Yes, you can close a Bank of America checking account online through their website or mobile app
Bank of America lets you close a checking account without visiting a branch or calling customer service. You can do it through your online banking portal or the mobile app in a few minutes. The process is straightforward: log in, navigate to account settings, and request closure. The account closes within one to three business days, though any pending transactions may take longer to clear.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account first. If there are outstanding checks or automatic payments linked to the account, those need to be handled before closure—Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your checking account through Bank of America's website or mobile app without visiting a branch.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure; transfer any remaining funds to another account first.
- Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers tied to the account.
- Closure takes one to three business days, but pending checks or transactions may delay the final close date.
- If you cannot close online, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close by phone.
Steps to close your account through online banking
Log into your Bank of America online account at bankofamerica.com. Go to the account you want to close and look for settings or account management options—this is usually found under "Account Details" or a gear icon. Select the option to close or deactivate the account.
Bank of America will ask you to confirm the closure and may ask why you are closing. You do not have to provide a reason, but the bank may use your feedback to improve service. After you confirm, the account closure request is submitted. You will receive a confirmation message on screen and via email within a few minutes.
What to do with money still in the account
If your checking account has a balance, transfer the full amount to another bank account before requesting closure. You can do this through Bank of America's transfer feature by linking an external account, or by writing yourself a check. If you have a savings account with Bank of America, you can move money between your own accounts instantly.
Do not leave money in the account after submitting a closure request. If funds remain when the account closes, Bank of America may freeze the account or hold the money while they process the closure. This can delay your access to the funds by several weeks.
Canceling automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close the account, stop any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits linked to it. Log into each service that pulls money from or sends money to this account and update the payment method or deposit destination. This includes payroll direct deposit, subscription services, utility bills, loan payments, and insurance premiums.
If you miss updating a payment and it tries to process after closure, it will be rejected. The merchant or service may charge you a returned payment fee, and you could face late fees or service interruption. Give yourself at least one week before closing to make sure all recurring transactions have been redirected.
Handling outstanding checks
If you have written checks that have not cleared yet, wait until they do before closing the account. Bank of America will not close an account with outstanding checks. If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, log into your account and review recent transactions, or call Bank of America to ask.
If you need to close the account urgently and have outstanding checks, you can stop payment on those checks through your Bank of America account or by calling the bank. There is usually a fee per check (typically $25 to $35), but this allows you to close without waiting.
Timeline and what happens after closure
After you submit a closure request online, the account typically closes within one to three business days. You will receive a final confirmation email once the closure is complete. If there are pending transactions, the closure may take longer—sometimes up to five to seven business days.
Once closed, you cannot use the account to make deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. Any checks or debit cards linked to the account will stop working. If you need records of transactions from the closed account, Bank of America keeps them available for seven years. You can download statements through online banking before closure or request them after.
If you cannot close online
If the online closure option is not available or you run into an error, you can close the account by phone. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with an account representative. Have your account number and identification ready. The representative will walk you through the closure process and can close the account over the phone.
You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch. Bring a photo ID and your debit card. The branch representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. In-branch closure is immediate, though the account may take one to three business days to fully close in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close the account and have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, the bank may send it to collections, which would hurt your credit. Make sure your balance is zero before closing.
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after closing it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America after closing one. There is no waiting period or penalty. However, if you closed the account due to negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may require you to pay those amounts before opening a new account.
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have a new Bank of America account, you can request a new debit card linked to that account. Destroy the old card by cutting it up or shredding it to prevent misuse.
Do I need to close my account in the same way I opened it?
No. If you opened the account online, you can still close it by phone or in person, and vice versa. Use whichever method is most convenient for you. Online closure is fastest if it is available for your account type.
What if Bank of America says my account cannot be closed online?
Some account types, such as accounts with linked credit products or accounts under review for fraud, cannot be closed online. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to close these accounts. The representative can explain why online closure is not available and help you close by phone or in person.