You can close a Bank of America checking account online through your mobile app or website, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America does not offer a full account closure through their online banking portal. Instead, you have two paths: close it by phone with a representative, or visit a branch in person. If you want to avoid a phone call or trip to the bank, you can prepare the account online—transfer or withdraw all funds, stop automatic payments, and remove linked accounts—then call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the closure itself. The phone call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The reason Bank of America requires phone or branch closure is to confirm your identity, verify there are no outstanding checks or pending deposits, and ensure you understand any consequences (such as the loss of overdraft protection or linked services). A representative will also ask whether you want to keep any other accounts open with the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America checking accounts cannot be fully closed through their website or app; you must call or visit a branch to complete the closure.
- Before closing, transfer or withdraw all money, cancel automatic bill payments, and remove the account from any linked services like Zelle or Bill Pay.
- Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday) to close the account over the phone.
- If you have a savings account or other products linked to the checking account, closing one does not automatically close the others.
- After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records in case of disputes or if you need proof the account was closed.
Steps to prepare your account before calling to close it
Start by logging into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. Review your recent transactions to make sure nothing is still pending. Look for automatic bill payments, direct deposits, and recurring transfers—these must be stopped or redirected before closure.
Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account or withdraw it in cash. Even a small balance (like $0.01) can prevent closure. If you have checks outstanding, wait until they clear or contact the payees to cancel them. Once the balance is zero and no transactions are in flight, you are ready to call.
If you have a linked savings account, credit card, or line of credit, decide whether to keep those open. Closing only the checking account will not affect them, but the representative will confirm this with you during the call.
How to close the account by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready (you can find it on a check, your debit card, or in the app). The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other security questions.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero, check for any pending transactions, and ask whether you want to close any other accounts. They will also ask if you want to keep your debit card active (you can usually keep it for a short period after closure to use any remaining balance, though this varies). Once confirmed, the account will be closed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number.
Write down the confirmation number and the date and time of the call. Ask the representative to email or mail you a written confirmation, or note their name for your records. This protects you if there are questions later about whether the account was actually closed.
What happens to your debit card and linked services
Your Bank of America debit card will stop working once the account is closed, usually within 24 hours. If you have automatic bill payments set up through the checking account, those will fail after closure. You must redirect them to another account or payment method before closing.
If you use Zelle, Bill Pay, or mobile wallet services (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) linked to this checking account, those will no longer work. Remove the account from those services before closure, or set up a different payment method. If you forget to do this, contact the service provider to update your payment method.
Any rewards or cashback tied to the checking account will stop accruing after closure. If you have pending rewards or statement credits, they may be forfeited, so check your account details before you close.
Closing the account in person at a branch
If you prefer not to call, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card. Tell a representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Bring a list of any automatic payments or transfers you have set up, so the representative can help you understand what will be affected. If you have checks outstanding, mention that to the representative—they may ask you to wait until they clear before closing.
Ask for a written confirmation of closure before you leave the branch. This gives you proof that the account was closed on a specific date, which is useful if you later see charges or if the bank disputes the closure.
What to do if you cannot reach customer service or want to close a dormant account
If you have not used your checking account in a long time and it has become dormant, Bank of America may have already closed it or converted it to a savings account. Log into your account online to check its status. If it shows as closed, you do not need to take further action.
If you cannot reach customer service by phone during normal hours, use the Bank of America mobile app to send a secure message to your branch or to customer service. Explain that you want to close your checking account and ask for a callback. This can take 24 to 48 hours, but it creates a record of your request.
If you are outside the United States or have a special account type (such as a student or senior account), call the international customer service line or ask your branch for the correct number to use.
What happens after your account is closed
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing all transactions through the closure date. This statement arrives by mail or email, depending on your preferences. Keep this statement for at least one year, as it serves as proof that the account existed and when it was closed.
If you receive a check or direct deposit intended for this account after closure, it will be returned to the sender. Make sure anyone who sends you money (such as your employer for payroll) knows your new account number if you have moved to a different bank.
Your credit report will not be affected by closing a checking account, since checking accounts do not appear on credit reports. However, if you close a credit card or line of credit at the same time, that may have a small impact on your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America checking account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closure. If your account is overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance first. Once it reaches zero, you can proceed with closure.
Will closing my checking account affect my savings account or credit card?
No. Closing a checking account does not close any other accounts you have with Bank of America. However, if your savings account is linked to the checking account for overdraft protection, that link will be removed. Your savings account and credit card will remain open unless you close them separately.
How long does it take for my Bank of America checking account to close after I call?
The account is closed immediately when the representative confirms the closure over the phone. However, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the debit card to stop working and for the account to disappear from your online banking view. Pending transactions may take a few more days to clear.
What if I close my account and then need to dispute a transaction?
You can still dispute transactions for up to 60 days after they appear on your statement, even if the account is closed. Contact Bank of America customer service with your confirmation number and the details of the transaction. Keep your final statement as proof of the account closure.
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using the Bank of America website. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute or problem, Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account.