Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your digital banking profile

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you log in, navigate to account settings, and request closure. The bank will then walk you through what happens to any remaining balance, pending transactions, and direct deposits.

Not every account type can be closed online. Money Market accounts, CDs (certificates of deposit), and credit cards require a phone call to close. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or investment account with Bank of America, you'll need to contact them directly about those as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts close online through your Bank of America profile, but money market accounts and CDs require a phone call.
  • You must have a zero balance or arrange to transfer your remaining money before the closure is final.
  • Any pending transactions, automatic payments, and direct deposits tied to that account need to be redirected or cancelled before you close it.
  • The account typically closes within one to three business days after you submit the request online.

Steps to close your account through Bank of America's website

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Navigate to the account you want to close and look for "Account Services" or "Manage Account" in the menu. Select "Close Account" from the options available.

Bank of America will show you the current balance and ask you to confirm that you want to proceed. If there is money in the account, you can transfer it to another Bank of America account or request a check. If the balance is zero, you can move forward with closure immediately. The bank will then send you a confirmation email with the closure request number.

What to do with your remaining balance and pending transactions

Before you close the account, make sure the balance is zero or decide where that money should go. You can transfer funds to another Bank of America account you own, or request that the bank mail you a check. If you choose the check option, it typically arrives within five to seven business days after the account closes.

Check for any pending transactions, automatic bill payments, or recurring charges linked to the account. These will fail once the account is closed, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions. Contact each company that pulls money from that account—utilities, subscriptions, loan payments, insurance—and update your payment method at least a week before closure. Direct deposits from your employer or benefits also need to be rerouted to a different account.

Account types that require a phone call to close

Money Market accounts, CDs, and credit cards cannot be closed online through your Bank of America profile. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close these accounts. If you have a CD, the bank will explain what happens if you close it before the maturity date—early withdrawal penalties typically apply and reduce your balance.

Credit card closures also require a phone call. When you close a credit card, the account remains on your credit report for up to seven years, but the card itself stops working immediately. Pay off any remaining balance before you call, or the bank will set up a payment plan.

Timeline for account closure and what to expect after

Once you submit your closure request online, Bank of America processes it within one to three business days. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. The account will stop accepting deposits and withdrawals, though any pending transactions that were already in the system may still process.

After closure, you won't be able to log into that account through your Bank of America profile. If you requested a check for your remaining balance, it will arrive separately from the closure confirmation. Keep your closure confirmation number and any documentation for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account.

Why you might want to close an account before you do

Closing a bank account doesn't hurt your credit score directly, but it can affect you indirectly if bills bounce because you forgot to update payment methods. The bigger risk is losing access to a checking account number you've used for years—if you have automatic payments set up, each one needs to be updated separately.

If you're closing the account because of fees or poor service, consider whether switching to a different Bank of America account type might solve the problem first. Some accounts have no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, or offer better interest rates. If you're leaving Bank of America entirely, make sure you have a new bank account open and funded before you close your last one.

What to do if your closure request gets stuck or rejected

Occasionally, Bank of America will reject an online closure request if there are pending transactions, holds on the account, or if the account is linked to other services like a credit card or investment account. If this happens, you'll see an error message explaining why. Address the issue—clear the hold, wait for pending transactions to settle, or unlink the connected service—and try again.

If the online closure still doesn't work after you've resolved the obvious problems, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can close the account over the phone and explain any blocks that the system flagged. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?

Yes, you can reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, though Bank of America's exact window varies. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about reopening. If too much time has passed, you can open a new account, but you won't recover the old account number or history.

What happens to my debit card when I close the account?

Your debit card stops working immediately once the account closes. Destroy the card or contact Bank of America to request a replacement if you're keeping other accounts open. Any pending charges on the card will fail if they try to process after closure.

Do I have to close all my Bank of America accounts at once?

No. You can close one account and keep others open. If you have multiple checking or savings accounts, you can close them one at a time or all together—just make sure you don't close your last account if you want to stay a Bank of America customer.

Will closing my account affect my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Your credit is based on borrowing and repayment history, not on which bank accounts you hold.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

Bank of America will not let you close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the overdraft amount first. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure online.