How to close your 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 usually a phone call to the number on the back of your card or 1-800-432-1000. Before you close, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, confirm there are no pending transactions, and make sure you have received all statements you need for tax or record-keeping purposes.
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, and the process typically takes one to three business days to complete. However, if your account has an outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or unresolved disputes, the bank may hold the account open until those issues are resolved. Once closed, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access online banking for that account.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account by calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using the online banking portal—all three methods work equally well.
- Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before closing, because the bank will not hold funds indefinitely after the account is closed.
- Make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account, or they will fail after closure.
- The account typically closes within one to three business days, but the bank may delay closure if there are pending transactions, overdraft fees, or disputes.
- Keep your final statement for your records, especially if you need documentation for tax purposes or proof of account closure.
Prepare your account before closing
Before you contact the bank, take these steps to avoid complications. Log into your online banking and check the current balance. If there is money in the account, decide whether you want to withdraw it in cash at a branch, transfer it to another bank account, or request a check from the bank. If you close the account with a positive balance, the bank will mail you a check, but this adds several days to the process.
Next, cancel or redirect any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, and loan payments. Log into each service's website or call the company directly to update the payment method or account number. If you miss this step, payments will fail after the account closes, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Check whether you have any pending deposits, such as direct deposit paychecks or transfers from other accounts. If your employer or another source is set to deposit money into this account, update that information before closing. Similarly, if you have set up automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts, pause or cancel those as well.
Close your account by phone
Calling Bank of America is the most direct method. Dial 1-800-432-1000 and follow the prompts to reach a representative. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of identification ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm that you want to close the account, and ask whether you want to close a checking account, savings account, or both.
Tell the representative how you want to handle any remaining balance. If you request a check, provide a mailing address. If you want to transfer funds to another account, have that bank's routing number and your account number ready. The representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number—write this down for your records.
The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you hang up, the account will enter a closure status, and you will lose access to online banking and your debit card within one business day. The closure will be finalized within one to three business days.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Tell the teller or banker that you want to close your account. They will pull up your account, verify your identity, and ask the same questions as a phone representative: which account to close and how to handle the remaining balance.
If you have cash in the account, the teller can withdraw it immediately and hand it to you. If you want a check, the teller can print one on the spot in most cases. If you want to transfer funds to another bank, provide the routing number and account number, and the teller will initiate the transfer. You will receive a receipt confirming the closure.
Closing in person is useful if you have questions the representative cannot answer over the phone, or if you want to ensure the balance is handled correctly before you leave. However, branch hours may not match your schedule, and wait times can be longer during peak hours.
Close your account online
Log into your Bank of America online banking portal and navigate to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Bank of America's online closure tool walks you through the steps: confirming your identity, selecting which account to close, and choosing how to handle the remaining balance.
Not all account types can be closed online. If you see no closure option in your account settings, you will need to call or visit a branch. Some accounts with outstanding balances, overdraft fees, or holds may also be restricted from online closure. If you encounter this, call 1-800-432-1000 to proceed by phone.
Online closure is the fastest if your account is may be able to access, because you do not have to wait for branch hours or phone queue times. However, you lose the ability to ask follow-up questions in real time, so make sure you understand the remaining balance and transfer options before you start.
What happens after you close your account
Once the closure is processed, you will no longer be able to log into online banking for that account, and your debit card will stop working. Any pending transactions that have not yet cleared may still post to the account during the closure window—this is normal and does not reopen the account. If a transaction posts after closure, the bank will handle it according to the account's final status.
If you had overdraft protection linked to another account, that protection will no longer apply. Make sure any other accounts you use do not depend on transfers from the closed account. Bank of America will keep records of the closed account for seven years, so you can request statements or transaction history if you need them for tax purposes or disputes.
If you set up a new account with Bank of America or another bank, do not reuse the same account number for automatic payments or direct deposits. Update all recurring charges and deposits with the new account information to avoid failed transactions.
If the bank will not close your account
Bank of America may delay or refuse closure if the account has an outstanding balance, unpaid overdraft fees, or an unresolved dispute. If this happens, ask the representative or banker what is blocking the closure. Common reasons include a negative balance (money you owe the bank), a pending chargeback or fraud investigation, or a hold placed by a creditor or court order.
If you owe money, you must pay it before the account can close. If there is a dispute or hold, ask how long it will remain in place and what you need to do to resolve it. Once the issue is cleared, you can proceed with closure. If you believe the hold is incorrect, request a written explanation and ask how to file a complaint with Bank of America's customer service department.
In rare cases, if you have a history of fraud or abuse of the account, the bank may close the account on its own without your request. If this happens, the bank will notify you by mail and explain the reason. You will have a window to withdraw any remaining balance before the account is permanently closed.
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 a dispute, fraud investigation, or because the bank closed it on its own, you may face restrictions or be asked to provide additional documentation. Contact the bank directly to ask whether your previous closure will affect your ability to open a new account.
What if I have checks still outstanding when I close my account?
Outstanding checks can still clear after the account is closed. The bank will honor them as long as the funds are available. If a check clears after closure, the transaction will post to the closed account, and the bank will handle it according to the account's final status. Do not close the account until you are certain all checks have cleared.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score, because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if the account has an outstanding balance or unpaid fees that go to collections, that can harm your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closing.
How long does it take to receive a check if I request one?
If the teller prints a check in person at a branch, you receive it immediately. If you request a check by phone or online, the bank will mail it to your address on file, which typically takes five to seven business days. Provide a current mailing address to avoid delays.
Can I close a joint account if the other person does not want to?
No. Both account holders must consent to close a joint account. If you and the other person disagree, you will need to contact the bank and discuss your options, which may include removing yourself as an authorized user or transferring your portion of the balance to a separate account.