You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have outstanding balances or pending transactions

Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through the mobile app. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero—if you have money left, you'll need to transfer it out first. If you have pending direct deposits, automatic payments, or outstanding checks, those need to clear or be cancelled before closure is complete. The process itself usually takes a few minutes on the phone or in-person, but the account may take 5 to 10 business days to fully close in their system.

The fastest route is usually a phone call or branch visit, since both give you immediate confirmation. If you use the app, not all account types can be closed that way, so you may end up calling anyway. Either way, have your account number ready and make sure your balance is truly zero before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer your remaining balance to another account before closing, since Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits tied to the account, or they may fail after closure.
  • Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request closure; phone and in-person are fastest for same-day confirmation.
  • Keep your account number and final statement for your records, especially if you have pending transactions or disputes.
  • If you have a credit line or loan attached to the account, you may need to handle those separately before the account can close.

Transfer your money before you close

Bank of America will not close an account that still holds a balance. Move any remaining funds to another bank account—yours or someone else's—before you request closure. You can transfer money online through Bank of America's website or app by setting up an external transfer, or you can withdraw cash at an ATM or branch and deposit it elsewhere.

If you have a joint account, both owners must agree to close it. The remaining balance belongs to both of you, so you'll need to decide how to split it or where it goes. If one owner wants to keep the account open, the other owner cannot unilaterally close it. Contact Bank of America to confirm both parties are present or have authorized the closure in writing.

Stop automatic payments and redirect direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments or recurring transfers set to pull from this account will fail once it closes. Before you close, log into each service (your utility company, insurance provider, subscription service, etc.) and change the payment method to a different account or card. This takes a few minutes per service but prevents late fees or service interruptions.

If your paycheck or government benefits deposit directly into this account, update the deposit instructions with your employer or the benefit program at least a week before closure. Direct deposits can take time to reroute, and a failed deposit can delay your money. Bank of America can provide you with the routing number and account number you need to give to your employer or benefits administrator.

Close the account by phone, in person, or through the app

By phone: Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready. They will confirm your balance is zero, ask why you're closing (optional to answer), and process the closure on the spot. You'll receive a confirmation number—write it down for your records.

In person: Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. A teller can close the account immediately if your balance is zero. This is the fastest way to get written confirmation in hand and to ask questions face-to-face if anything is unclear.

Through the mobile app: Open the app, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Not all account types can be closed through the app, so if you don't see the option, use phone or branch closure instead. The app will walk you through the steps if closure is available for your account type.

What happens to checks and pending transactions

If you have checks outstanding—checks you've written that haven't been cashed yet—they may still clear after your account closes. Bank of America will honor them if they arrive within a reasonable time, but the account will be closed. This can create confusion and overdraft fees if the bank tries to pull from a closed account.

Before closing, wait for all checks you've written to clear, or contact the recipients and ask them to destroy the checks. If you're unsure whether a check has cleared, log into your account online and check your recent transactions. Pending transactions (charges that show up but haven't fully processed) should also complete before closure. Give yourself at least one week after your last transaction before requesting closure.

Linked accounts and credit products

If your Bank of America checking account is linked to a savings account, money market account, or credit card, closing the checking account does not automatically close those other accounts. You'll need to close each one separately if that's what you want. The representative who closes your checking account can tell you which other accounts are linked to it.

If you have a Bank of America loan, line of credit, or mortgage, you cannot close the account that the loan payment comes from until the loan is paid off or you've set up payment from a different account. Contact Bank of America's loan department to reroute payments before you close the checking or savings account. Attempting to close an account with an active loan attached will be rejected.

Keep your records after closure

After your account closes, Bank of America will mail you a final statement showing all activity up to the closure date. Keep this statement for at least one year, along with your account number and the date of closure. If a check clears after the account closes or a merchant tries to charge the account, you'll need proof that the account was closed and when.

You can also download or print statements from your online account before closure. Once the account is fully closed in their system (usually 5 to 10 business days), you may lose online access to old statements, so save them while you still can. Store these documents in a safe place—you may need them for tax records or to dispute unauthorized charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance (overdraft). You must pay the overdraft amount first, either by depositing money or transferring funds from another account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?

Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts. If you close an account and later change your mind, you'll need to open a new account. The new account will have a different account number and routing number, so you'll need to update any direct deposits or automatic payments again.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not bank accounts. Closing a Bank of America credit card, however, may have a small impact on your credit utilization ratio.

What if Bank of America owes me money after closure?

If a deposit or refund arrives after your account closes, Bank of America will hold it and attempt to contact you. You can call 1-800-432-1000 to claim the funds and request a check or transfer to your new account. Keep your final statement so you can prove you owned the account.

Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close a Bank of America account at any branch nationwide, by phone, or through the app, regardless of where you opened it. There are no location restrictions on closure.