You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through three routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card, which takes about 10 minutes. If you have a balance in the account, the bank will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. If you have an outstanding balance (money you owe), you must pay it before closing.
Before you close, move any automatic payments or direct deposits to a new account. Bank of America will not automatically redirect these, and missed payments can damage your credit or cause overdraft fees at your new bank. Also check whether you have any linked accounts — for example, a savings account tied to overdraft protection on a checking account — because closing one may affect the other.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch, or log into your online account to start the closure process.
- You must have a zero balance or pay any outstanding balance before Bank of America will close the account.
- Move automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, because the bank will not forward them.
- If you have a positive balance, request a check or transfer to another bank account rather than waiting for a mailed check.
- Closing takes one to three business days after you initiate it, though the account may remain visible in your online portal for longer.
Closing by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or statement. You will need your account number and a form of identification ready. The representative will ask why you are closing the account (this is optional to answer) and confirm your current balance. If the balance is positive, tell them whether you want a check mailed to your address or a transfer to another bank account — transfers are faster and usually arrive within one to three business days.
If you have an outstanding balance, the representative will tell you the amount and your options to pay. Some customers pay over the phone by debit card or bank transfer; others prefer to pay in person at a branch. Once the balance is zero, the representative will process the closure. Ask for a confirmation number and note the date, in case you need to reference the closure later.
Closing in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. A teller can close the account on the spot. This method works well if you have questions about linked accounts, need to pay an outstanding balance in cash, or want to receive your remaining balance as cash when ready rather than waiting for a check or transfer.
Bring any outstanding balance in cash or be prepared to pay by debit card or check. If you have a positive balance and want it as cash, the teller can usually give it to you that day if the amount is under a certain threshold (typically $10,000, though this varies by branch). For larger amounts, request a check or transfer to another account.
Closing through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or mobile app. Navigate to Settings or Account Services (the exact location varies by app version). Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Closure." You will need to confirm your account number and current balance. If the balance is positive, select whether you want a check mailed or a transfer to another account.
Online closure works only if your account has a zero balance or a positive balance. If you owe money, you cannot close online — you must call or visit a branch to pay first. After you submit the closure request online, you should receive a confirmation email within one business day.
What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits
Bank of America does not automatically redirect automatic payments or direct deposits when you close an account. Any payments scheduled to come out of the closed account will fail, and your employer or benefits provider will not know where to send your next deposit. This can result in late fees, missed bill payments, or delayed paychecks.
Before closing, log into each service that pulls money from or deposits money into the account — your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance provider, your loan servicer, and any subscription services. Update each one with your new bank account details. This usually takes a few minutes per service and prevents disruption to your finances.
Handling a positive or negative balance
A positive balance means you have money in the account. When you close, you can request a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another bank account, or cash if you close in person. A check usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A transfer to another account at the same bank or a different bank typically arrives within one to three business days. Request the transfer option if you need the money quickly.
A negative balance (also called an outstanding balance) means you owe the bank money — usually from overdraft fees, returned checks, or unpaid service charges. You cannot close the account until this balance is paid. Pay it by phone, in person, or through online banking before initiating closure. Once paid, the account balance will be zero and you can proceed with closing.
What to do if you cannot close the account online
Some account types — such as investment accounts, retirement accounts, or accounts with pending transactions — cannot be closed online. If the online closure option is unavailable or grayed out, call customer service or visit a branch. The representative can tell you whether there is a reason the account cannot close (for example, a pending wire transfer or a linked credit line) and what you need to do to resolve it.
If you have a Bank of America credit card linked to the account for overdraft protection, closing the checking account may affect the credit card. Ask the representative whether closing will impact any other products before you proceed.
Timeline and what to expect after closure
After you initiate closure, the account typically closes within one to three business days. However, the account may remain visible in your online banking portal for 30 to 90 days as a closed account. This is normal and does not mean the closure did not go through. You can still view transaction history during this period, which is useful if you need to reference old statements.
Once closed, you will not be able to make deposits or withdrawals. If you set up a new Bank of America account, it will have a different account number. Keep records of the old account number and the closure date in case you need to dispute a transaction or follow up on a refund that was sent to the old account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment?
You can close the account, but the pending transaction may fail. Before closing, update your direct deposit and automatic payment information with your employer and service providers. If a payment fails after closure, contact the service provider to resubmit it to your new account.
What if I closed my account and a refund was sent to it?
Contact Bank of America with the refund details — the amount, the date it was sent, and who sent it. The bank can sometimes intercept the deposit or tell you where the funds went. If the refund was sent as a check, it may be returned to the sender as undeliverable, and you can contact the sender to request a new check to your current account.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close your account by phone or online from anywhere, or visit any Bank of America branch regardless of which state you opened it in. The account closure process is the same nationwide.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you have an outstanding balance that goes unpaid, the bank may report it to a collection agency, which can harm your credit. Pay any balance before closing.
How long does it take to receive a check after closing?
Bank of America typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days of closure. If you need the money faster, request a transfer to another bank account instead, which usually arrives within one to three business days.