You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your digital banking profile, but the process depends on your account type and balance
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log in, navigate to your account settings, and request closure. However, some account types—like investment accounts or accounts with outstanding holds—require a phone call or branch visit. Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero and you have no pending transactions, because the bank will not close an account with money in it.
The closure itself is immediate once you submit the request online, but it can take five to seven business days for the bank to process it fully. During that time, any checks or automatic payments still in flight may bounce. You should redirect any direct deposits and cancel automatic bill payments before closing.
Key Takeaways
- You can close checking and savings accounts through the Bank of America website or mobile app by logging in and selecting the closure option in account settings.
- Your account must have a zero balance before closure; the bank will not close an account with money remaining in it.
- Closure takes effect immediately online but can take five to seven business days to fully process, during which pending transactions may still post.
- You must cancel automatic payments and redirect direct deposits before closing, or they may fail after the account is gone.
- Some account types, including investment accounts and accounts with holds, cannot be closed online and require a phone call to 800-432-1000 or a branch visit.
Steps to close your account through the Bank of America app or website
Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. Navigate to the account you want to close—you can only close one account at a time. Look for account settings or account details; the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually under "Account Services" or a gear icon.
Select the option to close the account. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand the account will be closed. You may also see a prompt asking why you are closing the account—this is optional feedback. Once you confirm, the closure request is submitted immediately. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email within a few minutes.
Do not expect the account to disappear from your app right away. It may remain visible for several days as "closed" before it is fully removed from your profile. This is normal and does not mean the closure failed.
What to do before you close your account
Transfer or withdraw any remaining balance first. Even if you have only a few cents left, the account cannot close with any money in it. If you have a joint account, both owners must agree to closure, and the bank may require both signatures depending on how the account is set up.
Cancel all automatic bill payments linked to this account. Log into each biller's website or app and update your payment method to a different account or card. Do not rely on the account closure to stop payments; some billers may attempt to charge the closed account, which can trigger overdraft fees or failed payment notices. This step takes a few minutes per biller but prevents headaches later.
Redirect any direct deposits to another account at least one pay cycle before you close. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number. If a direct deposit lands in a closed account, it may be returned to the sender, and you will have to contact them to resend it.
Destroy or shred your debit card and checks associated with the account. You do not need to do anything else with them, but keeping them around creates confusion if someone finds them later.
Account types that cannot be closed online
Investment accounts, retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s), and accounts with active holds or disputes cannot be closed through the app or website. If you have a Bank of America investment account or brokerage account, you must call 800-432-1000 to close it. A representative will walk you through the process and may ask about your reason for closing.
If your account has a hold—usually placed because of a large deposit, suspected fraud, or a legal claim—you cannot close it online until the hold is lifted. Contact the bank to find out why the hold is there and how long it will remain. Some holds last a few days; others can take weeks.
If you have a dispute with the bank about a transaction or fee, close the account only after the dispute is resolved. Closing an account does not stop a dispute investigation, but it can complicate communication if the bank needs to contact you.
What happens to pending transactions after closure
Any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared will still attempt to clear after your account closes. If the check clears after closure, it will bounce, and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee. The bank may also charge you a fee for the bounced check. To prevent this, contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and ask them to wait or provide an alternative payment method.
Automatic payments scheduled to post after your closure date will fail. The biller will receive a notice that the account is closed, and they may attempt to collect the payment through other means or report the missed payment. This is why canceling automatic payments before closure is critical.
If you have a pending deposit—such as a check you deposited through mobile deposit—it may still post after closure. The funds will be returned to the sender, and you will need to contact them to redeposit it to your new account.
Timeline and what to expect after closure
Your closure request is processed immediately when you submit it online, but the account remains active for five to seven business days while the bank clears any outstanding transactions. During this window, do not attempt to use the account for any new transactions. If you accidentally make a purchase or transfer with the account number, it may be rejected or cause complications.
After five to seven business days, the account is fully closed and removed from your profile. You will not be able to log in to view it or access any history. If you need records of transactions from this account, download or print your statements before closing.
If you closed the account in error or change your mind, contact Bank of America immediately. The bank may be able to reopen the account within a short window after closure, but this is not may provide. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fees when I try to close?
You must pay off the negative balance before closure. Log into your account and transfer funds from another account to bring the balance to zero, or visit a branch to pay it in person. Once the balance is positive and you have settled any fees, you can proceed with closure online.
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit?
Yes, but the deposit will be returned to the sender if it arrives after closure. Redirect the direct deposit to your new account at least one pay cycle before closing. If a deposit does land in the closed account, contact the sender and ask them to redeposit it to your new account number.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards and loans. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, those can be reported and impact your score if left unresolved.
How do I close a joint account?
Both account owners must agree to closure. Depending on how the account is set up, you may both need to log in and request closure, or one owner can request it and the bank will contact the other for confirmation. Call 800-432-1000 if you are unsure whether both signatures are required.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?
Bank of America may reopen an account within a short period after closure, but this is not may provide. Call 800-432-1000 as soon as possible if you need to reopen. After a longer period, you will have to open a new account instead.