Close your account in person, by phone, or by mail — but settle what you owe first
You can close a Bank of America account by visiting a branch in person, calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or sending a written request by mail. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero (withdraw remaining funds or let them transfer out), any pending transactions have cleared, and you have canceled any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but they will not close it if money is still owed.
The fastest method is walking into a branch with your ID — a banker can close it on the spot and answer questions about what happens to pending checks or transfers. If you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions. If you mail a request, send it to your local branch or the address on your statement; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
Key Takeaways
- Withdraw or transfer out your remaining balance before closing, or Bank of America will not process the closure.
- Cancel any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to the account at least a week before you close.
- Closing in person at a branch is fastest and lets you confirm the account is fully closed on the same day.
- If you have outstanding fees or negative balance, the bank may hold the account open until the debt is paid.
- After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation of closure for your records in case a payment or deposit arrives late.
Stop automatic payments and deposits before you close
Any recurring transaction — paycheck direct deposit, automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers to another account — must be canceled or redirected before you close. If you do not, payments may bounce, your employer may not know where to send your next check, and you could face overdraft fees even after the account is closed.
Log into your Bank of America account online or in the mobile app and review the "Transfers" and "Bill Pay" sections. Cancel each recurring payment individually. For direct deposit, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new account number if you have one, or ask them to pause deposits while you transition. Give yourself at least 7 to 10 days for these changes to take effect across all systems.
Withdraw your balance or transfer it out
Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance. You must either withdraw the money in cash, transfer it to another account, or request that the bank mail you a check. If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), the bank will not close it until the debt is paid.
The simplest approach is to transfer your balance to another bank account you control — you can do this online through Bank of America's transfer tool, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days. If you prefer cash, visit a branch and withdraw the full amount. If the balance is small and you want to close quickly, ask the banker if you can leave a small amount to be donated to a charity or simply forfeited; policies vary by branch.
Close the account in person at a branch
Bring your ID and account number to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Tell the banker you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, check for any pending transactions, and process the closure immediately. Ask them to print a confirmation receipt showing the account is closed.
This method is best because you walk out knowing the account is closed and you have proof. The banker can also answer questions about what happens to checks you wrote before closing (they may still clear after the account is closed, which can cause problems) and whether any holds or flags are on the account. If you have multiple accounts, specify which one you are closing.
Close by phone if you cannot visit a branch
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and say you want to close your account. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. The representative will ask security questions to verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure over the phone.
Ask the representative to email or mail you a written confirmation of the closure. This creates a record in case the account does not actually close or if a transaction arrives after you think it is closed. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long during business hours.
Send a written closure request by mail
Write a letter to your local Bank of America branch or to the address on your account statement. Include your full name, account number, the date, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Sign the letter and mail it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was delivered.
Bank of America will process the request within 7 to 10 business days. They will send you a confirmation letter. This method is slowest and leaves the most room for error — the bank may not receive the letter, or they may misplace it. Use this method only if you cannot visit a branch or call, and follow up by phone if you do not receive confirmation within two weeks.
What happens to checks and pending transactions after you close
Checks you wrote before closing may still clear after the account is closed, sometimes weeks later. Bank of America will honor them if funds are available, but if the account is already closed, the check may bounce and you could face a returned-check fee. Before closing, wait until all checks you know about have cleared, or contact the recipients and ask them to deposit checks quickly.
Pending transactions — charges that have not yet posted — may also process after closure. If a charge posts to a closed account, it will typically bounce back to the merchant. Some merchants will retry the charge, which can cause confusion. Review your account for 30 days after closure to catch any unexpected activity, and contact Bank of America immediately if a charge appears on a closed account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a Bank of America account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. Contact Bank of America to arrange payment, then close the account. If you do not pay, the bank may send the debt to a collection agency.
What if I have a credit card with Bank of America — does closing my checking account affect it?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not close a credit card. You must close the credit card separately if you want to. Contact the credit card department or log into your credit card account online to request closure.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?
In person: same day. By phone: same day. By mail: 7 to 10 business days. You should receive written confirmation within two weeks of any closure request.
Do I need to close my account in the same branch where I opened it?
No. You can close at any Bank of America branch, regardless of where you opened the account. All branches have access to your account information.
What should I do if a payment arrives after I close my account?
Contact the sender immediately and provide your new account number if you have one. If the payment bounced, ask them to resubmit it. Keep records of the bounced payment in case you are charged a fee by the sender or Bank of America.