What to do when you can't log in
If you cannot log into your Bank of America account, start by using the "Forgot User ID?" or "Forgot Password?" link on the login page itself. Bank of America will send a reset link to the email or phone number on file, and you can create a new password within minutes. This solves most lockouts.
If you do not receive the reset email or text, check your spam folder and confirm the email address or phone number Bank of America has for you is current. If neither works, or if you cannot remember the email or phone associated with your account, you will need to contact Bank of America directly by phone or visit a branch in person.
Bank of America's customer service line is available 24/7 at 1-800-432-1000. Have your Social Security number, account number (if you know it), and a government-issued ID ready. A representative can verify your identity and either reset your access or walk you through next steps if your account has been compromised.
Key Takeaways
- Use the "Forgot Password?" or "Forgot User ID?" link on the Bank of America login page to reset your access in minutes if you remember your email or phone number.
- Check your spam folder for the reset email or text, as legitimate messages sometimes land there.
- Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your Social Security number and ID if you do not receive a reset link or cannot remember your registered email.
- If your account shows suspicious activity or you suspect fraud, tell the representative during the call so they can flag your account and review recent transactions.
- Visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID if you prefer to reset your access face-to-face or if phone support does not resolve the issue.
Why you might be locked out
Bank of America locks accounts for several reasons. The most common is entering your password incorrectly multiple times in a row—usually after five failed attempts, the system temporarily blocks further login tries to protect against unauthorized access. This lockout typically lasts 24 hours and clears on its own.
A second reason is that Bank of America detected unusual activity on your account—a login from an unfamiliar location, device, or time of day. When this happens, the bank may require you to verify your identity before allowing access. You may see a message asking you to confirm a code sent to your phone or email.
Less commonly, your account may be frozen because of a security hold, a dispute, or a compliance review. If Bank of America suspects fraud or money laundering, it can restrict access while investigating. These situations require a phone call to resolve.
Resetting your password online
Go to the Bank of America login page and look for the "Forgot User ID?" or "Forgot Password?" link, usually displayed below the login fields. Click it and enter the email address or phone number associated with your account.
Bank of America will send a reset link or code to that email or phone within a few minutes. Open the email or text message and click the link or enter the code on the Bank of America website. You will then be prompted to create a new password. Make it at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol for security.
After you set your new password, return to the login page and sign in with your user ID and the new password. You should now have access to your account. If the reset link expires before you use it (usually after 24 hours), request a new one.
Verifying your identity by phone
When you call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000, a representative will ask you to verify your identity before resetting your password or discussing your account. Be ready to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and account number if you have it. The representative may also ask for recent transaction amounts or the names of authorized users on the account.
If you cannot provide this information, the representative can ask security questions based on your credit history or past Bank of America activity. Answer as accurately as you can. Once verified, the representative can reset your password over the phone or send you a new reset link via email or text.
The entire call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Bank of America's phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can call at any time.
What to do if you suspect fraud
If you cannot log in and you also notice unauthorized transactions, missing money, or unfamiliar activity on your account, tell the Bank of America representative immediately. Do not wait to resolve the login issue first. Fraud is treated as urgent.
The representative will place a fraud alert on your account, which prevents further unauthorized access. They will review recent transactions with you and can reverse fraudulent charges. Bank of America typically covers unauthorized transactions made by someone else, though the process can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the complexity.
After the call, monitor your account closely for the next 30 to 60 days. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name. You can do this for free by calling each bureau or visiting their websites.
Logging in from a new device
Bank of America may block login attempts from a device you have never used before. If you are trying to log in from a new phone, tablet, or computer, the bank may send a verification code to your registered email or phone number. Check for this code and enter it on the login screen to proceed.
If you do not receive the code, make sure the email address or phone number on file with Bank of America is correct. You can update this information by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Once updated, try logging in again.
After you successfully log in from a new device, Bank of America may ask if you want to "trust" that device for future logins. Selecting yes means you will not need to verify your identity every time you log in from that device. Only do this on devices you own and use regularly, not on shared or public computers.
Accessing your account at a Bank of America branch
If you cannot reset your password online or by phone, visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. A banker can verify your identity and reset your access on the spot.
This option is useful if you have lost access to the email or phone number on file, if you cannot remember your Social Security number, or if you simply prefer to handle it face-to-face. Branch hours vary by location, but most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bank of America account stay locked after failed login attempts?
A temporary lockout from too many wrong password entries usually lasts 24 hours and lifts automatically. If you need access sooner, call 1-800-432-1000 and a representative can unlock your account immediately after verifying your identity.
Can I reset my Bank of America password without access to my email or phone?
No, you will need either the email or phone number on file to reset your password online. If you no longer have access to either, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID. A representative can update your contact information and then reset your password.
What if Bank of America asks me to verify my identity and I do not recognize the request?
Do not enter any information. Hang up and call Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000 using the number on the back of your debit card or from their official website. This ensures you are talking to the real bank, not a scammer impersonating Bank of America.
Will resetting my password affect my account balance or linked accounts?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. Your account balance, linked accounts, transfers, and bill payments are not affected. You can resume normal account activity as soon as you log in with your new password.
How do I know if my Bank of America account has been hacked?
Signs include transactions you did not make, unfamiliar login attempts, missing money, or a message from Bank of America about suspicious activity. If you see any of these, call 1-800-432-1000 right away. Bank of America can freeze your account, review transactions, and reverse fraudulent charges.