You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your account settings, 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 account settings, and request closure. However, some account types—like investment accounts or credit cards—require a phone call or branch visit. You also need a zero balance before closing; if you have money left, you must transfer it out first.
The closure itself is immediate once you submit the request online, but it can take 5 to 10 business days for Bank of America to process it fully and stop any remaining transactions. During this window, keep the account open in case a pending charge or automatic payment posts. After closure, you'll receive written confirmation by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Bank of America account settings or mobile app without calling.
- Your account balance must be zero before you can close it; transfer or withdraw any remaining funds first.
- The online closure request is instant, but Bank of America takes 5 to 10 business days to fully process the closure and stop transactions.
- Credit cards, investment accounts, and some specialty accounts must be closed by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or in person at a branch.
- After closure, watch for any pending charges or automatic payments that may post during the processing window.
Steps to close a checking or savings account online
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or open the mobile app. Go to the account you want to close and look for the account settings or account details section—this is usually found under "Manage Account" or a gear icon. Select the option to close the account.
Bank of America will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you're closing. You don't have to provide a reason, but they may offer retention options like waiving fees or adjusting interest rates. If you want to proceed, confirm the closure request. You'll see an on-screen confirmation that the request was submitted.
Some accounts may require you to call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the closure if there are outstanding holds, disputes, or unusual account activity. Bank of America will tell you during the online process if this applies to your account.
What to do before you close your account
Before you submit a closure request, transfer or withdraw your entire balance. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it. If you have direct deposits coming in, update those with your new bank first. If you have automatic bill payments set up, change those to your new account or payment method at least a week before closing.
Check for any pending transactions or holds on the account. These can take several days to clear, and they may prevent closure. If you see a hold you don't recognize, contact Bank of America to find out why it's there and how long it will last.
If you have a linked savings account or money market account, close those separately using the same online process. Closing one linked account does not close the others.
Account types that cannot be closed online
Credit cards must be closed by phone. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close your credit card account. Bank of America will confirm your identity, review any remaining balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it off before or after closure—the card will remain active for payments even after it's closed.
Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) cannot be closed through the website. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. These accounts have tax and regulatory requirements that require a phone conversation or in-person meeting.
Business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts with multiple owners may also require a phone call or branch visit. Bank of America will tell you during the online closure attempt if your account type is not may be able to access for online closure.
Timeline for full account closure
The online request is processed immediately—you'll see confirmation on screen and receive an email. However, Bank of America takes 5 to 10 business days to fully close the account and stop all transactions. During this time, the account is still active and can receive deposits or process pending charges.
If you have automatic payments scheduled during this window, they may still post. This is why you should update your bill payments before you request closure. If a charge posts after you've requested closure, contact Bank of America to dispute it or request a refund.
After 10 business days, the account will be fully closed. You'll receive a written confirmation in the mail. Keep this letter for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account.
What happens to checks and debit cards after closure
Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have checks linked to the account, they will bounce if deposited after closure. Destroy any remaining checks or debit cards to prevent fraud. If someone deposits a check to your closed account by mistake, Bank of America will return it to the sender marked "account closed."
If you have pending checks you've already written, wait for them to clear before closing the account. If a check arrives after closure, contact Bank of America to see if they can process it or if it will be returned.
Reopening an account after closure
If you close your account and later decide you need it, you can reopen it within a certain timeframe. Bank of America generally allows you to reopen a closed account within 30 days without a new application. After 30 days, you'll need to open a new account, which may involve a new application and a new account number.
If you closed the account due to a negative balance or overdraft fees, Bank of America may place you on their internal list and deny a new account for a period of time. Check your account status before attempting to reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, closing a credit card account can lower your score slightly by reducing your total available credit. The impact is usually small and temporary.
What if I have a pending deposit or charge when I close my account?
Pending transactions can post during the 5 to 10 business day closure window. If a charge posts after you've requested closure, contact Bank of America to dispute it. Deposits will be returned to the sender if they arrive after the account is fully closed.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before closing. If you owe Bank of America money due to overdraft fees or unpaid charges, settle that debt first. Bank of America may also place a hold on your account until the balance is resolved.
Do I need to close my account in person if I have a lot of money in it?
No. The amount of money in your account does not require an in-person closure. You can transfer large balances online to another bank and then close the account through the website. Just make sure your balance is zero before submitting the closure request.
What if Bank of America won't let me close my account online?
If the online option is not available, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a local branch. This usually happens with business accounts, accounts with holds, or accounts with unusual activity. Bank of America will explain why and walk you through the phone or in-person closure process.