You can close most Bank of America accounts online through the mobile app or website, but some account types require a phone call or branch visit

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts through their mobile app or website without going to a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you log in, navigate to account settings, and request closure. The bank will then move any remaining balance to another account you specify, or issue a check if you prefer.

Not every account type can be closed online. Money Market accounts, CDs, and investment accounts typically require you to call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. If you have an outstanding balance on a credit card or loan, you cannot close the linked checking or savings account until that debt is paid off.

The closure itself is immediate, but it takes three to five business days for the bank to process the final transfer and close the account completely. During this window, any pending transactions may still post. You should stop using the account and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it before you request closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed through the Bank of America app or website, but Money Market accounts and CDs require a phone call or branch visit.
  • You must have a zero balance and no outstanding loans or credit card debt tied to the account before closure is allowed.
  • The bank transfers any remaining funds to another account you choose, or mails a check if you have no other Bank of America account.
  • Closure takes three to five business days to complete after you submit the request, and pending transactions may still post during that time.
  • You should cancel automatic payments and direct deposits before closing to avoid failed transactions after the account is gone.

Steps to close your account through the app or website

Open the Bank of America mobile app or log into your online account at bankofamerica.com. Navigate to the account you want to close and look for account settings or account details. The exact menu location varies slightly between the app and website, but both have a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option visible once you select the account.

Click or tap the close account option. The bank will ask you to confirm the account number and show you the current balance. If the balance is not zero, you must transfer the money out or request a check before proceeding. Once you confirm, the bank sends you a confirmation message and begins processing the closure.

You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. Keep this email for your records. The account will remain open for three to five business days while the bank processes the closure and any final transactions. After that period, the account is permanently closed and you will no longer be able to access it.

When you must call or visit a branch instead

Money Market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and brokerage accounts cannot be closed online. Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close these accounts. Have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions. The representative will walk you through the closure process and arrange for your balance to be transferred or mailed to you.

If you have a credit card or loan attached to the checking or savings account you want to close, you must pay off that debt first. The bank will not allow closure while you owe money on a linked product. If you are unsure whether your account has linked debt, call customer service or ask a representative at your local branch.

You can also close any account type by visiting a Bank of America branch in person. Bring your ID and account information. A representative will verify your identity, confirm the account balance, and process the closure on the spot. This is the fastest way to close an account if you need it done immediately.

What happens to your money and automatic payments

When you close an account, any remaining balance must go somewhere. During the closure process, you tell Bank of America where to send the money: to another Bank of America account you own, or by check to your mailing address. If you choose a check, it arrives within five to seven business days after the account closes.

Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account will fail after closure. Before you close, log into each service that uses the account (your employer's payroll system, utility companies, subscription services, insurance providers) and update the payment method or account number. If you miss one, the payment will be rejected and the service may charge you a late fee or suspend your account.

Pending transactions that have not yet posted may still go through during the three to five day closure window. If a charge posts after the account is closed, the bank will attempt to debit it from the account you specified for the balance transfer. Contact Bank of America immediately if a transaction posts incorrectly after closure.

What to do before closing your account

Review your account for at least 30 days before closing to catch any recurring charges or automatic payments you may have forgotten about. Check your recent transactions and look for subscriptions, insurance premiums, or loan payments that hit the account monthly. Update each one to use a different payment method.

If you receive direct deposit paychecks, notify your employer's payroll department of your new account number or payment method. Do the same for any government benefits (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds) that deposit to the account. The IRS and Social Security Administration can take several pay periods to update their records, so make the change well in advance.

Request a final statement from Bank of America for your records. You can download this through the app or website, or ask for a paper copy. Keep this statement for at least one year in case you need to dispute a transaction or verify account closure for tax purposes.

Reasons the bank may refuse to close your account

Bank of America will not close an account if you owe money on a linked credit card, loan, or line of credit. Pay off the debt first, then request closure. The bank also will not close an account with a negative balance (overdraft). You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero or positive before proceeding.

If you have pending disputes or fraud claims on the account, the bank may delay closure until the investigation is complete. This typically takes 30 to 60 days. Contact the bank's fraud department to check the status of any open claims before you request closure.

Accounts with active holds or legal judgments cannot be closed. If you believe a hold has been placed on your account, call customer service to find out why and what you need to do to remove it.

After your account is closed

Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account and go through the application process again. Bank of America may ask about the reason for the previous closure, but this does not usually prevent you from opening a new account.

The closed account will remain on your banking history. If you had overdrafts or other issues with the account, those may appear in ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks use to decide whether to open accounts for you. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com to see what information is on file.

Keep your final statement and closure confirmation email for your records. You may need them to prove the account is closed if a company continues to attempt charges, or if you need documentation for tax or legal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Bank of America account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring the account to a zero or positive balance before closure is allowed. Deposit funds to cover the overdraft, or contact the bank to discuss payment options if you cannot pay the full amount immediately.

What if I close my account and then a charge posts to it?

If a transaction posts after closure, the bank will attempt to debit it from the account you designated for the balance transfer. If that account does not have sufficient funds, the charge will be rejected and the merchant will be notified. Contact Bank of America to dispute the charge if it was unauthorized or incorrect.

How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?

The closure request is processed immediately, but the account remains open for three to five business days while pending transactions clear. After that period, the account is permanently closed and you will no longer be able to access it.

Can I close my account if I have a Bank of America credit card?

You can close a checking or savings account even if you have a credit card, as long as the card is not linked to that account for automatic payments. If the card is set to auto-pay from the account you want to close, update the payment method first.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not on bank accounts. Closing a bank account leaves no mark on your credit report.