Yes, you can close your Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website
Bank of America lets you close a checking account without visiting a branch or calling customer service. You can do it through the BofA mobile app or the website, though the exact steps depend on which platform you use. The process takes a few minutes, but you need to handle a few things first — mainly making sure your account balance is zero and setting up where remaining funds should go.
The account closes immediately once you confirm, so you cannot reverse it through the same channel. If you change your mind within a short window, you may be able to reopen it by contacting Bank of America directly, but this is not may provide and depends on how long ago you closed it.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance in your checking account before Bank of America will let you close it online.
- Any remaining funds in the account can be transferred to another Bank of America account or withdrawn at an ATM before closing.
- Closing through the app or website is permanent immediately, though you may contact Bank of America to ask about reopening within a limited timeframe.
- If you have pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits linked to the account, cancel or redirect those before you close it.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account.
Steps to close your account through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Settings." Scroll down and look for "Account Services" or "Close Account" — the exact label varies by app version. Select your checking account from the list if you have multiple accounts.
The app will show you the current balance and ask you to confirm that it is zero. If there is money in the account, you will need to transfer it out first. Once the balance is confirmed as zero, tap the option to close the account and follow the prompts to confirm. The app will ask you to verify your choice one more time before the account is actually closed.
Steps to close your account through the website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on "Settings" in the top right corner, then select "Account Services" or "Manage Accounts." Find your checking account in the list and click on it. Look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" link — it is usually near the bottom of the account details page.
The website will confirm your current balance and require it to be zero before you can proceed. If you have a balance, transfer the funds to another account or withdraw them first. Once the balance is zero, click through the confirmation screens. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity and confirm that you want to close the account permanently.
What to do with money still in the account
If your checking account has a balance, you cannot close it until that balance is zero. You have two main options: transfer the money to another Bank of America account you own, or withdraw it in cash at an ATM or branch.
To transfer online, go to "Transfers" in the app or website and move the funds to a savings account, money market account, or another checking account in your name. The transfer usually completes within one business day. If you prefer cash, use any Bank of America ATM to withdraw the full balance, or visit a branch and ask the teller to withdraw it for you.
Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits before closing
Before you close the account, check whether any automatic payments, bill payments, or direct deposits are set up to use this checking account. If you close the account while these are still active, payments may fail or direct deposits may bounce back to your employer.
Log into the account and review your recent transactions to spot recurring payments. Contact each company or your employer to update the account information — give them your new account number if you are switching to another Bank of America account, or remove the account entirely if you are not replacing it. This step takes time, so do it at least one week before you plan to close the account.
What happens if you want to reopen the account later
Once you close the account through the app or website, it is closed immediately and you cannot undo it through the same channel. However, Bank of America may allow you to reopen a recently closed account if you contact them by phone or in person at a branch. The window to reopen is limited — typically a few weeks to a few months depending on how the account was closed and your history with the bank.
Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or visit a local branch with your ID. Explain that you closed the account and want to reopen it. The bank will review your request, but there is no may provide they will approve it. If they do, you may need to meet minimum balance requirements or pay any outstanding fees before the account is active again.
Reasons Bank of America might not let you close online
If the close account option does not appear in your app or website, it may be because your account has a balance, you have pending transactions, or there are holds on the account. Some accounts also cannot be closed online if they are linked to a credit card, investment account, or other Bank of America product — in those cases, you may need to call customer service or visit a branch.
If you see an error message or the option is grayed out, try logging out and back in, or update your mobile app to the latest version. If the problem persists, contact Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000 to ask why the account cannot be closed online and what your next step should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to close my Bank of America checking account?
No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees on the account, those will still need to be settled, but the act of closing itself is free.
What if I have a pending check or ACH transfer when I try to close?
You should wait for pending transactions to clear before closing the account. If you close while transactions are still pending, they may fail or bounce. Check your recent activity for any transactions marked as "pending" and wait for them to post before you proceed with closing.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the balance to zero or positive before Bank of America will let you close it. If the account is negative, you owe the bank money. Pay the amount owed first, then close the account once the balance is zero.
How long does it take for the account to actually close after I confirm online?
The account closes immediately once you confirm through the app or website. You will no longer be able to use the debit card or access the account. Any pending transactions may still process for a few days, but the account itself is closed right away.
What if I closed my account by mistake?
Contact Bank of America as soon as possible by phone or at a branch. Explain that you closed the account by mistake and want to reopen it. The bank may allow you to reopen it if you contact them quickly, but there is no may provide. The sooner you call, the better your chances.