The basic steps to close your account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the account is in good standing. The fastest route is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the closure and answer questions about what happens to pending transactions or automatic payments. If you go to a branch, bring your ID and the account number.

Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. The process itself takes a few minutes, but your account may not fully close for several business days after you initiate it. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, or you can ask for it to be transferred to another account at the time of closure.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending checks have cleared, and you have stopped any automatic bill payments or direct deposits that use this account. If money is still owed on the account—for instance, if you have an overdraft fee—Bank of America may hold the account open until that is resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID to close your account; there is no fee.
  • Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before closure, or they may fail and create overdraft fees.
  • Your remaining balance will be mailed as a check unless you ask for it to be transferred to another account.
  • The account closure takes several business days to complete, even though the request itself is immediate.
  • If you have an overdraft or unpaid fees, Bank of America may delay closure until the balance is settled.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits

Any recurring bill payments, subscription charges, or paycheck deposits tied to this account will fail once it closes. You need to move these to another account or cancel them before you initiate closure. Log into your Bank of America online banking and review the "Transfers" and "Bill Pay" sections to see what is set up. For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number at least a week before closure.

If you forget to redirect a payment and it bounces after closure, the merchant may charge you a failed payment fee, and your employer's payroll system may flag the issue. This can delay your next paycheck. Call the merchant or your employer immediately if this happens, and provide them with your new account details.

How to handle your remaining balance

Bank of America will mail any leftover money to the address on file as a check within 7 to 10 business days of closure. The check is mailed to your mailing address, not your email. If you want the money faster, ask the representative during closure to transfer it to another bank account you own—this can happen the same day.

If you do not receive the check within two weeks, call 1-800-432-1000 and provide your former account number. Bank of America can issue a replacement check or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. Keep the closure confirmation number they give you when you close the account; you will need it if you have to follow up.

Closing an account with an overdraft or unpaid fees

If your account is overdrawn or you have unpaid fees, Bank of America will not close it until the balance is brought to zero or positive. You must deposit money into the account to cover the overdraft and any associated fees before closure can proceed. Once the balance is settled, you can close immediately.

If you are unsure whether you have an overdraft, log into your account online or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your current balance. The representative can tell you exactly what is owed and whether closure is possible right now or if you need to make a deposit first.

Timing and what happens after you close

The closure request is processed the same day you make it, but the account remains open for several business days while pending transactions clear. During this time, checks you wrote may still arrive at Bank of America for processing, and any automatic payments you missed canceling might attempt to post. Once the account is fully closed, no new transactions can be added.

After closure, you cannot use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. If you need records of old transactions, you can request them before closure or ask Bank of America to send statements to your email after the account is closed. Bank of America keeps transaction history for seven years, so you can retrieve old statements if you need them later for tax or legal reasons.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must agree to close it. You cannot close a joint account alone. Contact Bank of America and ask whether both people need to be present at a branch or whether one person can call on behalf of both with written authorization. Policies vary, so confirm before you go in or call.

If the other account holder does not want to close the account, you have two options: remove yourself as an authorized user (if that is possible under your account type) or leave the account open. Bank of America can explain which option applies to your specific account setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

Bank of America does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. Phone closure is usually faster and does not require you to travel.

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

Wait for the check to clear before closing, or tell the representative during closure that a check is pending. Bank of America will keep the account open long enough for it to process. If you close before it clears, the check may bounce, and the person who wrote it will be charged a fee.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.

How long does it take to fully close the account?

The closure request is immediate, but the account remains open for 3 to 5 business days while pending transactions clear. Your remaining balance is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after that. Full closure from start to finish usually takes 10 to 15 business days.

What if I change my mind after closing?

Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. You will need to open a new checking account. If you closed it by mistake, call 1-800-432-1000 immediately—if the closure has not fully processed yet, a representative may be able to stop it.