Bank of America's login system is down or you cannot access your account
If you cannot log into Bank of America online, the problem is usually one of three things: the website or app is temporarily unavailable, your account has a security hold, or your login credentials are incorrect. Start by checking whether the outage is widespread or just affecting you. Go to the Bank of America homepage on a different device or browser. If the site loads for you but your login fails, the issue is your account or credentials. If the site does not load at all, Bank of America's systems are likely down.
When Bank of America's online banking is unavailable, you cannot see balances, make transfers, or pay bills through the website or mobile app. The bank does not always announce outages in advance. You can check the Bank of America status page or call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether an outage is happening. If systems are down, you will have to wait for them to come back online—there is no workaround.
If the site is working but you still cannot log in, the next step depends on what error message you see. Some messages tell you exactly what is wrong. Others are vague. Write down the exact message before you call, because it will help the representative understand your situation faster.
Key Takeaways
- Check whether Bank of America's website loads on a different device or browser to tell if the outage is widespread or specific to your account.
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether the bank's systems are down, because outages are not always announced publicly.
- If you see an error message about a security hold or unusual activity, your account may be locked for fraud protection and you will need to verify your identity by phone.
- Resetting your password through the "Forgot Password" link works only if your email address is still active and you can receive messages there.
- If you have not logged in for a long time, your account may have been closed or your login may have expired, and you will need to contact the bank to reactivate it.
How to tell if Bank of America's systems are down
Open Bank of America's website in a private or incognito browser window on a different device if you have one. If the homepage loads and you can see the login screen, the bank's servers are running. If the page does not load at all or shows an error message like "503 Service Unavailable" or "The website is temporarily unavailable," the outage is real and you have to wait.
Check the Bank of America mobile app on a different phone or tablet if you have access to one. Sometimes the website is down but the app still works, or vice versa. If both are down, the outage is system-wide. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 and listen to the automated message—it usually mentions if online banking is unavailable.
During major outages, Bank of America's social media accounts sometimes post updates. You can search Twitter or Facebook for "Bank of America down" to see if other customers are reporting the same problem. If hundreds of people are locked out at the same time, it is almost certainly an outage on the bank's end, not your account.
What to do if your account is locked for security reasons
Bank of America locks accounts when it detects unusual activity—a login from a new location, a sudden large transfer, or multiple failed password attempts. When this happens, you will see a message saying your account is temporarily locked or that you need to verify your identity. You cannot unlock it online. You have to call 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID ready before you call. The representative will ask you questions only you should know the answers to—recent transactions, the names of accounts you hold, or details about your address. Answer honestly and completely. If you pass verification, the lock is usually lifted within minutes, and you can log in again right away.
If you cannot verify your identity over the phone, the bank may ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID. This is rare but happens when the account shows signs of fraud or when you have not logged in for years. Bring your ID and be prepared to wait. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Resetting your password when you cannot log in
Click "Forgot Password" on the Bank of America login page. The bank will send a reset link to the email address on file for your account. Check your inbox and your spam folder—sometimes the email lands there by mistake. Click the link in the email and follow the steps to create a new password.
If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, the email address on your account may be outdated or inactive. You cannot reset your password without access to that email. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to update your email address first. Once they do, you can use the "Forgot Password" link again.
Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Bank of America requires this. Avoid using the same password you used before, and do not use passwords you use on other websites. If your Bank of America password is compromised, hackers will try it on your email, social media, and other accounts.
What happens if you have not logged in for a long time
Bank of America may close accounts that show no activity for an extended period. The exact timeline varies, but accounts with no logins or transactions for one to three years are at risk. If your account was closed, you will not be able to log in, and the bank will not send you a reset link.
Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether your account is still open. If it is closed, the representative can tell you why and whether you can reopen it. If you closed it yourself years ago and forgot, you will need to open a new account. If the bank closed it due to inactivity, you may be able to reactivate it, but this depends on how long ago it was closed and whether there are any outstanding issues.
Before you call, gather any information you have about the account—the account number if you remember it, the approximate date you last used it, and the email address you used to register. This will help the representative locate your account faster.
Using Bank of America's phone and in-person options when online banking is not available
If you cannot log in online and need to access your account, you can call 1-800-432-1000 to speak to a representative. They can tell you your balance, help you make a transfer, or answer questions about your account. Have your account number or Social Security number ready. The call may take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the line is.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a government-issued ID. A representative can help you log in at a computer in the branch, reset your password, unlock your account, or handle transactions for you. Branch hours vary by location, so check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm they are open.
If you need to make an urgent payment and cannot access online banking, ask the representative whether you can pay by phone. Some payments can be processed this way, though there may be a fee. Ask about the fee before you authorize the payment.
Troubleshooting common login error messages
If you see "Invalid username or password," you typed something wrong. Try again, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If you still cannot log in after three attempts, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset. Do not keep guessing—too many failed attempts will lock your account temporarily.
If you see "Your account is temporarily locked," Bank of America detected suspicious activity. Call 1-800-432-1000 to verify your identity and unlock it. This usually takes a few minutes.
If you see "This browser is not supported" or "Please update your browser," your web browser is too old. Bank of America requires a recent version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Download the latest version and try again. If you are using the mobile app, update it through your phone's app store.
If you see "Connection timed out" or "The page took too long to load," the bank's servers may be slow or the outage may be partial. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists after 30 minutes, call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether an outage is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bank of America outage usually last?
Most outages last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Major outages can last longer. The bank does not always announce how long repairs will take. Call 1-800-432-1000 or check the Bank of America website periodically to see when service is restored.
Can I access my account through the mobile app if the website is down?
Sometimes. The app and website use different systems, so one can be down while the other works. Try the app first. If it also fails, the outage is system-wide and you will need to wait or call the bank.
What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?
Call 1-800-432-1000. Your account may be locked for security reasons, or there may be a technical issue preventing login even though your password is correct. A representative can investigate and unlock your account if needed.
Do I lose money if I cannot access my account during an outage?
No. An outage only prevents you from viewing your account or making transactions online. Your money is still there, and the bank's systems are still processing transactions in the background. Once the outage ends, everything will be visible again.
What should I do if I think someone else is trying to access my account?
Call 1-800-432-1000 immediately. Tell the representative you suspect fraud. They can lock your account, review recent activity, and help you secure it. If you see unauthorized transactions, report them right away—the bank has time limits for fraud claims.