How to close a Bank of America checking account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest route is usually a phone call to customer service at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process in about 10 minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and ask to close the account. You can also initiate closure through the mobile app or website, though you may still need to call to confirm.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive—if you owe money, you must pay it first. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account will need to be handled before closure. Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter once the account is closed, and any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, which typically takes 10 minutes and requires only your account number and ID verification.
  • Pay off any negative balance and cancel or redirect automatic payments before closing, or the closure may be delayed.
  • If you have a remaining positive balance after closure, Bank of America will mail you a check within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but it may show on your credit report as a closed account.

What to do before you close

Stop or redirect any automatic payments tied to the account. This includes bill payments, paycheck direct deposits, subscription charges, and transfers to other accounts. Log into your account online or call customer service to review what is currently set up. If you miss this step, payments may fail or bounce, which can trigger overdraft fees or late charges from the companies you owe money to.

Withdraw or transfer any remaining money. You can move funds to another account at Bank of America or elsewhere, or withdraw cash at any branch or ATM. Make sure your account balance is exactly zero or in your favor—if you have a negative balance, you must deposit money to cover it before the account can close.

Collect any checks or debit cards linked to the account and destroy them. Bank of America will deactivate the card, but it is safer to cut it up yourself. If you have checks, do not use them after you request closure, as they will be rejected.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for account services or say "close account." Have your account number, Social Security number, and a valid ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm that your balance is zero or positive, and ask why you are closing. You do not have to answer the reason, but Bank of America may ask anyway.

The representative will then process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Ask the representative to confirm the mailing address where your final check will be sent if there is a remaining balance. The account will close immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the closure to show in your online banking.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with a valid government-issued ID. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, check your balance, and ask about any pending transactions. Bring your debit card and any checks you have so the teller can note that they are being destroyed.

The teller will print a receipt confirming the closure and give you a confirmation number. If you have a positive balance, ask whether they can issue a check on the spot or if it will be mailed. Most branches can print a check immediately, which is faster than waiting for the mail.

Closing through the app or website

Log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app. Go to Settings or Account Services and look for an option to close account or manage accounts. Select your checking account and choose Close Account. You will be asked to confirm your balance is zero and to agree to the closure terms.

After you submit the request online, Bank of America will send you a confirmation email within one business day. However, you may still need to call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the closure, as some account types require verbal confirmation. Check your email for next steps if the online process does not finish immediately.

What happens after closure

Your account will be closed and you will no longer be able to use the debit card or write checks. Any remaining positive balance will be mailed to you as a check within 7 to 10 business days. The check will be sent to the address on file unless you provided a different mailing address during closure.

The closed account will appear on your credit report as a closed account in good standing (if you had no negative balance or late payments). This does not hurt your credit score, but it may be visible to lenders for several years. If you had overdraft fees or other issues before closing, those may still appear on your report.

If you have a negative balance or owe money

Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance. You must deposit money to bring the balance to zero first. If you have overdraft fees or other charges pending, those will be deducted from any deposit you make. Call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to find out the exact amount owed, including any fees that have not yet posted.

Once your balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure. If you do not pay the negative balance, Bank of America may send the debt to a collection agency, which will damage your credit and may result in legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Bank of America checking account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. The closure may show on your credit report as a closed account, but this has no negative impact on your score.

What if I have automatic payments set up and forget to cancel them?

Payments will be rejected and may trigger overdraft fees or late charges from the companies you owe. Before closing, log into your account and review all automatic payments, subscriptions, and transfers. Redirect them to another account or cancel them entirely.

How long does it take to close a Bank of America checking account?

The closure itself is immediate when you call or visit a branch. However, it may take one to two business days for the closure to show in your online banking. If you have a remaining balance, the check will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

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

Yes, you can open a new checking account at Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or other issues, Bank of America may review your history before allowing you to open a new account.

What if I close my account but still receive a check from Bank of America?

If you receive a check after closure, it is likely your remaining balance. Cash it at any bank or ATM. If the check is for a refund or other reason, contact Bank of America customer service to confirm what it is for.