You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding transactions

The fastest way is to call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close your checking account. A representative will verify your identity, check for pending transactions or automatic payments, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days after the call, though any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check if you do not provide a forwarding account.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask a teller to initiate the closure. You can withdraw any remaining balance immediately or have it mailed. Online closure through the Bank of America app or website is available for some account types, but not all—the app will tell you whether your specific account can be closed that way.

Before you close the account, make sure no automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or standing transfers are still linked to it. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions, and if you close it while payments are scheduled, those payments may fail and trigger overdraft fees or late-payment penalties on the bills themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, which is the most reliable method and takes one to three business days.
  • Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and transfers before closing, or the closure will be delayed and payments may fail.
  • Withdraw your remaining balance in person or request a check by mail; Bank of America will not transfer funds to another bank during closure.
  • In-person closure at a branch is immediate if you bring a photo ID, but phone closure works just as well and does not require a trip.
  • After closure, keep your account number and routing number for your records in case Bank of America needs to contact you about the account later.

Stop automatic payments and transfers before you close

Any automatic bill payment, recurring transfer, or direct deposit tied to the account will block the closure. Log into your Bank of America account online or through the app and review the "Transfers" and "Bill Pay" sections to find everything linked to the checking account.

For each automatic payment, either cancel it directly through the biller's website or call the biller to remove the account. For direct deposits (such as payroll), contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number if you are moving to a different bank. For transfers to or from other accounts, delete them in the Bank of America app under "Transfers" or call the bank to have a representative remove them.

Wait at least two business days after canceling the last automatic payment before you call to close the account. This gives the bank time to update its records and prevents a situation where a payment attempts to process after the account is closed.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when it closes, Bank of America will not transfer it to another bank automatically. Instead, the bank will mail you a check for the remaining balance to the address on file. The check typically arrives within five to seven business days after the account closes.

If you want immediate access to the money, withdraw it in person at a branch before you close the account. Bring your debit card or photo ID and ask the teller to withdraw the full balance. This way you leave nothing behind and avoid waiting for a mailed check.

If you move before the check arrives, you can update your address with Bank of America by calling 1-800-432-1000 or logging into your online account. The bank will hold the check and mail it to your new address once you provide it.

Closing the account by phone versus in person

Phone closure is faster for most people because you do not have to travel to a branch. Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday). Have your account number and a photo ID ready. The representative will confirm there are no pending transactions, process the closure, and tell you when to expect your balance check.

In-person closure at a branch is immediate—the teller can close the account and hand you a receipt on the spot. You can also withdraw your balance in cash right then. This method works well if you have questions or prefer to handle it face-to-face, but it requires a trip during branch hours.

Both methods are equally valid. Choose whichever fits your schedule. If you close by phone, write down the date and time of the call and the representative's name for your records.

What to do if you have a negative balance or outstanding fees

If your account is overdrawn or has pending fees, Bank of America will not close it until the balance is paid. You must deposit enough money to bring the account to zero or positive before the closure can be processed.

If you are unsure of the exact balance owed, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask the representative for the current balance including all pending fees and charges. They will tell you the exact amount needed to clear the account. Once you deposit that amount, wait one business day for it to post, then call back to close the account.

After the account closes: what you need to know

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance. Keep this statement for your records. If you set up a new checking account at another bank, do not throw away your old Bank of America account number—you may need it if the bank contacts you about a check that was mailed or a transaction that processes after closure.

If you had a debit card linked to the closed account, it will stop working immediately. Destroy the card or cut it up to prevent accidental use. If you had checks printed for the account, do not use them after the closure date; any checks deposited after closure will be rejected.

If you owe Bank of America money (such as an overdraft that was not paid before closure), the bank may send you a bill or attempt to collect the debt. If this happens, contact the bank to arrange payment or dispute the charge if you believe it is incorrect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online through the Bank of America app?

Some account types allow online closure through the app or website, but not all. Open the app, go to your account settings, and look for a "Close Account" option. If it is not there, your account type does not support online closure, and you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

How long does it take for the account to actually close?

After you request closure by phone or in person, the account typically closes within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation in the mail. If you closed it in person, you get a receipt immediately, but the account is still not fully closed until the bank processes it on its end.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Do not close the account until the check clears. If you close it while a check is still pending, the check may bounce and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee. Wait for the check to appear on your statement as cleared, then close the account a few days later.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, but this depends on the reason for closure and how long ago it was closed. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether your account can be reopened. If it can, the bank will walk you through the process.