The basic steps to close your Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America checking or savings account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest method is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can process the closure immediately. If you go to a branch, bring a valid ID and ask to speak with an account representative—they will handle the paperwork on the spot.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, the bank will issue a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance first. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to them.
After closure, Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account was closed. Keep this for your records. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to that account will be rejected, so notify any billers or services that pull money from that account before you close it.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch with your ID, or use online banking to close your account—phone is usually fastest.
- Your account balance must be zero before closure; if you have money in it, the bank will issue a check or transfer it elsewhere.
- Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account at least a week before you close it.
- Bank of America will send a final statement after closure; keep it as proof the account is closed.
- If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before the bank will process the closure.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing
Any automatic payments, bill pay transfers, or recurring charges tied to the account will fail once it closes. Contact each company or service that pulls money from that account—your insurance provider, utility company, subscription services, loan servicer, or any other recurring charge—and update your payment method at least one week before you close the account.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government benefits into the account, contact your employer or the benefits administrator and provide a new account number where deposits should go. Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds, and other government payments can take several weeks to reroute, so start this process early.
If you miss updating a payment and a charge bounces after closure, the merchant will receive a rejection notice. You may face late fees or service interruptions from that merchant, so the burden is on you to update everything in advance. Bank of America is not responsible for failed transactions after an account is closed.
Handling outstanding checks and pending transactions
If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, those checks will bounce after your account closes. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and let them know the account is closing; offer to pay them another way or issue a new check from a different account. Bounced checks can damage your banking history and may result in fees from both the merchant and the bank.
Pending transactions—charges that have been authorized but not yet posted—may still process after closure. Bank of America will attempt to honor them if funds are available, but the outcome depends on the timing and the merchant. If a pending transaction posts after closure and there are no funds, it will be rejected and you may face overdraft fees.
To avoid this, wait at least 5 to 7 business days after your last transaction before closing the account. This gives pending charges time to fully post so you can see the true final balance.
What happens if your account is overdrawn
Bank of America will not close an account that has a negative balance. If your account is overdrawn—meaning you owe the bank money—you must deposit enough to bring the balance to zero or above before closure can be processed. Overdraft fees vary but typically range from $25 to $35 per incident; if multiple overdrafts occurred, you may owe several fees on top of the negative balance itself.
If you are unsure of your exact balance, call 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online account to check. The representative or your account dashboard will show the current balance and any pending fees. Once you pay what you owe, the account can be closed.
If you dispute an overdraft fee, you can request a reversal by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Bank of America may reverse one or two fees as a courtesy, especially if you have a good account history, but this is not may provide.
Closing a joint account or account with a co-owner
If the account has two owners, both people must agree to close it. Bank of America requires either both owners to be present at a branch with valid ID, or both to call customer service together from the phone numbers on file. You cannot close a joint account alone, even if you are the primary account holder.
If one owner wants to close the account and the other does not, you have two options: remove yourself as an owner (if the bank allows it) or contact Bank of America to discuss your options. Some banks will convert a joint account to a single-owner account if one party requests it, but this requires the other owner's consent or a court order in cases of divorce or separation.
Any funds in the account at closure will be split according to how the account was titled. If it was a joint account with right of survivorship, the surviving owner receives all funds. If it was a tenancy in common account, funds are typically divided equally unless the account paperwork specifies otherwise.
Closing accounts online through Bank of America's website
Bank of America allows you to close some accounts through their online banking portal. Log in to your account, go to the account settings or account management section, and look for a "close account" or "account services" option. Not all account types can be closed online—some savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs may require a phone call or branch visit.
If the online option is available for your account, you will be asked to confirm your identity and review the closure terms. The system will show your current balance and ask where you want any remaining funds sent. After you confirm, the closure is usually processed within one to two business days.
If you do not see a close account option online, your account type requires a phone call or branch visit. This is common for accounts with special terms, promotional rates, or accounts that are linked to credit products.
What to expect after your account closes
After closure, Bank of America will send you a final statement within 30 days showing the account balance at the time of closure and the closure date. This statement is important—keep it for at least one year as proof that the account was closed and any remaining balance was resolved.
Your debit card linked to that account will stop working immediately. If you have a Bank of America credit card, it is separate and will remain active unless you close that separately. Any linked services—such as bill pay, mobile wallet, or account alerts—will no longer function for that account.
If you had a safety deposit box rented through that account, you will need to make other arrangements for it before closure. Contact your branch to discuss what happens to the box and its contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before the bank will close the account. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out exactly what you owe, including any overdraft fees, then deposit that amount. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.
How long does it take Bank of America to close an account?
If you close in person or by phone, the closure is processed immediately and the account is closed that day. If you close online, it typically takes one to two business days. You will receive a final statement in the mail within 30 days confirming the closure.
What if I close my account and then need to access old statements?
Bank of America keeps closed account records for seven years. You can request old statements by calling 1-800-432-1000 or visiting a branch. There may be a fee for statements older than a certain period, typically $2 to $5 per statement.
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 was overdrawn and the debt was sent to collections, that can harm your credit. Closing a credit card account may have a small impact on your credit utilization ratio.
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, suspicious activity, or repeated overdrafts, Bank of America may deny you. If you were in good standing when you closed, opening a new account is straightforward and can be done online, by phone, or at a branch.