Yes, you can close most Bank of America accounts online through your web browser or mobile app
Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts without visiting a branch or calling. You log into your account, navigate to the account settings, and request closure. The process takes a few minutes, though the actual closure may take several business days to complete. You will need to have a zero balance and no pending transactions before you start.
Some account types—like investment accounts, retirement accounts, or credit cards—cannot be closed online and require a phone call or branch visit. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other loan with Bank of America, closing a linked deposit account may trigger restrictions, so check first.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your account balance to zero and wait for all pending deposits and withdrawals to clear before closing online.
- Bank of America processes the closure within three to five business days after you request it, though the account may appear closed immediately in your app.
- If you have direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or transfers set up, cancel or redirect them at least a week before you close the account.
- Checking and savings accounts close online; credit cards, investment accounts, and loans require a phone call to 1-800-432-1000 or a visit to a branch.
- After closure, keep your account number and routing number for your records in case you need proof of the account for tax or legal purposes.
What you need to do before closing
Bring your account balance to zero. Withdraw all remaining funds or transfer them to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with money in it, and you cannot request closure if the balance is negative.
Stop all automatic transactions. Log into your account and cancel or redirect any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or subscription charges. If you miss one, the payment may bounce after closure, and you could face overdraft fees or late payments on bills. Give yourself at least seven to ten days between canceling these and requesting closure.
Collect any checks or debit cards linked to the account. Destroy them or request replacement cards for any other accounts you keep open. If a check clears after the account closes, it may be returned unpaid, and the person who wrote it could face fees.
Note your account number and routing number. Write these down or take a screenshot before you close. You may need them later for tax records, proof of account history, or to dispute a transaction that posts after closure.
The steps to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America account through the website or mobile app. On the website, go to the account you want to close and look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Account." In the mobile app, tap the account name, then scroll to find account options or settings.
Select "Close Account" or "Request Closure." The exact wording varies depending on whether you are using the website or app, but the option will be in the account settings menu. Bank of America may ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone.
Review the closure summary. Bank of America will show you the account type, current balance (which should be zero), and any pending transactions. If there are pending items, you cannot proceed—wait for them to clear and try again.
Confirm the closure request. Click or tap to submit. You will see a confirmation message with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to follow up.
What happens after you request closure
Your account will appear closed in your Bank of America app and online banking within hours, though the official closure takes three to five business days. During this time, any checks or transfers that were already in process may still post. If a transaction hits after closure, Bank of America will return it unpaid.
You will not receive a physical confirmation letter by mail. The confirmation number from your closure request is your proof. If you need written documentation, you can contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and request a letter confirming the closure date.
If you had overdraft protection linked to another account, that link will be removed. If you had a savings account linked to your checking account for transfers, that connection will end.
Accounts you cannot close online
Credit cards must be closed by phone or in person. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close your credit card account. Bank of America will confirm your identity, review any balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it off before or after closure—the account will remain open for billing purposes until the balance is zero.
Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) cannot be closed through online banking. These require a call to the investment services line or a visit to a branch. The same applies to Home Loans, Home Equity Lines of Credit, and other loan products.
If you have a Bank of America credit card or loan tied to the checking or savings account you want to close, contact Bank of America first. Closing the deposit account may affect your credit card or loan account, and you may need to set up a new payment method.
What to do if the online closure does not work
If you see an error message or the closure option does not appear, the account may have a balance, pending transactions, or a hold placed on it. Log out, wait a few hours, and try again. If the problem persists, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to close the account over the phone.
If you recently received a deposit or made a transfer that has not cleared, wait for it to post before trying again. Bank of America's system may not allow closure until all pending items are resolved.
If you are closing the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, tell the representative when you call. They may be able to expedite the closure and help you open a new account with enhanced security.
After your account is closed
Do not assume the account is completely gone. Bank of America keeps records for seven years for tax and legal purposes. If you need a statement or proof of the account, you can request it by calling 1-800-432-1000.
If you had automatic bill payments set up, make sure those bills are now being paid from your new account or through another method. Check your email for confirmation that those payments have been redirected. If a bill was supposed to come out of the closed account and did not, you may have a late payment on your credit report.
If you are opening a new Bank of America account, you can do that online at the same time or after closure. There is no waiting period between closing one account and opening another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. Log into your account, transfer funds in to cover the overdraft, and wait for the balance to show as zero before requesting closure. If you do not pay it, Bank of America will not process the closure request.
What happens to my debit card after I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working immediately, even if it has not expired. Destroy the card or request a replacement for any other accounts you keep open. If you have a PIN-protected card, you do not need to do anything—it will simply decline when used.
Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?
No. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. You would need to open a new account with a new account number. If you closed it by mistake, call 1-800-432-1000 right away—if the closure has not fully processed, a representative may be able to stop it.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not report to credit bureaus. However, if you had automatic bill payments set up and they stop working after closure, missed payments could hurt your credit. Make sure all bills are redirected before you close.
How long does it take to get my money back after I close?
If you transferred your balance to another account before closing, the money is already there. If you withdrew cash, you have it. Bank of America does not send money back after closure—you must move it yourself before the account closes.