Yes, you can close a Bank of America account by phone, but the process depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances

Bank of America allows you to close most checking and savings accounts by calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. You will need to speak with a representative who can walk you through the closure, confirm your identity, and handle any remaining balance. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. However, if you have a mortgage, credit card, or investment account with Bank of America, those cannot be closed by phone — you will need to visit a branch or handle them separately through their online portal.

Before you call, make sure your account has a zero balance or that you are prepared to receive a refund. If you have pending transactions, automatic bill payments, or direct deposits set to that account, those will not go through after closure. Bank of America will close the account immediately after the call, though it may take a few business days for the closure to appear in their system.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close a checking or savings account; have your account number and Social Security number ready for verification.
  • Your account must have a zero balance, or Bank of America will mail you a check for any remaining funds within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and bill pay transactions before closing, or they will fail after the account is closed.
  • Credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts cannot be closed by phone and require a branch visit or online action through your account portal.
  • The account closes immediately after your call, but it may take several business days to stop appearing in your online banking.

What you need before you call

Have your Bank of America account number ready — it appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. You will also need your Social Security number or tax ID to verify your identity. If you are calling on behalf of a joint account, both account holders should be present, or you will need a power of attorney document. Bank of America may also ask for your date of birth and the last four digits of the phone number on file.

If your account has a balance, decide whether you want the remaining funds mailed to you as a check or transferred to another account. Bank of America can transfer funds to another bank account during the call if you provide the routing number and account number. If you choose a check, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens to pending transactions and automatic payments

Any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers scheduled for after your account closes will fail. Your employer or billers will receive a rejection notice, which can delay paychecks or cause late fees on bills. Before you call to close the account, log into your Bank of America online banking and cancel all automatic payments and transfers. This usually takes effect within one business day.

If you have direct deposit set to this account, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number at least one week before the closure. If you miss this step, your paycheck will be rejected, and you will need to contact your employer to reissue it to the correct account.

Handling overdrafts and negative balances

If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, Bank of America will not close it by phone. You must first deposit enough money to bring the account to zero. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure. If the overdraft is due to a fee or error, ask the representative to review it — Bank of America sometimes reverses overdraft fees if you have a good account history.

If you have an outstanding balance from a returned check or failed transaction, that must also be resolved before closure. The representative can tell you the exact amount owed and the reason for the negative balance.

What you cannot close by phone

Bank of America credit cards must be closed through their credit card customer service line (1-800-421-8949) or online through your credit card account. Mortgages cannot be closed by phone — you must contact your loan servicer directly or visit a branch. Investment accounts, including brokerage and retirement accounts, require action through your investment account portal or a visit to a branch.

If you have multiple accounts with Bank of America, each one must be closed separately. A checking account closure does not automatically close a linked savings account or credit card.

After your account is closed

Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records. Your debit card will stop working immediately, so destroy it or cut it up. If you have checks for this account, do not use them — they will be rejected.

If you need to dispute a transaction or have questions about the account after closure, you can still contact Bank of America, but you will no longer have online access. The confirmation letter will include a phone number to call if you need to follow up. If you closed the account in error, you can reopen it within a limited time frame by visiting a branch, though a new account number will be issued.

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 lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, but closing a bank account has no impact.

What if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?

If a check is still outstanding when you close the account, it will bounce when the recipient tries to cash it. Contact the person or business who received the check and ask them to wait until you can issue a new payment from your new account. Alternatively, you can keep the account open until the check clears, then close it.

Can I close the account if I have a negative balance from a fee?

No. You must bring the account to zero balance first. Deposit money to cover the negative balance, then call to close. If the negative balance is from a fee you believe was wrong, ask the representative to review it — they may reverse it.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account closes immediately when you hang up the phone, but it may take 3 to 5 business days to stop appearing in your online banking. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you did not arrange a transfer.

What if I need to reopen the account after I close it?

You can reopen a closed Bank of America account by visiting a branch within a certain timeframe, though the exact window varies. A new account number will be issued. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether your account is still may be able to access for reopening before you visit a branch.