You can close a Bank of America account online, by phone, or in person, but you must empty it first and settle any outstanding fees or balances

Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through their website, by calling customer service, or by walking into a branch. The process itself takes minutes, but you need to handle money in the account before you start—the bank will not close an account that still holds funds or owes money. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, those stop once the account closes, so plan ahead to avoid missed bills or lost paychecks.

The fastest route is usually online through your Bank of America login if you have a checking account with a zero balance. If you have savings, money market, or credit card accounts, or if you prefer to speak to someone, phone or branch closure works just as well. Either way, the account closes within one to three business days after you request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Withdraw or transfer all money from the account before closing—Bank of America will not close an account with a balance.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits linked to the account at least a week before closure.
  • Online closure works for most checking accounts with zero balance; phone or branch closure works for any account type.
  • The account closes within one to three business days, and any remaining fees or overdraft charges will be deducted from a linked account or sent to collections.

Withdraw or transfer your money before you close

Bank of America will not close an account that still has money in it. Before you request closure, move or withdraw every dollar. You can transfer funds to another bank account using Bank of America's online transfer tool, withdraw cash at an ATM or branch, or request a cashier's check. If the account is in overdraft—meaning you owe the bank money—you must pay that balance first.

Check your account for any pending transactions or holds. If you have a check that has not yet cleared, or a pending debit card charge, wait for it to post before you close. Closing an account with pending items can cause those transactions to fail, which may trigger overdraft fees or bounced-check fees at the merchant's end.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits tied to the account will fail once it closes. Contact each company or your employer at least one week before closure to redirect the payment or deposit to a new account. This includes utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions, payroll, and government benefits.

For bill pay set up through Bank of America itself, log into your account and cancel each payment individually. For direct deposits, give your employer or benefits administrator your new account number and routing number. If you miss this step, payments will bounce, which can result in late fees, service interruptions, or missed paychecks.

Close the account online if you have a checking account

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. Go to Settings or Account Services (the exact menu name varies by app version). Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Manage Accounts." Select the account you want to close and confirm that the balance is zero. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the closure one more time before processing.

Online closure works for most checking accounts. If you have a savings account, money market account, or credit card, you may not see a close option online—in that case, use phone or branch closure instead. The account will close within one to three business days.

Close by phone if online closure is not available

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm the balance is zero. They will verify your identity, confirm the closure, and process it on the call. The account closes within one to three business days.

Phone closure works for any account type—checking, savings, money market, or credit card. If you are closing a credit card, the representative will ask whether you want to keep the account open for rewards or other benefits; make sure you say you want it closed if that is your intention. Ask the representative to note in your file that you requested closure, so there is a record if a problem arises later.

Close in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will verify the balance is zero, confirm your identity, and process the closure. Bring any debit cards or checks associated with the account so the teller can destroy them, though this is not required.

In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash and close in one trip, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. The account closes within one to three business days.

What happens to fees and overdrafts after closure

If the account has an outstanding overdraft, NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee, or monthly maintenance fee at the time of closure, Bank of America will deduct it from a linked account if you have one. If you do not have a linked account, the bank may send the debt to a collections agency. Overdraft and NSF fees vary but typically range from $25 to $35 per incident.

Once the account closes, you cannot reopen it under the same account number. If you need to dispute a charge or fee after closure, contact Bank of America within 60 days of the transaction. After that window, the bank is not required to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close a Bank of America account if I still owe money on it?

No. You must pay any overdraft balance or outstanding fees before closure. If you close with a negative balance, Bank of America will deduct the amount from a linked account or send it to collections. Pay the balance first to avoid this.

What happens to my debit card after I close the account?

The debit card stops working immediately once the account closes. Destroy it or return it to a branch. If you have pending transactions still processing, they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees, so make sure the account is truly empty before closure.

How long does it take for a Bank of America account to close?

One to three business days after you request closure. During that time, the account is still active but flagged for closure, so do not attempt to use it. Once it closes, you cannot reopen it under the same account number.

Can I close a joint account if the other person does not want to?

No. Both account holders must consent to closure. If you are a joint owner and want out, contact Bank of America to discuss removing yourself as an authorized user or transferring your portion to a separate account, though the bank may not allow this depending on the account type.

What if I close my account and then need a record of old transactions?

Bank of America keeps transaction history for closed accounts. Log into your online account after closure to view statements, or call customer service to request copies. Keep your own records of important transactions before you close, especially if you may need them for taxes or disputes.