What you can change and what you cannot
Bank of America lets you change several things about your checking account without closing it: your account nickname, your mailing address, your contact phone number, and which statements you receive by mail or email. You can also add or remove authorized users, change your debit card PIN, and request a replacement card.
What you cannot change is the account number itself, the routing number, or the account type (for example, from a basic checking account to a premium one). If you need a different account type or a fresh account number, you will need to open a new account and close the old one.
Most changes happen in the Bank of America mobile app or online banking portal. Some require a phone call to customer service or a visit to a branch. The method depends on what you are changing and whether you want to do it yourself or have someone else make the change for you.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your account nickname, address, phone number, and statement delivery method through the mobile app or online banking without calling anyone.
- Adding or removing authorized users and changing your debit card PIN both require the app, online banking, or a phone call to customer service.
- If you need a different account type or a completely new account number, you must open a new account and close the old one.
- Changes made online or through the app take effect immediately for most settings, but address changes may take five to seven business days to process.
Changing your account nickname and contact information online
To change your account nickname (the name you see in your app for this account), open the Bank of America mobile app or go to bankofamerica.com and sign in. Navigate to your checking account, then look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Account." Select "Edit Account Nickname" and type the new name you want to see. Save the change. It takes effect immediately.
To update your mailing address, phone number, or email address, go to the same Account Settings section and select "Personal Information" or "Contact Information." Enter your new details and save. Address changes typically process within five to seven business days. Phone and email changes are usually instant. If you have multiple accounts, make sure you are updating the right one — the app will show you which account the change applies to before you confirm.
If you cannot find these options in your app or online portal, your account type may not support self-service changes. Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or visit a branch with your ID.
Changing your statement delivery method
Bank of America sends statements by mail by default. You can switch to email-only statements, paperless statements, or a combination of both through your online account settings. Go to "Account Settings," then look for "Statements" or "Delivery Preferences." Select whether you want paper statements, electronic statements, or both, and choose how often you want to receive them (usually monthly or on demand).
If you choose email statements, Bank of America will send you a notification each month when your statement is ready to view in online banking. You can download or print it from there. Switching to email-only statements can take one to two billing cycles to take full effect, so you may receive one more paper statement after you make the change.
If you want to receive statements by mail again after switching to email, you can change this setting back at any time through the same menu.
Adding or removing authorized users
An authorized user is someone else who can access your account and make transactions, but the account remains in your name and you remain responsible for all activity. To add an authorized user, sign into online banking or the mobile app, go to Account Settings, and select "Authorized Users" or "Add User." You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Bank of America will verify their identity and send them a notification.
The new authorized user can then access the account through their own online banking login or request a debit card in their name. They will have the same access to the account as you do, including the ability to make transfers and withdrawals. If you want to limit what they can do, you cannot do that through Bank of America — you would need to monitor the account yourself or use a separate account for their use.
To remove an authorized user, go back to the Authorized Users section, find their name, and select "Remove." The change takes effect immediately, and they will no longer be able to access the account. If they have a debit card, it will stop working.
Changing your debit card PIN and requesting a replacement card
Your debit card PIN is the four-digit code you use at ATMs and when you choose "Debit" at a store checkout. To change it, open the mobile app, go to your debit card settings, and select "Change PIN." Enter your current PIN, then enter your new four-digit PIN twice to confirm. The change takes effect immediately.
If you cannot remember your current PIN, you will need to call Bank of America customer service or visit a branch to reset it. Have your ID and account information ready. Over the phone, they will verify your identity and send you a temporary PIN, which you can then change to something you prefer.
To request a replacement debit card (because yours is lost, damaged, or expiring), go to your card settings in the app or online banking and select "Order a Replacement Card." You can choose standard delivery (five to seven business days) or expedited delivery (one to two business days, with a fee). A new card will arrive with a temporary PIN that you should change immediately upon receipt.
Opening a new account type and closing your old one
If you want to switch from one checking account type to another — for example, from a basic account to a premium account with higher interest or lower fees — you cannot simply change the existing account. You must open a new account and close the old one.
To open a new account, visit bankofamerica.com, go to "Open an Account," and follow the steps to choose your new account type. You can do this entirely online. Once the new account is open and funded, you can close the old account. Before you close it, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are switched to the new account number. This usually takes one to two billing cycles to complete.
To close your old account, call customer service or visit a branch. Have your account number ready. They will confirm that the account has no outstanding transactions, then close it. Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but it does remove that account from your credit history after seven years.
What happens when you change your account information
Most changes take effect immediately or within one to two business days. Address changes are the slowest — they can take five to seven business days because Bank of America verifies the new address before updating it in their system. During this time, mail may still arrive at your old address.
If you have set up automatic bill payments or direct deposits, changing your account number will break those arrangements. You will need to update the account number with each company or employer separately. Changing your address, phone number, or email does not affect automatic payments — those continue to work as long as the account number stays the same.
If you change your authorized users or debit card PIN, those changes are immediate and apply to all future transactions. Any authorized user you remove will lose access right away, and any new PIN you set will work at the next ATM or store you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account number without closing my account?
No. Your account number is permanent and tied to your account. If you need a different account number, you must open a new account and close the old one. Before closing, redirect all automatic payments and direct deposits to the new account.
How long does it take for my address change to go through?
Address changes typically take five to seven business days to process. During this time, your old address may still be on file. If you need the change faster, visit a branch in person with your ID and ask them to expedite it.
What if I add an authorized user and then want to remove them?
You can remove an authorized user at any time through Account Settings in online banking or the mobile app. The removal takes effect immediately, and they will no longer be able to access the account or use any debit card linked to it.
Do I need to go to a branch to change my account settings?
No. Most changes — nickname, address, phone number, statements, authorized users, and debit card PIN — can be made through the mobile app or online banking. You only need to visit a branch or call if you cannot find the option in your account or if you need to close the account.
Will changing my account information affect my direct deposits or bill payments?
Changing your address, phone number, email, or account nickname will not affect automatic payments or direct deposits. Changing your account number will break them, and you will need to update the account number with each company or employer.