Change your passcode through the Bank of America app or online banking
You can change your Bank of America passcode in two places: the mobile app or the online banking website. Both routes take about five minutes and require your current passcode to start. The change takes effect immediately, and you'll use the new passcode the next time you log in.
Bank of America distinguishes between your passcode (a numeric PIN you create) and your password (the text string you use to log in). This guide covers the passcode. If you need to change your password instead, that's a separate process in the same settings area.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your passcode through the mobile app by going to Settings > Security > Passcode, or through online banking under User ID & Security.
- Bank of America requires your current passcode before you can set a new one, so you must remember it to make the change yourself.
- Your new passcode takes effect right away and must be between 4 and 20 digits.
- If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to reset it.
Change your passcode in the mobile app
Open the Bank of America app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then scroll down and tap "Security." Look for "Passcode" and tap it.
The app will ask you to enter your current passcode to verify your identity. After you do, you'll see a field to create a new passcode. Enter a numeric code between 4 and 20 digits. Avoid obvious sequences like 1111 or 1234. Tap "Save" or "Confirm," and the change is complete.
Change your passcode on the website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Once you're signed in, look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner and click it. Select "User ID & Security" or "Security Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Find the section labeled "Passcode" and click "Change." You'll be prompted to enter your current passcode. After you verify it, enter your new passcode (4 to 20 digits) in the field provided. Click "Save" or "Submit," and the change is immediate.
What happens if you forget your current passcode
If you can't remember your passcode, you cannot change it yourself through the app or website—both require you to enter the current one first. Instead, call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and account information ready.
A representative will verify your identity and reset your passcode for you. You can then set a new one through the app or website once you've regained access. Alternatively, you can visit a Bank of America branch in person with a valid ID and ask them to reset it.
Passcode requirements and best practices
Bank of America requires your passcode to be numeric only—letters and special characters are not allowed. The minimum length is 4 digits and the maximum is 20. Shorter passcodes are faster to enter but easier to guess; longer ones are more secure but take more time each time you log in.
Avoid using birthdates, anniversaries, or sequences that someone who knows you might guess. Do not use the same passcode across multiple banks or accounts. If you change your passcode, write it down in a secure location (like a password manager) rather than relying on memory alone.
When to change your passcode
Change your passcode if you suspect someone else knows it, if you've shared it with someone and no longer trust them, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. Bank of America does not force you to change your passcode on a set schedule, but doing so periodically reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
If you believe your account has been compromised, change your passcode immediately and then contact Bank of America to review your recent transactions. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Difference between passcode and password
Your Bank of America passcode is a numeric PIN used as a second layer of security when you log in on certain devices or after a period of inactivity. Your password is the text-based credential you enter first when you sign in. Both protect your account, but they serve different purposes.
If you need to change your password instead of your passcode, follow the same path to User ID & Security but select "Password" rather than "Passcode." The process is similar, though you'll be creating a text string (letters, numbers, and symbols) rather than a numeric code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my passcode if I'm locked out of my account?
No. If you're locked out, you cannot change your passcode through the app or website. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with a valid ID. A representative can help you regain access and reset your passcode.
How long does it take for a passcode change to take effect?
Immediately. Once you confirm the change in the app or on the website, your new passcode is active. You'll use it the next time you log in. There is no waiting period.
Will changing my passcode affect my other Bank of America accounts?
If you have multiple accounts linked to the same User ID, changing your passcode changes it for all of them at once. If you have separate User IDs for different accounts, you'll need to change the passcode for each User ID individually.
What if I change my passcode and then forget the new one?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and they will reset it for you. You'll need to verify your identity with your Social Security number and date of birth. After the reset, you can set a new passcode through the app or website.