You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances or holds
Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through the mobile app for certain account types. Before you close, you need to zero out the balance—withdraw or transfer any remaining money—and settle any outstanding fees or overdrafts. If you have a mortgage, credit card, or other loan with Bank of America, closing a deposit account does not affect those separate products.
The process itself takes minutes once you initiate it, but the account may take 5 to 10 business days to fully close after you make the request. During that window, any pending transactions can still post. If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, those will fail after the account closes, so you should redirect them to a new account first.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to close your account; you cannot close all account types through the app.
- Your account balance must be zero before Bank of America will close it, so withdraw or transfer all remaining funds.
- Redirect any direct deposits or automatic bill payments to another account before closing, or they will fail.
- The account takes 5 to 10 business days to fully close after you request it, and pending transactions can still post during that time.
- Closing a deposit account does not close credit cards, loans, or other separate Bank of America products you hold.
What you need to do before calling or visiting
Empty your account completely. Withdraw cash at an ATM or teller, or transfer the balance to another bank. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance, and they will not close it if you owe fees or have an overdraft. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding charges, ask the representative when you call or visit.
Stop all automatic transactions tied to that account. Log into your Bank of America account online or through the app and review your scheduled transfers, bill payments, and direct deposits. Change the account number on any payroll or benefit deposits so they go to your new bank instead. For bills you pay automatically, update those accounts with your new bank details or switch to a different payment method. If you miss this step, payments will bounce and you may face late fees from the companies you owe.
Gather your account number and a government-issued ID. You will need both when you call or visit. If you are closing the account by phone, have your Social Security number ready as well for verification.
Closing your account by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity using your account number, Social Security number, and other details. Let them know whether you want to close just one account or multiple accounts if you have more than one with Bank of America.
The representative will confirm your balance is zero and that there are no holds or pending transactions. If there are, they will tell you what needs to settle first. Once everything is clear, they will process the closure request. Ask them for a confirmation number and the expected closing date—usually 5 to 10 business days from the date you call.
After you hang up, check your account online or through the app over the next few days to make sure no new transactions post. If you see unexpected charges, call back immediately to dispute them before the account closes.
Closing your account in person at a branch
Bring your government-issued ID and go to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Tell a teller or banker that you want to close your account. They will pull up your account, verify your balance is zero, and check for any holds or pending items. If everything is clear, they will process the closure on the spot.
Ask for a written confirmation of the closure request, including the date the account will close and a reference number. Keep this document in case you need to follow up. The teller may also offer to help you open an account at another bank or discuss other Bank of America products, but you are not required to do either.
Closing through the mobile app or online
Bank of America allows you to close some checking and savings accounts through the mobile app, but not all account types. Open the app, go to your account settings, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. If you see it, follow the prompts. If you do not see the option, your account type cannot be closed through the app and you will need to call or visit a branch.
Online banking through the website does not currently offer an account closure tool, so the app is your only digital option. If you prefer not to use the app, phone and in-person remain available.
What happens after you request closure
Your account will remain open for 5 to 10 business days while Bank of America processes the request. During this time, any checks you wrote, transfers you initiated, or automatic payments that were already in motion can still post. This is why it matters to redirect your direct deposits and bill payments before you close—if a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will bounce.
Once the account is fully closed, you will no longer be able to access it through online banking or the app. If you need records of transactions from that account, download or print your statements before the account closes. Bank of America will keep records on file, but accessing old statements becomes more difficult after closure.
If you had a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. Destroy the card or contact Bank of America to have it deactivated if you are concerned about security.
If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees
Bank of America will not close an account if you owe money. If your account is overdrawn or you have unpaid fees, you must pay the full amount before closure can proceed. You can do this by transferring money from another account, depositing cash at a teller or ATM, or arranging a payment over the phone with a representative.
If you are disputing a fee, tell the representative when you call or visit. They can review the charge and may reverse it if it was applied in error. Once any balance is settled, you can proceed with closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment?
Technically yes, but you should not. Redirect those transactions to your new account first. If a payment tries to post after the account closes, it will fail and you may face late fees from the company you owe. Bank of America gives you 5 to 10 days after you request closure, which is enough time to update your banking information elsewhere.
What if I close my account but still owe Bank of America money on a credit card or loan?
Closing a deposit account does not affect credit cards, mortgages, or other loans. Those are separate products and will remain open. Bank of America will continue to bill you and expect payments. Make sure you have another way to pay those bills before you close your deposit account.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?
The request takes minutes to submit by phone, in person, or through the app. The actual closure takes 5 to 10 business days. During that window, pending transactions can still post, so do not assume the account is closed immediately.
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute or problem, Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but approval is not automatic.
What should I do with my old debit card after I close the account?
Cut it up or shred it. The card will stop working once the account closes, but destroying it removes any risk if it is lost or stolen. You do not need to return it to Bank of America unless they specifically ask you to.