Call Bank of America's customer service line to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, confirm your identity, and process the request on the spot. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.
Have your card number ready when you call. Bank of America's customer service team is available 24/7, so you can cancel at any time that works for you. If you're calling from a phone number different from the one on file, they may ask additional security questions before proceeding.
After you hang up, the card is closed. You won't be able to use it for new purchases when ready, though any pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Bank of America credit card to speak with a representative who can close it when ready.
- Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, since closing the account doesn't erase what you owe.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by email or mail so you have a record.
- Check your credit report a few weeks later to confirm the card shows as closed on your credit history.
Pay your balance before you call
If your card has an outstanding balance, pay it in full before canceling. Closing the account doesn't forgive the debt — you'll still owe whatever amount remains, and Bank of America will continue to charge interest until it's paid off.
Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app to see your current balance. You can make a payment right there, or call customer service and ask them to process a payment over the phone using your bank account or another method.
Once the balance reaches zero, you're ready to cancel. If you have a small balance and want to cancel anyway, you can still do so — the account will close, but you'll receive bills for the remaining amount until it's paid.
What happens to rewards points and cash back
Any rewards or cash back you've already earned will remain in your account after you cancel the card. You can redeem them before closing the account, or redeem them afterward — the points don't disappear when the card closes.
Log into your account and check your rewards balance before you call to cancel. If you have a substantial amount, you may want to redeem it first. Bank of America lets you redeem rewards for statement credits, cash back deposits, gift cards, or travel bookings depending on your card type.
If you're unsure how to redeem, ask the customer service representative during your cancellation call. They can walk you through the redemption process or do it for you over the phone.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation, ask them to send you written confirmation by email or mail. This creates a record that you closed the account on a specific date, which is useful if there's ever a dispute about when the card was canceled.
The representative can usually email a confirmation when ready or mail one within a few business days. If they offer email, take it — you'll have proof right away. Write down the date and time of your call and the name of the representative you spoke with, just in case you need to reference the conversation later.
Monitor your credit report after cancellation
Check your credit report two to four weeks after you cancel to confirm that Bank of America has reported the account as closed. You can view your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site for free annual reports.
When an account closes, it may temporarily lower your credit score because it reduces the total amount of credit available to you. This is normal and usually recovers over time. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years, but its impact on your score decreases as time passes.
If the account doesn't show as closed after a month, contact Bank of America again to confirm the cancellation went through. Occasionally a request gets lost in the system, and a follow-up call ensures it's actually processed.
Cancel through the Bank of America app or website if you prefer not to call
Bank of America also allows you to request cancellation through their mobile app or website, though you'll still need to speak with someone to complete the process. Log into your account, navigate to your card details, and look for a "Close Account" or "Cancel Card" option.
The online request will prompt you to confirm your identity and reason for cancellation. After you submit it, a representative will contact you within one to two business days to finalize the closure. This method takes longer than calling directly, but it's an option if you prefer to start the process online.
Some cardholders find this route useful if they want time to think before speaking with someone, or if they're uncomfortable calling. The end result is the same — your card closes — but the timeline is a bit slower.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
Once your card is canceled, cut it up or shred it so it can't be used. You don't need to return it to Bank of America — destroying it yourself is sufficient and safer than mailing it.
If you have multiple cards linked to the same Bank of America account and you're only canceling one, make sure you destroy only the card you're closing. Keep the others in a safe place if you plan to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Bank of America credit card online without calling?
You can start the cancellation request online through the app or website, but Bank of America requires you to speak with a representative to complete it. Calling directly is faster — you can finish in one call rather than waiting for a callback.
What happens to my credit score when I cancel?
Your score may drop slightly because closing the account reduces your available credit. The impact is usually temporary and lessens over time. The closed account stays on your report for up to ten years but affects your score less as it ages.
Do I have to pay my balance before canceling?
No, but you should. Canceling doesn't erase the debt — you'll still owe whatever balance remains and will continue to be charged interest. It's best to pay it off first so the account closes with a zero balance.
Will Bank of America try to keep me from canceling?
The representative may ask why you're canceling or offer to lower your interest rate or waive fees to keep you as a customer. You can listen to their offer, but you're not obligated to stay. If you want to cancel, they will process it.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show on my credit report?
It typically takes two to four weeks for Bank of America to report the closure to the credit bureaus. Check your credit report after a month to confirm it shows as closed. If it doesn't appear after that time, contact Bank of America to verify the cancellation was processed.