You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through your online banking portal. Before you close, make sure you have withdrawn or transferred any remaining funds, paid off any outstanding fees or overdrafts, and stopped any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account. If you have a credit card, mortgage, or investment account with Bank of America, those close through different processes — this guide covers deposit accounts only.
The fastest route is usually a phone call during business hours, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your account number and a form of identification ready. If you close in person, bring your ID and debit card. Online closure is available for some account types but not all, so you may need to call or visit a branch if that option does not appear in your portal.
Key Takeaways
- Withdraw or transfer all money from your account before closing, and confirm any outstanding fees or overdraft balances are paid.
- Stop all automatic payments, recurring transfers, and direct deposits at least a few days before you close to avoid rejected transactions.
- Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours, visit a branch with your ID, or attempt to close through your online portal — phone is usually fastest.
- Bank of America will send you a final statement by mail within 30 days, which you should keep for your records.
- If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may hold your account open until those are resolved.
Prepare your account before you close
Empty your account completely. Withdraw all money or transfer it to another bank account you control. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance — they will straightforward stop using it, but it remains open. If you leave money behind, you risk forgetting about it or missing important statements.
Check for outstanding fees or overdraft balances. Log into your online banking portal or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask the representative whether your account has any unpaid overdraft fees, monthly maintenance charges, or other charges. If it does, you will need to pay those before the account can close. Ask the representative to confirm the exact amount and whether it will be deducted from your remaining balance or charged separately.
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers. Review any bills, subscriptions, or regular transfers set up to pull from this account — utilities, insurance, loan payments, gym memberships, streaming services. Move these to another account or cancel them at least three to five business days before you plan to close. If a payment tries to process after the account closes, it will be rejected, and you may face late fees from the biller.
Redirect your direct deposit. If your paycheck or other regular deposits go to this account, change the deposit instructions with your employer or the organization sending the money. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do this well in advance.
Close your account by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other details from your account.
Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm that your balance is zero, that there are no outstanding fees, and that you have no active automatic payments. If any of these are not true, they will tell you what needs to be resolved first. Once everything is clear, they will process the closure when ready.
Ask for confirmation. Request that the representative provide a confirmation number for the closure and note the date and time. Write this down. The representative may also offer to email you a confirmation, though Bank of America will send a final statement by mail within 30 days regardless.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter on weekday mornings.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and your debit card for that account. Tell the teller or banker you want to close the account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero, and check for any outstanding fees or holds.
If everything is clear, they will process the closure on the spot. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. If the account has any remaining balance or unpaid fees, the teller will tell you what needs to happen before closure — usually a payment or a transfer.
This method works well if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you have questions the representative can answer in real time. Branch hours vary by location, so check the hours for your nearest branch on the Bank of America website before you go.
Close your account online through your portal
Log into your Bank of America online banking account. Not all account types allow online closure, so this option may not appear for you. If it does, look for a settings or account management section, usually labeled "Account Services" or "Manage Your Account."
Select the account you want to close and look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand the account will be closed. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.
If you do not see a close account option in your portal, your account type does not support online closure. In that case, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch instead.
What happens after you close
Your account will be closed when ready or within one business day, depending on the method you used. You will no longer be able to use your debit card for that account, and any automatic payments or transfers set up for it will be rejected. If a payment is rejected, the biller may charge you a late fee, so make sure you have moved all recurring payments before closure.
Bank of America will send you a final statement by mail within 30 days. This statement will show all activity up to the closure date and confirm that the account is closed. Keep this statement for your records — you may need it for tax purposes or to prove the account is closed if a biller tries to charge it after closure.
If you have a negative balance (meaning you owe the bank money), Bank of America may not close the account until you pay it. They will contact you about the amount owed. Once you pay, the account will close.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must consent to the closure. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with the other account holder present, or have them call separately to authorize the closure. Bank of America will not close a joint account without permission from all owners.
If you and the other account holder disagree about closing, you will need to resolve that separately — the bank will not close the account without both parties' consent. In some cases, one owner can request that their name be removed from the account instead, which leaves the account open for the other owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?
No. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions or a non-zero balance. Wait for all pending transactions to clear, then withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before you close. This usually takes one to three business days.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
The bank will not close the account until you pay the negative balance. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask how much you owe and how to pay it. Once you pay, the account will close. If you do not pay, the bank may pursue collection or report the debt to a credit bureau.
Do I need to close my debit card separately?
No. When you close the account, the debit card tied to it becomes inactive automatically. You do not need to call or take any separate action. If you want to destroy the card, you can cut it up or shred it.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The account closes when ready or within one business day after you request closure. However, it can take up to 30 days for all pending transactions to clear and for your final statement to arrive by mail. During this time, do not attempt to use the account.
What if I closed my account but a payment still tried to process?
The payment will be rejected, and the biller may charge you a late fee. Contact the biller when ready to explain that the account is closed and provide your new payment method or account information. Ask them to resubmit the payment to your new account. You may be able to dispute the late fee if you can show proof that you closed the account before their payment attempt.