Yes, you can change your Bank of America checking account type, but the process and your options depend on which account you have now and which one you want
Bank of America offers several checking account types: Advantage SafePass, Advantage Plus, Advantage Relationship Banking, and Business checking accounts. You can move between most of them by contacting Bank of America directly—either through your online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. The switch usually takes effect immediately or within one business day, and you keep the same account number and routing number.
The reason you might want to switch is usually cost. Some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees ($12 to $15 depending on the account), while others waive the fee if you meet certain conditions—like keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account. If you are not meeting those conditions, moving to an account with lower or no fees can save you money each month.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your checking account type by calling Bank of America, using your online banking portal, or visiting a branch in person.
- Your account number and routing number stay the same when you switch, so you do not need to update automatic payments or direct deposit.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet fee-waiver conditions.
- Some accounts require a minimum balance or direct deposit to waive the monthly fee, so compare the conditions before you switch.
- The account change usually takes effect immediately, though it may take one business day to show in your online banking.
How to request the account change
The fastest way is to call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. Tell them which account type you want to switch to, and they will walk you through the change. Most calls take fewer than 10 minutes.
If you prefer not to call, log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for account settings or account management. Some account types can be changed directly from there. If the option is not available online, the system will direct you to call or visit a branch.
You can also walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask to change your account type. A teller or banker can make the switch on the spot. This is useful if you have questions about which account fits your situation, because you can talk through the options face-to-face.
What happens to your money and automatic payments
Your account number does not change when you switch account types. This means your direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and any linked accounts stay connected without any action from you. You do not need to contact your employer, creditors, or other services to update your banking information.
Your existing balance transfers with you to the new account type. There is no waiting period or delay in accessing your money. If you have pending transactions or checks that have not cleared, they will continue to process normally under the new account type.
Monthly fees and waiver conditions for each account type
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage SafePass | $0 | No conditions; no monthly fee |
| Advantage Plus | $12 | Waived if you maintain $1,500 minimum balance OR set up direct deposit |
| Advantage Relationship Banking | $15 | Waived if you maintain $2,500 minimum balance OR have a linked savings account with $2,500 minimum balance |
Advantage SafePass is the only account with no monthly fee and no conditions to meet. It is a good choice if you want to avoid fees entirely and do not need the extra features of the other accounts.
Advantage Plus charges $12 per month but waives the fee if you keep at least $1,500 in the account or set up direct deposit from your employer or benefits. If you receive a paycheck or government benefits by direct deposit, this fee waiver is automatic.
Advantage Relationship Banking is designed for customers who want more features and are willing to pay for them. The $15 monthly fee is waived if you keep $2,500 in the checking account itself or $2,500 in a linked savings account. This account includes things like higher ATM withdrawal limits and priority customer service, but you only benefit from those features if you can meet the balance requirement.
When to switch and when to stay put
Switch to Advantage SafePass if you are currently paying a monthly fee and cannot meet the conditions to waive it. This account has no hidden requirements and no surprise charges.
Stay with Advantage Plus or Advantage Relationship Banking if you already meet the fee-waiver conditions—for example, if you have direct deposit or maintain the required balance anyway. Switching to SafePass would not save you money because you are not paying the fee in the first place.
Consider switching if your situation has changed. If you lost your job and no longer have direct deposit, or if you withdrew money and can no longer keep the minimum balance, moving to SafePass prevents you from being charged fees you cannot avoid.
What to do if you want to switch back later
You can change your account type as many times as you want. There is no penalty for switching, and Bank of America does not charge a fee to change account types. If you switch to SafePass and later get a new job with direct deposit, you can switch back to Advantage Plus and have the fee waived again.
Keep in mind that some features are tied to specific account types. If you switch away from Advantage Relationship Banking, you lose access to those premium features immediately. If you switch back later, you regain them, but there is no retroactive benefit for the time you were away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching account types affect my credit score?
No. Changing your checking account type is an internal Bank of America transaction and does not appear on your credit report. It does not trigger a hard inquiry or affect your credit in any way.
Can I switch if I have a negative balance or pending overdraft fees?
You can request the switch, but Bank of America may ask you to bring your account to a positive balance first. If you have overdraft fees pending, ask the bank whether they will waive them as part of the switch or if you need to pay them before the change takes effect.
Do I need to close my old account and open a new one?
No. Switching account types is not the same as closing an account. You keep the same account number, routing number, and all your history. You are simply changing the terms and features attached to the account you already have.
How long does it take for the change to show up online?
The change usually takes effect immediately, but it may take up to one business day to appear in your online banking portal. Your debit card and checks remain valid and do not need to be replaced.
What if I am not sure which account type is right for me?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and describe your situation—how much you typically keep in the account, whether you have direct deposit, and what matters to you most. A representative can recommend which account type would cost you the least and meet your needs.