The basic steps to close a Bank of America account

You can close a Bank of America checking or savings account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about what happens to your money and any pending transactions. If you prefer to do it in person, bring a valid ID to any Bank of America branch and ask to speak with an account manager.

Before you close the account, make sure your balance is zero or transfer any remaining funds to another bank. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and they will not transfer money for you—you have to move it yourself. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, change those to your new account first, because the bank will not forward them once the account is closed.

The actual closure usually happens immediately over the phone or at the branch, but it can take a few business days for the account to fully disappear from their system. You will receive written confirmation by mail within 7 to 10 days. Keep that confirmation in case you need proof later that the account was closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch with your ID, or use online banking to start the closure process—phone is usually fastest.
  • Move all your money out first; Bank of America will not close an account with a balance or transfer funds for you.
  • Change any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay arrangements before closing, because the bank will not forward them.
  • The account closes immediately or within a few business days, and you will receive written confirmation in the mail.
  • If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing a checking or savings account does not close the card—you must close it separately.

What to do with money still in the account

You must move any remaining balance to another bank account before closing. You can do this by transferring the money online if you have set up an external account in your Bank of America profile, or by withdrawing cash at a branch or ATM and depositing it elsewhere. If you have a large balance, a wire transfer is another option—ask a teller or call customer service for the wire instructions.

If you leave money in the account after closure, Bank of America will hold it and you will have to contact them to retrieve it. This can take extra time and phone calls, so move the money before you close rather than after.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments you have set up through Bank of America will stop working once the account closes. Before you close, log into your online banking and review your bill pay history to see which companies are pulling money from this account. Contact each one and update your payment method to your new bank account or credit card.

If your employer or a government agency (Social Security, tax refunds, unemployment) deposits money into this account, you need to update that information with them before closing. Go to your employer's payroll system or the agency's website and change your direct deposit details. This usually takes one or two pay cycles to take effect, so do it at least a week before you plan to close the account.

If you miss updating a payment or deposit and money tries to go into the closed account, it will be rejected. The sender may charge you a fee for the failed transaction, and you will have to contact them to resend it to your new account.

Closing the account at a branch versus by phone

Closing in person at a branch takes about 15 to 30 minutes and gives you a chance to ask questions face-to-face. You can also withdraw cash if you have a balance, though you will still need to move any remaining funds to another account before the closure is final. Bring your ID and any debit cards associated with the account—the teller may ask to see them or cut them up in front of you.

Closing by phone is faster and does not require you to leave home. The representative will ask you why you are closing (you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and process the closure. They will also ask whether you want to keep any other Bank of America accounts open. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Online closure through the Bank of America website or mobile app is available for some account types, but not all. Log into your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. If you do not see it, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working as soon as the account closes or shortly after. You do not need to do anything with it—it will simply decline at checkout. If you want to destroy it for security reasons, you can cut it up, but it is not required.

If you have checks printed for this account, they will no longer work once the account is closed. Destroy any remaining checks or contact Bank of America to request that they be cancelled. If someone tries to cash a check from your closed account, it will be rejected by the bank.

Reopening the account if you change your mind

If you close your account and then decide you want it back, you can reopen it within a certain window. Bank of America typically allows you to reopen a closed account within 30 days without a new application, though this varies. After 30 days, you will have to open a new account, which may involve a new application and a hard inquiry into your banking history.

If you closed the account because of a problem—a fee you disputed, a service issue, or a mistake—contact Bank of America customer service before closing to see if they can resolve it. Sometimes the issue can be fixed without closing the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to close my Bank of America credit card when I close my checking account?

No. Closing a checking or savings account does not close any credit cards you have with Bank of America. You must close the card separately if you want to. Call the number on the back of the card or log into your online account to close it.

What if I have a pending check or transfer that has not cleared yet?

Wait for all pending transactions to clear before closing the account. If you close while a check or transfer is still processing, it may bounce or be rejected. Check your recent transactions in online banking to see what is still outstanding, and give it a few business days to settle.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history—not on bank accounts. Closing a credit card can have a small impact on your score, but closing a deposit account will not.

Can I close the account if I have a negative balance or owe Bank of America money?

No. You must pay off any negative balance or fees owed before the account can be closed. If you owe money, the bank will not process the closure until you pay. Contact customer service to find out exactly what you owe and how to pay it.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account usually closes immediately when you request it over the phone or at a branch, but it can take a few business days to disappear from their system completely. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 days. If you need proof that the account is closed before then, ask for a confirmation number when you close it.