Call Bank of America or visit a branch to close your checking account
Bank of America lets you close a checking account by phone, in person, or online through your account settings. The fastest route is a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-432-1000 — a representative can walk you through the process in minutes and confirm the account is closed before you hang up. If you prefer to close it in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, you can transfer it to another bank, withdraw it in cash, or ask the bank to mail you a check. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance until the money is moved. If your account is overdrawn (negative balance), you must pay the overdraft amount first.
Once the account is closed, Bank of America will send you written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter — it proves the account is closed and can help if a charge appears on the account later or if you need proof for another bank or creditor.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID to close the account; phone is fastest and gives you immediate confirmation.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure — transfer, withdraw, or request a check for any remaining funds.
- Pay any overdraft balance before closing; the bank will not close an account with a negative balance.
- Bank of America sends written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks; save this letter as proof of closure.
- Any pending transactions or automatic payments tied to the account will be rejected after closure, so update those payments elsewhere first.
What happens to pending transactions and automatic payments
Any automatic payments or recurring charges set to come from your checking account will fail once it closes. This includes bill payments, subscription services, payroll direct deposit, and transfers you have scheduled. Bank of America does not automatically redirect these payments to another account, so you must update them yourself before or immediately after closing.
Check your account for any pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but not yet posted. These can take several days to clear even after you close the account. If a pending charge posts after closure, contact Bank of America's customer service to dispute it or request a refund. The bank may charge you a fee for processing a transaction on a closed account, so catching these early matters.
If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, update your employer's payroll system with your new bank account details at least one pay cycle before closing. A direct deposit to a closed account will be returned to your employer, and you may face a delay getting that money.
Closing the account online through your Bank of America profile
Bank of America's online banking platform allows you to request account closure without calling or visiting a branch. Log into your account, go to the account settings or profile section, and look for an option to close or manage accounts. The exact location varies depending on whether you use the website or mobile app, but it is usually under "Account Services" or "Settings."
Online closure is slower than a phone call — it can take several business days for the bank to process your request, and you will not get immediate confirmation. If you need the account closed quickly or want to confirm it is done before you leave the bank, phone or in-person closure is more reliable. Online closure also works only if your account is in good standing and has a zero balance.
Handling outstanding checks and pending ACH transfers
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, those checks will bounce after you close the account. Before closing, contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and ask if they have deposited it. If they have not, ask them to hold off or request a different payment method. If a check bounces, the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee, and you will owe them the money through another method.
ACH transfers — electronic payments you initiated to or from other banks — may still be in progress when you close the account. Incoming transfers to a closed account will be returned to the sender. Outgoing transfers that have not yet posted will be cancelled. Contact Bank of America if you are unsure whether a transfer has cleared; they can tell you the status and help you reroute it if needed.
What to do if Bank of America denies your closure request
Bank of America can refuse to close an account if there is an outstanding balance, an active dispute, or a hold placed by law enforcement or a creditor. If the bank denies your request, ask the representative for the specific reason in writing. Most holds are temporary and will be lifted once the issue is resolved.
If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it before closure. If there is an active dispute on the account — for example, a chargeback or fraud claim — the bank will not close it until the dispute is settled. If a creditor or court has placed a levy on the account, you will need to work with that creditor or the court to lift it before Bank of America can close the account.
If you believe the bank is wrongfully refusing to close your account, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB can investigate and push the bank to resolve the issue.
Closing a joint checking account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually must consent to closure. Bank of America may require both of you to call, visit in person, or sign a written request. If one account holder wants to close the account and the other does not, the bank will not close it without a court order or written agreement from both parties.
If you are the only one who wants to close the account, you have the option to remove yourself as an account holder instead, leaving the other person with sole ownership. This requires the same verification process but does not close the account itself. The remaining account holder can then continue using it or close it later on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closure. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, the bank may review your history before allowing you to open a new one. There is no waiting period, but the bank may ask questions about why the previous account was closed.
What if I close my account and then a charge appears on it?
Contact Bank of America immediately and explain that the account is closed. The bank can investigate the charge and issue a refund if it was fraudulent or posted in error. Keep your closure confirmation letter handy — it proves the account was closed and strengthens your dispute.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing the account?
You should cut up or shred your debit card to prevent accidental use, but it is not required. Once the account is closed, any attempt to use the card will be declined. Destroying it simply removes the risk of confusion if you find it later.
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on bank accounts. Closing a checking account leaves no mark on your credit report.
How long does it take for Bank of America to fully close the account?
If you close by phone or in person, the account is closed immediately and you receive verbal confirmation. Written confirmation arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you request closure online, processing takes several business days. After closure, it can take up to 30 days for the account to disappear from your online banking profile.