before closing, and you need to redirect automatic payments and direct deposits first.
- Closing an account does not hurt your credit score, but closing credit cards may have a small temporary impact on your credit utilization ratio.
- Keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later about the account.
Closing by phone or in a branch
Calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 is often the quickest route. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. The representative will ask why you are closing the account (though you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and check that your balance is zero. If you have money in the account, they will tell you how to withdraw it before the closure can go through.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker can close the account on the spot, process any remaining balance, and give you a written confirmation. This method works well if you have questions or if you want to move money to another bank at the same time.
Closing online through your account
Bank of America's online banking platform allows you to close some accounts without calling. Log in to your account, go to Settings, and look for the option to close an account. Not all account types can be closed online — savings accounts and checking accounts usually can be, but credit cards and investment accounts may require a phone call.
If the online option is not available for your account type, you will see a message directing you to call or visit a branch. Online closure still requires a zero balance, so transfer or withdraw any remaining funds first.
What to do before you close
Check your account for any pending transactions that have not yet posted. Even if your balance shows zero, a check you wrote or a pending charge could still clear after you close the account, which can cause overdraft fees or rejection of the transaction. Wait a few business days after your last transaction before requesting closure.
Look for any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to this account — subscriptions, insurance premiums, utility bills, loan payments, or payroll deposits. Contact each company or your employer to update your banking information. If you miss this step, payments may fail and you could face late fees or service interruptions.
If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing it will not hurt your credit score directly, but it may slightly lower your available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. This effect is usually small and temporary.
What happens after you request closure
Once you request closure, the account is typically closed within one to five business days. You will receive a final statement in the mail showing all transactions up to the closure date. Keep this statement for your records — it serves as proof that the account is closed and can help if questions arise later.
If you closed the account online or by phone, ask for a confirmation number and write it down. If you closed in person, the banker will give you a written receipt. These documents protect you if the bank later sends a statement or if a company tries to charge the closed account.
Reopening or switching to another bank
If you close a Bank of America account and later want to reopen it, the bank may allow you to do so within a certain window, though policies vary. It is usually easier to open a new account than to reopen a closed one, so plan accordingly if you think you might need banking services with Bank of America again.
If you are closing because you want to move to another bank, open your new account before closing the old one. This way you have time to update automatic payments and direct deposits without a gap in service. Many banks offer tools to help you move direct deposits and recurring payments to your new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score at all. Closing a credit card may cause a small, temporary dip because it lowers your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months. If you are concerned about credit impact, pay down any balance before closing a credit card.
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fees?
Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the overdraft amount first. Contact the bank to confirm the exact amount owed, then deposit funds to cover it before requesting closure.
Can I close a joint account if the other person does not want to?
No. Both account holders must consent to close a joint account. If you and the other person disagree, you can remove yourself from the account, but the account itself will remain open. Contact Bank of America to discuss your options.
How long does it take for a closed account to stop appearing on my statements?
Your final statement will show the closure. Future statements will not be sent unless there is still activity on the account. If you continue to receive statements after 30 days, contact the bank to confirm the closure went through.
What if a company tries to charge my closed account?
The charge will be rejected and returned to the company. Keep your final statement and closure confirmation in case you need to prove the account was closed. If a company claims you owe money for a rejected charge, you can show them the closure date as evidence.