The basic steps to close your account

To close a Bank of America checking account, you have three options: call customer service, visit a branch in person, or use the mobile app. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-432-1000. A representative will confirm your identity, check for pending transactions, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days, though any outstanding checks or automatic payments may take longer to clear.

If you go to a branch, bring a valid ID and your debit card. The banker will verify your account balance, ask about any recurring payments, and close the account on the spot. If you use the mobile app, open it, navigate to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account—though not all account types support mobile closure, so you may be directed to call or visit a branch instead.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it first. Bank of America will not close an account with money owed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch with your ID and debit card, or use the mobile app to request closure.
  • Your account will close within one to three business days, but checks and automatic payments may take longer to process.
  • You must have a zero or positive balance before closing—pay any overdraft fees or negative balance first.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers before you close, or they may fail.
  • Request a final statement or download your transaction history before closure if you need records for taxes or disputes.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or direct deposits tied to this account will fail once it closes. Contact each company or employer at least one week before closure to redirect payments to a new account or cancel them. This includes utilities, insurance, loan payments, payroll deposits, and any recurring charges from apps or services.

If you forget to redirect a payment and it bounces after closure, the company may charge you a failed-payment fee, and you could face late fees or service interruption. Bank of America will not reroute these payments for you. You are responsible for notifying each payee.

Handling outstanding checks and pending transactions

If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, do not close the account until they do. Bank of America will hold the account open long enough for pending checks to process, but this can take weeks. Call the bank and ask how long they will keep the account active for outstanding checks—some branches will extend this period if you ask.

If a check arrives after the account closes, Bank of America may return it unpaid, and the payee will contact you for payment. To avoid this, either wait for all checks to clear before closing, or ask the bank to hold the account open temporarily while you contact the check recipients and ask them to cash the checks before a specific date.

Closing a joint account

If the account is joint, both account holders must consent to closure. Call the bank together, or one person can call and provide the other person's name and authorization. Bank of America will verify both signatures or verbal consent before proceeding. If one account holder refuses to close the account, the bank will not close it.

If the account has a balance, the bank will ask how to split or distribute the money. You can request a check, a transfer to another account, or cash withdrawal. Both account holders should agree on this before calling.

What happens to your debit card and online access

Your debit card will stop working immediately or within one business day of closure. You do not need to cut it up or return it—Bank of America will deactivate it automatically. If you have set up online banking or the mobile app, your login will no longer work once the account closes.

If you have a linked savings account or credit card, those will remain open unless you close them separately. Closing your checking account does not affect other accounts at Bank of America.

Getting your final statement and transaction history

Before you close, download or request a final statement. Log into online banking, go to your account, and select "Statements" or "History." You can download statements as PDF files for your records. If you need statements from years past, you can request them by calling customer service—Bank of America typically keeps records for seven years.

If you are closing because of a dispute or fraud, keep copies of all statements and transaction records. You may need them if you file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or pursue a chargeback on a fraudulent transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account. If you were reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), you may face a waiting period or be denied.

What if I have a pending deposit or refund after I close?

If money arrives after closure, Bank of America will hold it for a limited time and then return it to the sender. Contact the sender (your employer, a retailer, or a government agency) and ask them to reissue the payment to your new account. Keep the account open until you are certain all deposits have arrived.

Do I have to close the account in person?

No. You can close by phone or mobile app. In-person closure is faster if you want to withdraw cash or have questions, but it is not required. Phone closure takes about 10 minutes and is the most common method.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking 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 checking account leaves no record on your credit report.

What if there is a hold or freeze on my account?

If Bank of America has placed a hold due to suspected fraud or a legal issue, you cannot close the account until the hold is lifted. Call customer service to find out why the hold exists and how long it will remain. Once lifted, you can proceed with closure.