You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the fastest route is usually a phone call to customer service
Bank of America lets you close a checking account through three channels: calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app or website. A phone call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to have your account number ready. If you close online or through the app, the request goes to a representative who may contact you to confirm. In-person closure at a branch is immediate — the banker processes it while you wait — but requires a trip to a location near you.
Before you close, you need to handle any outstanding checks, automatic payments, or direct deposits tied to the account. Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance; you must bring it to zero or positive first. If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing the checking account does not affect those — they remain open unless you close them separately.
Key Takeaways
- Calling 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest way to close; have your account number and a reason ready, though you are not required to give one.
- Your account balance must be zero or positive before Bank of America will close it; you cannot close with an overdraft.
- Stop or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers before you close, or they will fail after the account shuts down.
- Closing takes effect immediately by phone or in person, but may take one to three business days if you request it online.
- Any pending checks or transactions may still post after closure; keep records of your final balance in case a charge appears later.
What you need before you call or visit
Have your account number ready — it appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. Bank of America may also ask for your Social Security number or the last four digits to verify your identity. If you are calling, have a quiet place to take the call; the representative will confirm details and may ask why you are closing, though you do not have to answer.
If you are closing in person, bring a photo ID and your debit card. Some branches may ask for a final statement or confirmation of your balance, so arriving during business hours when staff are available is important. Check the Bank of America website or app to find your nearest branch and confirm its hours before you go.
Clearing your account before closure
Any automatic payments set up to draw from this account will fail once it closes. Before you close, log into your account and review the last three months of transactions for recurring charges — subscriptions, insurance, loan payments, utilities, or gym memberships. Change the payment method for each one to a different account or card, or cancel the service if you no longer need it.
If your paycheck or other regular deposits go to this account, update your direct deposit information with your employer or the organization sending the money. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change at least a week before you close the account. Outstanding checks you have written may still clear after closure; if you are concerned about a specific check, contact the recipient to confirm whether it has been deposited.
What happens to your debit card when you close
Your Bank of America debit card stops working immediately when the account closes. If you have set up online bill pay or linked the card to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, those connections will break. Any pending transactions that have not yet posted may still go through in the days after closure, drawing from your final balance.
If you are switching to another bank, apply for a new checking account and debit card there before you close the Bank of America account. This gives you time to update your payment methods and direct deposits without a gap in access to your money. If you plan to keep a Bank of America savings account or credit card, those remain active and unaffected by closing the checking account.
Timing and confirmation after you close
Closure by phone or in person takes effect the same day. If you request closure through the app or website, Bank of America may take one to three business days to process it. Once closed, you will receive a confirmation — by email if you closed online, or immediately if you closed by phone or in person. Keep this confirmation for your records.
After closure, you can no longer access the account online or through the app, and your debit card will not work. If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, download or print them before you close. Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts, so you can contact them later if you need documentation, but it is easier to save what you need while the account is still open.
If your account has a negative balance
Bank of America will not close an account that is overdrawn. If your balance is negative, you must deposit money to bring it to zero or above before closure is allowed. The representative on the phone or the banker in person will tell you the exact amount owed. Once you deposit enough to clear the overdraft, you can proceed with closing immediately.
If you have overdraft fees pending, those will be deducted from any deposit you make. Ask the representative whether the account has any outstanding fees or holds before you deposit, so you know the true amount needed to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closure. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or repeated overdrafts, Bank of America may flag your history and deny the new application. If you closed for routine reasons, reopening is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes in a branch or online.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?
Pending checks can still clear after your account closes, as long as they clear within a reasonable time — usually 30 to 90 days. If you are worried about a specific check, contact the person or business you wrote it to and ask whether they have deposited it. If they have not, you can ask them to hold off or you can close the account and handle it afterward.
Do I need to close my savings account or credit card too?
No. Closing your checking account does not affect any other Bank of America accounts. Your savings account, money market account, or credit card will remain open and active. You can close them separately if you want, using the same methods — phone, in person, or online.
How long does it take to close an account by phone?
A phone closure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero or positive, ask about any pending transactions, and process the closure. Online or app-based requests may take one to three business days because a representative has to review and approve them.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your creditworthiness.