You can close your Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if your account is in good standing and has a zero balance
Bank of America does not offer a full account closure option through their online banking portal or mobile app. Instead, you have two routes: close the account by phone with a representative, or visit a branch in person. If you want to avoid a phone call or a trip to the bank, you can prepare your account online — move your money out, set up any automatic payments elsewhere — and then call to complete the closure itself.
The phone number for account services is on the back of your debit card or on your Bank of America statement. Have your account number and ID ready. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a branch nearby, you can also walk in and ask a teller to close the account on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America requires you to close a checking account by phone or in person — there is no online closure button.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before you can close it.
- If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits linked to the account, you must redirect them to another account first.
- The phone closure process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you will need your account number and a valid ID.
- After closure, Bank of America will mail you a final statement within 30 days confirming the account is closed.
What you need to do before calling to close the account
Before you contact Bank of America, drain your checking account completely. Transfer any remaining balance to another account — yours at a different bank, a savings account, or a friend's account if needed. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
Next, check for any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. Log into your online banking, go to the Transfers & Payments section, and look for any scheduled transfers or bill payments. Cancel or redirect them to your new account. Do the same for direct deposits: contact your employer's payroll department or any other source of regular deposits and update your banking information.
Wait at least one business day after canceling automatic payments to make sure nothing else is pending. If a payment processes after you close the account, Bank of America may reopen it temporarily to handle the transaction, which defeats the purpose.
Closing the account by phone
Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. You will reach Bank of America's account services line. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, or other personal information.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions. If everything checks out, they will process the closure. The account will close immediately, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online banking portal.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. Write it down. Bank of America will send you a final statement in the mail within 30 days that shows the account is closed.
Closing the account in person at a branch
If you prefer to close the account face-to-face, find your nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on their website. Bring your debit card and a valid ID — a driver's license or passport works. Go during business hours and tell a teller you want to close your checking account.
The teller will verify that your balance is zero and check for any pending transactions. If the account is ready to close, they will process it on the spot. You will receive a receipt confirming the closure. This method is faster than a phone call if you are already near a branch.
What happens after you close the account
Your debit card will stop working immediately. If you have checks linked to the account, they will bounce if anyone tries to cash them after the closure date. Bank of America recommends notifying anyone who has your account number — creditors, employers, subscription services — that the account is closed.
Bank of America will hold your account information for a set period in case any outstanding checks or automatic payments come through. If a payment arrives after closure, they will attempt to process it and may reopen the account temporarily. Once all pending items clear, the account will close again permanently.
You will receive a final statement in the mail showing a zero balance and the closure date. Keep this for your records.
If you have a savings account or other products with Bank of America
Closing your checking account does not affect any other accounts you have with Bank of America — savings accounts, money market accounts, or credit cards remain open. If you want to close those as well, you will need to contact Bank of America separately for each one.
If your checking account is linked to a savings account for overdraft protection, Bank of America may ask you to remove that link before closing the checking account. The representative or teller will walk you through this if it applies to your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if it has a negative balance?
No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before closing. If your account is overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance first. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding debt to them.
What if I have pending direct deposits or bill payments?
Cancel or redirect them before you close the account. If a payment processes after closure, Bank of America may reopen the account temporarily to handle it. Wait at least one business day after canceling to ensure nothing else is in the pipeline.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The closure is immediate when you call or visit a branch, but it may take a few business days to disappear from your online banking. Bank of America will mail a final statement within 30 days confirming the closure.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit history is based on credit cards, loans, and payment history, not deposit accounts.
What if I change my mind after closing the account?
You can reopen a checking account with Bank of America, but it will be treated as a new account. Contact a branch or call account services to open a new account. You will need to go through the normal account opening process.