Close your account by phone, in person, or online
Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through three channels: calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call—you'll reach someone within minutes during business hours, and they can walk you through the steps and confirm the closure the same day. In-person closure at a branch takes about 15 minutes and gives you a paper record. Online closure through the mobile app or website works if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions, though you may still need to call to confirm.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out or request a check. If you have pending deposits or automatic payments still processing, wait for those to clear first—closing an account with outstanding transactions can create problems with creditors or employers. Bank of America will not close an account that still has a balance owed to them, such as overdraft fees or negative balances.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours to close over the phone, which is the fastest method and gives you immediate confirmation.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure; transfer remaining funds to another bank or request a check from Bank of America.
- Wait for all pending transactions, automatic payments, and direct deposits to clear before you initiate closure to avoid complications.
- If you have a linked credit card or other Bank of America products, closing a checking or savings account does not automatically close those accounts.
- Ask for written confirmation of closure, either by email or mail, so you have a record if issues arise later.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Your debit card will stop working immediately or within a few hours after closure, depending on the method you use. If you close by phone or in person, the representative can deactivate it right away. If you close online, the card may remain active for a short window—typically a few hours—so do not rely on it after you've initiated closure. Destroy the card yourself by cutting it up or shredding it; do not throw it away intact.
Any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet will bounce once the account closes. If you have outstanding checks, contact the people or businesses you wrote them to and arrange payment another way before you close. Unused checkbooks should be destroyed or returned to Bank of America. If you're worried about checks clearing after closure, ask the bank representative how long they'll honor checks written before the closure date—this varies by situation.
Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close, log into your online banking or call the bank to review all automatic payments and recurring charges tied to the account. Common ones include insurance premiums, utility bills, subscription services, loan payments, and gym memberships. You have two options: update each company with a new bank account or payment method before closure, or cancel the service entirely if you don't need it anymore.
If you have direct deposit set up—for paychecks, Social Security, tax refunds, or benefits—contact your employer, the Social Security Administration, or the relevant agency and provide your new account number at your new bank. Do this at least one pay cycle before you close the old account. If direct deposit hits a closed account, the money will be returned to the sender, and you'll have to contact them to reissue it, which can take weeks.
Linked accounts and credit cards
Closing a Bank of America checking or savings account does not close a linked credit card, money market account, or investment account. Each product is separate. If you want to close a credit card, you'll need to pay off the balance first and then request closure separately—either by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or through the credit card's online portal. Closing a credit card can affect your credit score, so understand the impact before you do it.
If you have overdraft protection linked to another account, that link will break when you close the primary account. Make sure you understand which accounts are connected before you proceed. Bank of America's customer service can show you all linked products during your closure call.
What to do with outstanding checks and pending transactions
Bank of America will hold a closed account open for a short period—usually 30 to 90 days—to process checks and transactions that were in flight when you closed. This means a check you wrote before closure can still clear even after the account is officially closed, as long as it arrives within that window. After the hold period expires, any remaining uncashed checks will be returned to the sender marked "account closed."
If you're closing because you're switching banks, the safest approach is to wait until all your regular payments have cleared at least once on the new account before you close the old one. This gives you a chance to catch any automatic payments you missed. Keep the old account open for at least 30 days after your last transaction if possible.
Closing a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must agree to close it. Bank of America requires either both people to be present in person or both to authorize closure by phone. If one person wants to close and the other doesn't, you cannot proceed without their consent. The alternative is to remove one person from the account, which requires both signatures or authorization, and then the remaining person can close it later if they choose.
When a joint account closes, any remaining balance is typically split equally unless the account agreement specifies otherwise. Ask the bank representative how they'll handle the final balance before you authorize closure.
After closure: what to expect
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining activity. This usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Keep this statement for your records. If you requested a check for your remaining balance, it will arrive separately, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If the check is lost or doesn't arrive, contact Bank of America and they can issue a replacement or transfer the funds electronically to your new bank.
Your account number will remain inactive in Bank of America's system, so if someone tries to use it fraudulently after closure, the transaction will be rejected. However, you should still monitor your credit report for a few months to make sure no one opened new accounts in your name using your Social Security number. You can check your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes. Bank of America will let you reopen an account within a certain timeframe after closure, though the exact window varies. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether your account can be reopened. If it's been a long time or if you closed due to fraud or violation of terms, reopening may not be possible.
What if I have a negative balance or owe Bank of America money?
Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance or outstanding fees. You must pay the amount owed first. If you're unsure of the exact amount, call and ask for an itemized list of all charges and fees before you attempt closure.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it all by phone?
You can close entirely by phone. In-person closure is not required. Phone closure is often faster and gives you immediate confirmation. Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure date and final balance.
What happens to my overdraft protection when I close?
Overdraft protection linked to another account will be removed when you close the primary account. If you're moving to a new bank and want overdraft protection there, you'll need to set it up separately with your new bank.
How long does it take for a closed Bank of America account to stop appearing on my credit report?
A closed account will remain on your credit report for up to seven years, but it will be marked as closed. This does not hurt your credit score. After seven years, it will fall off automatically. You do not need to do anything to remove it.