You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your digital banking portal, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances or linked services.
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The steps take about five minutes, but the account doesn't close instantly—it typically takes three to five business days for the closure to complete. If you have a credit card, investment account, or mortgage with Bank of America, those require separate closure processes, often by phone.
Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank first. If you have a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay it before closing. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance.
Key Takeaways
- Close checking and savings accounts through your Bank of America online portal by going to Settings, then Account Services, then Close Account.
- Your account must have a zero balance before closure—transfer remaining funds to another bank and pay any overdraft fees first.
- Closure takes three to five business days after you submit the request; the account remains open during this window.
- Credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts cannot be closed online and require a phone call to 1-800-432-1000.
- After closure, keep your statements for at least one year in case you need proof of account history for taxes or disputes.
Steps to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or open the mobile app. On the website, go to the Settings menu (usually a gear icon in the upper right). On the mobile app, tap the menu icon, then select Settings.
From Settings, look for Account Services or Accounts. Select the account you want to close, then look for an option labeled Close Account or similar. Bank of America will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are closing the account—this is optional to answer. Review the confirmation screen to make sure you have selected the correct account, then submit.
You will receive a confirmation message on screen and by email. The account will show as "Closed" in your portal within a few minutes, but the actual closure process takes three to five business days. During this time, the account is still technically open—do not attempt to use the debit card or make transfers. Any pending transactions may still post during the closure window.
What to do with your remaining money
If your account has a balance, transfer the money before you close. You can move funds to another Bank of America account you own, or to an account at a different bank using an external transfer. External transfers typically take one to three business days, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.
If you have automatic deposits set up (like payroll or Social Security), update those with your new bank account information before closing. Bank of America will reject deposits sent to a closed account, and your employer or benefits provider may charge a fee for the returned payment.
If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—you must pay it immediately. This includes overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or any other charges. Bank of America will not process the closure until the balance is zero.
Accounts you cannot close online
Credit cards must be closed by phone. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with a representative about closing your card. Have your card number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review any outstanding balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it off before or after closure—Bank of America will send you a bill for any remaining amount.
Mortgages and home equity lines of credit cannot be closed through your online portal. These require a phone call to your loan servicer. If your mortgage is serviced by Bank of America, call 1-800-432-1000. If it is serviced by another company, contact that servicer directly—your mortgage statement shows the servicer name and phone number.
Investment accounts, including brokerage and retirement accounts, also require a phone call. The process is more complex because you may need to transfer securities or take a distribution. Call the Bank of America investment services line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the investment department.
What happens after your account closes
Once the closure is complete, you will no longer be able to access the account through your online portal. Any debit card linked to the account will stop working. Checks written on the account will be rejected if they have not yet cleared.
Bank of America will mail you a final statement showing the account closure date and any remaining transactions. Keep this statement for at least one year. If you need proof of account history for tax purposes, a mortgage application, or a dispute, you can request old statements by calling 1-800-432-1000 or logging into your portal if you still have access to other accounts.
If you receive mail about the account after closure, it is usually promotional or a delayed notice. Do not respond to it. If you receive a bill or notice of a charge, contact Bank of America immediately—sometimes fees post after an account closes, and you have the right to dispute them.
If you want to reopen the account later
Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed account within a certain window, though the exact timeframe varies. If you close an account and change your mind within a few weeks, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask if the account can be reopened. The bank may reopen it with the same account number, or it may open a new account instead.
If too much time has passed, you will need to open a new account. This requires a new application and a new account number. Any old checks or automatic payments linked to the closed account will not work with the new account.
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 report to credit bureaus. Closing a credit card can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, but the impact fades over time. Closing a mortgage or home equity line of credit may have a small impact, but paying it off in full is what matters most.
What if I have pending transactions when I close the account?
Pending transactions may still post during the three to five day closure window. If a transaction posts after the account is closed, Bank of America will attempt to process it anyway. If it cannot, the transaction will be rejected and the merchant will be notified. You may receive a notice about the rejected transaction.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance, overdraft fees, or other charges before Bank of America will close the account. Pay the balance through your online portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?
You should destroy or dispose of your debit card after the account closes, though it is not strictly required since the card will no longer work. Cut it in half or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Do the same with any checks you have not used.
How long do I have to keep records after closing?
Keep your final statement and any transaction records for at least one year. If you need them for tax purposes or a dispute, keep them longer—seven years is standard for tax-related documents. You can request old statements from Bank of America even after the account is closed.