Call Bank of America or visit a branch to close your account
The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone about account closure. They will verify your identity, confirm you want to close the account, and process the request over the phone. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If you prefer to close the account in person, walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and tell a representative you want to close your checking account. They will handle it on the spot. You can also use the Bank of America mobile app or website to initiate closure, though you may still need to call to complete it.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it first. Bank of America will not close an account with money owed.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person to close your account; phone closure takes about 15 minutes.
- Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure; you cannot close an account with an overdraft.
- Stop using the account and transfer or withdraw all remaining funds before the closure is final.
- Request written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case disputes arise later.
- Check your credit report after closure to ensure the account is marked as closed by the account holder, not by the bank.
Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance first
Before you call to close the account, move any money out of it. You can transfer funds to another bank account using an external transfer, or withdraw cash at a Bank of America ATM or branch. If you have direct deposits set up, change them to your new account so future paychecks do not land in a closed account.
If you have automatic bill payments or recurring transfers set up from this checking account, cancel or redirect them before closure. Bank of America will not process transactions from a closed account, and your bills may not get paid. Check your account for any scheduled payments in the next 30 days and update them now.
Pay off any overdraft or negative balance
If your account shows a negative balance—meaning you owe Bank of America money—you must pay it before closure. You can deposit cash or transfer money from another account to bring the balance to zero. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding debt.
If you have unpaid overdraft fees, those must be settled too. Ask the representative when you call whether the bank will waive any fees as a courtesy, but do not count on it. Some branches will negotiate, especially if you have been a long-standing customer, but there is no may provide.
What happens to linked accounts and services
If you have a Bank of America savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to this checking account, closing the checking account does not close those other accounts. They remain open unless you specifically close them separately.
If you use Bank of America's bill pay service, Zelle transfers, or other digital banking features tied to this account, those will stop working once the account closes. Update any services that rely on this account before you initiate closure. If you have a Bank of America debit card attached to this account, it will stop working after closure.
Timing and what to expect after closure
Bank of America typically closes the account within one to three business days after you request it. During that time, the account remains open but flagged for closure. Do not attempt to use the account or debit card during this period.
After closure is final, any checks you wrote from this account may still arrive at the bank for weeks or months. Bank of America will return them marked "account closed" rather than cashing them. If you wrote checks that have not cleared yet, contact the recipients and provide them with your new account information so they can reissue payment.
Request written confirmation of the closure from Bank of America. Ask the representative to email or mail you a letter stating the account is closed at your request. Keep this document for your records—it protects you if disputes arise later about the account status.
Check your credit report after closure
After the account closes, the account will appear on your credit report. It should be marked as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request," not "closed by creditor" or "closed by bank." The distinction matters because accounts closed by the bank can sometimes signal financial trouble to future lenders.
Wait 30 to 60 days after closure, then check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (the free federal site) to verify the account status. If it is marked as closed by the bank instead of by you, contact Bank of America and ask them to correct it with the credit bureaus. This correction can take 30 days.
What to do if you cannot close the account by phone
If Bank of America refuses to close your account over the phone—which is rare—visit a branch in person. Bring your ID and ask to speak with a manager if the first representative says no. You have the right to close your own account.
If you no longer live near a Bank of America branch and cannot visit one, send a certified letter to the branch where you opened the account requesting closure. Include your account number, full name, and signature. Keep a copy for your records. The bank must respond within 10 business days, though closure may take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?
Yes, but wait for pending transactions to clear first. Pending transactions are not yet final, and closing the account while they are pending can cause them to fail. Check your account for the next five to seven business days to ensure all transactions have posted, then close.
What if I have a negative balance and cannot pay it right now?
Bank of America will not close the account until the balance is paid. You can leave the account open and inactive, or contact the bank to discuss a payment plan. Some branches may work with you, but closure is not an option until the debt is settled.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not report to credit bureaus. However, if the account is closed by the bank due to unpaid overdrafts, that can be reported and may impact your score. Closing at your own request has no credit impact.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Bank of America may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, usually 90 days, but this depends on the reason for closure and the branch. If you think you might need the account again, ask the representative about reopening options before you close it.
What if I receive mail about the account after it closes?
If Bank of America sends statements or notices after closure, ignore them—the account is closed and you owe nothing. If you receive a bill or collection notice, contact the bank immediately to confirm the account was closed at your request and ask them to stop sending mail.