You can close a Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if you meet certain conditions first

Bank of America lets you close a checking account online using their mobile app or website, but the process has a catch: you must have a zero balance and no outstanding checks or pending transactions before you start. If your account has money in it or holds any unpaid items, you'll need to move the funds or settle those first. The online closure takes a few minutes once those conditions are met, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

If your account doesn't meet those requirements, or if you prefer to close it over the phone, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through the closure even if your account has a balance or pending items, though they may ask you to transfer funds before completing the request.

Key Takeaways

  • Your checking account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before you can close it online through the app or website.
  • If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account or withdraw it in cash before starting the online closure process.
  • Closing online takes a few minutes and generates a confirmation email; closing by phone (1-800-432-1000) is an option if your account doesn't meet the online requirements.
  • After closure, Bank of America will send you a final statement by mail within 30 days, and any remaining funds will be mailed to you if they weren't transferred beforehand.

Steps to close your account online through the mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Navigate to the account settings or account management section—this is usually found in the menu or under "Profile." Select the checking account you want to close.

Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Tap it and follow the prompts. The app will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions. If either condition is not met, the app will stop and tell you what needs to be resolved first. Once you confirm the closure, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email confirmation within a few minutes.

Steps to close your account online through the website

Go to bankofamerica.com and log in with your online banking credentials. Click on the account you want to close to view its details. Look for a link or button labeled "Close Account," "Manage Account," or "Account Services"—the exact wording varies depending on your account type.

Click the closure option and review the requirements. The system will verify that your balance is zero and no checks or transfers are pending. If everything checks out, confirm the closure request. You'll see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email confirmation shortly after. Keep that email for your records.

What to do if you have money in the account

Before you can close the account online, you must move or withdraw all funds. The fastest way is to transfer the money to another bank account you own—either at Bank of America or at a different bank. Use Bank of America's transfer feature to send funds to an external account, or use the other bank's incoming transfer tool if they offer it.

If you don't have another account set up, you can withdraw the money in cash at any Bank of America branch or ATM. Some ATMs have withdrawal limits, so if you're taking out a large amount, visit a branch during business hours and ask a teller to withdraw it for you. Once your balance is zero, you can proceed with the online closure.

What happens to pending checks and automatic payments

Bank of America will not let you close an account online if there are checks you've written that haven't cleared yet, or if automatic payments are scheduled to come out of the account. Before closing, contact anyone you've sent checks to and ask if they've deposited them. If not, ask them to hold off or cancel the check.

For automatic payments—like utility bills, insurance, or loan payments—log into each company's website or call them to change the payment account to a different bank account before you close. This prevents payments from failing and triggering overdraft fees or late-payment penalties. Once all pending items are resolved, the online closure will go through.

Timeline and what to expect after closure

The online closure is immediate—your account will be closed within minutes of confirmation. You'll receive an email confirmation right away. However, Bank of America will send you a final statement by mail, which typically arrives within 30 days. This statement shows all activity up to the closure date and confirms the account is closed.

If you had any remaining balance that wasn't transferred, Bank of America will mail a check to the address on file. This can take two to four weeks. If you've moved since opening the account, update your address with Bank of America before closing to make sure the check reaches you. Once the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card or make deposits to it.

When to call instead of closing online

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 if your account has a balance you can't transfer online, if you have pending transactions that won't clear, or if you simply prefer to speak with a representative. You can also call if you've tried to close online and received an error message. A representative can often close the account over the phone even if conditions aren't perfect, and they can arrange to mail any remaining funds to you.

Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call. The representative will confirm your identity, verify the account balance, and process the closure while you're on the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a checking account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.

What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled?

Contact your employer or the organization sending the direct deposit and ask them to change the account number to your new bank account before the deposit is due. If a direct deposit hits a closed account, it will be returned to the sender, and you may face a delay in receiving your money. Update this at least a few days before the scheduled deposit date.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, but this depends on how the account was closed and your banking history. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask if your account can be reopened. If it cannot, you can open a new checking account, though you may need to wait a few days.

Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?

Once the account is closed, your debit card will no longer work, so you don't need to destroy it. However, for security, you can cut it up or shred it if you prefer. The card is linked to a closed account and cannot be used for any transactions.

What if I owe Bank of America money on another account?

Bank of America may hold or delay the closure if you have an outstanding balance on another account with them, such as a credit card or loan. Call customer service to discuss any outstanding balances before attempting to close. They can explain your options and may require you to settle the debt first.