How to close a Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest route is a phone call to customer service at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process and confirm it immediately. If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and ask to close the account. Online closure is available for some account types through the Bank of America website or mobile app, though not all accounts can be closed this way.
Before you close, move any remaining money out of the account and make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to it. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance or pending transactions. If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing a checking or savings account does not close the card — you must handle those separately.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close most accounts by phone; a representative will confirm the closure on the same call.
- Empty the account completely and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits before closing, or the bank will not process the closure.
- Closing a checking or savings account does not close a credit card; you must request credit card closure separately if you want it closed.
- The bank will send a final statement to your address on file within 30 days, showing any remaining balance or fees.
- If you have a mortgage, home equity line, or other loan with Bank of America, closing a deposit account does not affect those products.
Steps to close by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready, though the representative can look it up with your Social Security number and date of birth. They will ask why you are closing and whether you want to close just one account or multiple accounts.
The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero and that no pending transactions are waiting to clear. If there is money in the account, they will ask where you want it sent — usually to another bank account you provide, or by check to your address on file. Once everything is confirmed, the closure is immediate, and you will receive a confirmation number.
Keep the confirmation number for your records. The bank will mail a final statement to your address on file within 30 days. If you do not receive it within 45 days, call back with your confirmation number and request a copy.
Closing an account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with a valid government-issued ID. Tell the teller or banker you want to close your account and provide your account number. They will pull up your account and confirm the balance with you.
If there is money in the account, you can withdraw it in cash, transfer it to another account, or request a check. If you have a checkbook or debit card linked to the account, bring those with you so the banker can collect them and destroy them. The banker will process the closure on the spot and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.
Closing an account online
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app and look for account settings or account management. Not all account types can be closed online — savings accounts and some checking accounts may have the option, but money market accounts and certain specialty accounts may require a phone call or branch visit.
If the online option is available for your account, you will be asked to confirm your identity and review your account balance. The system will walk you through next steps for any remaining funds. Once you submit the closure request, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
What to do before closing
Check for any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account. Common ones include utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, and loan payments. Log into each service and update the payment method to a different account or card, or cancel the service if you no longer need it. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government benefits, update your employer or benefits administrator with a new account number before closing. Deposits sent to a closed account will be returned to the sender, and you may not receive the funds for several days or weeks.
Review your account for the past 60 days to catch any charges or subscriptions you may have forgotten about. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions, so make sure everything has cleared.
What happens after you close
The account closes immediately if you close by phone or in person, or within one to two business days if you close online. You will no longer be able to use any debit card, checks, or online access tied to that account. Any attempt to use the card or write a check will be declined.
Bank of America will mail a final statement showing the account closure date and any remaining balance or fees. If there was money in the account, it will show where that money was sent. Keep this statement for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized charges, contact Bank of America's fraud department at 1-800-432-1000 to report it. They can investigate the charges and may reverse them, even after the account is closed.
Closing a credit card versus a deposit account
Closing a Bank of America checking or savings account does not close a credit card, and closing a credit card does not close a deposit account. They are separate products. If you want to close a credit card, call the number on the back of the card or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with the credit card department.
Before closing a credit card, pay off the full balance and make sure no automatic payments are linked to it. After closure, you can still view your account online for billing purposes, but you cannot make new charges. The card will remain on your credit report for seven years after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 overdrafts or other issues, Bank of America may review your history before opening a new one. If you were flagged in the ChexSystems database (a banking history report), you may need to wait or resolve the issue first.
What if I have a pending check or transfer when I try to close?
Bank of America will not close the account until all pending transactions clear. Wait for the check or transfer to post, then call back to close. This usually takes one to three business days, depending on the type of transaction.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it by phone?
Phone is fastest and just as official as in person. You do not need to visit a branch unless you prefer to withdraw cash or have a complicated situation. A phone closure is binding and immediate.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because deposit accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Closing a credit card may lower your score slightly by reducing your available credit, but the impact is usually small and temporary.
What if I forgot to cancel an automatic payment before closing?
The payment will fail and be returned to the biller. Contact the biller immediately and provide a new payment method. You may face a late fee, so update your information as soon as possible. This is why it is important to cancel or update all automatic payments before closing the account.