Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your digital banking profile
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you log in, navigate to account settings, and confirm the closure. The bank will stop all transactions on that account and send you a confirmation.
Not every account type can be closed online. If you have a credit card, investment account, or business account, you will need to call or visit a branch. The same applies if your account is linked to an active loan or line of credit. Before you start, check whether your account is may be able to access for online closure—the system will tell you if it is not.
One thing to do first: make sure your account balance is zero or close to it. If you have money left, transfer it to another bank account before closing. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments set up, those may still process after closure, which can create overdraft fees or rejected payments.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Bank of America profile, but credit cards, investment accounts, and business accounts require a phone call or branch visit.
- Transfer any remaining balance to another account before you close, and cancel any automatic payments or recurring transfers tied to that account.
- The bank will send you a confirmation email and a final statement showing the closure date.
- If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, the bank may not let you close it online and will require you to settle the debt first.
Steps to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or open the mobile app. Go to the account you want to close and look for settings or account details—the exact menu name varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually labeled "Account Settings" or "Manage Account."
Select the option to close the account. The system will show you a summary of the account, including the current balance and any pending transactions. Read through this carefully. If there is money in the account, you will see a prompt to transfer it out before closure can proceed. Complete that transfer to another account you own at Bank of America or elsewhere.
Confirm the closure. The bank will ask you to verify that you want to close the account and may ask why. This step is final—once you confirm, the account closes immediately and you cannot reverse it online. The bank will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes.
What happens to your debit card and checks after closure
Your debit card linked to that account will stop working as soon as the account closes. If you have checks printed for that account, they will be rejected if anyone tries to cash them after closure. Destroy any remaining checks to prevent fraud.
If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up for this account, they will fail after closure. Contact your employer, creditors, and any services you pay automatically to update your banking information before you close the account. Missed payments can damage your credit or result in late fees.
When you cannot close your account online
If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—you cannot close it online. You must call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to settle the debt first. The bank will not let you close an account with an outstanding balance.
Credit cards, investment accounts, and business accounts cannot be closed through online banking. For a credit card, call the number on the back of your card or contact Bank of America directly. For investment or business accounts, you will need to speak with a representative who can walk you through the process and ensure all positions are closed or transferred.
If your account is frozen due to fraud investigation or legal hold, you cannot close it until the hold is lifted. Contact the bank to find out why your account is frozen and what steps are needed to resolve it.
What to do before closing your account
Make a list of all services and payments tied to this account. This includes direct deposit from your employer, automatic bill payments, subscription services, insurance payments, loan payments, and peer-to-peer transfers. Update each one with your new account information at least a week before you close the old account.
Download or print your recent statements and transaction history. Bank of America keeps statements online for a limited time after account closure, so save copies for your records. You may need them for tax purposes, disputes, or proof of payment.
Check whether you have a safe deposit box or any other services tied to this account. If you do, you will need to handle those separately—closing the account does not automatically close the box or cancel other services.
After your account is closed
The bank will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance or fees. This statement arrives by mail or email, depending on your preferences. Keep it for your records.
If a payment or deposit attempts to post to the closed account, it will be rejected. The sender will receive a notice that the account is closed. If this happens with your paycheck or an important payment, contact the sender immediately to provide your new account details.
Your account number and routing number will no longer work. If you set up automatic payments or transfers using these numbers, they will fail. Update all recurring payments with your new bank account information.
Reopening a closed account
Once you close an account, you cannot reopen it. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account. This new account will have a different account number and routing number. If you closed the account because of a problem, consider whether that issue has been resolved before opening a new one.
If the account was closed due to inactivity or dormancy, you may be able to reactivate it by contacting the bank, but this is different from a voluntary closure. Call Bank of America to ask whether your specific account can be reactivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card can affect your score by reducing your available credit, but closing a deposit account has no impact.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The account closes immediately when you confirm online, and you will receive a confirmation email within minutes. However, it can take several business days for all pending transactions to clear and for the account to stop appearing in your online banking profile.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or payment?
Pending transactions may still process after you close the account, which can result in overdraft fees or rejected payments. Contact your employer or the sender to redirect the payment to your new account before you close the old one.
Can I close my account if I have an overdraft or negative balance?
No. You must settle any negative balance by depositing funds or allowing the bank to deduct the amount from another account. Call Bank of America to discuss payment options if you cannot cover the overdraft immediately.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?
Yes. Cut up your debit card or destroy it so it cannot be used. The card will stop working immediately after closure, but destroying it prevents someone from finding it and attempting to use it.