Close your account in person, by phone, or by mail — but settle what you owe first

You can close a Bank of America checking account through any of three routes: walk into a branch with your ID, call customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or send a written request by mail. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending transactions have cleared, and any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account number are moved elsewhere. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account, but they will not close it if money is owed.

The fastest method is in-person at a branch. Bring your ID and debit card, tell the banker you want to close the account, and they will process it on the spot. If you have a balance, they will issue you a check, transfer it to another account, or give you cash. If you close by phone or mail, the process takes longer — typically three to five business days — and you lose the chance to ask questions in real time if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your ID to a Bank of America branch to close your account immediately, or call 1-800-432-1000 to close by phone in about five minutes.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive; Bank of America will not close an account with an overdraft or unpaid fees.
  • Move any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers to a different account before you close, because the old account number will stop working.
  • If you close by phone or mail, allow three to five business days for the closure to complete and for any remaining balance to reach you.
  • Debit cards linked to the account will stop working once the account closes, usually within 24 hours.

What to do before you close

Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least one week before you close. Log into your Bank of America online account, go to the Transfers & Payments section, and cancel any recurring transfers or bill payments. Then contact your employer, benefits administrator, or any other organization sending money to that account and give them your new account number. If you miss this step, payments will bounce and you may face late fees or service interruptions.

Check your account for any pending transactions. Log in and look at the last 30 days of activity. If you see charges that have not yet posted, wait for them to clear before closing. Closing an account with pending transactions can cause confusion about whether the charge went through, and you may have trouble disputing it later.

Pay off any overdraft or negative balance. If your account is overdrawn, Bank of America will not close it until the balance is paid. You can transfer money from another account, deposit cash at a branch, or ask the banker to help you settle it when you close.

Close in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch on the Bank of America website or in the mobile app. Go during business hours with your ID and debit card. Tell the banker you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, confirm there are no pending issues, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you can choose to receive a check, have it transferred to another Bank of America account, or take cash.

The banker will give you a confirmation number and may print a receipt showing the account is closed. Keep this receipt. Your debit card will stop working within 24 hours. If you have a safety deposit box or other services tied to this account, ask the banker whether those are affected.

Close by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number, Social Security number, and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, ask how they will send it to you — by check, transfer to another account, or another method.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down and ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation. Closing by phone takes about five to ten minutes, but the account may not fully close for three to five business days. Do not assume it is closed until you receive written confirmation or see it reflected in your online account.

Close by mail

Write a letter to Bank of America requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the date, and a statement that you want to close the account effective immediately. Sign the letter and mail it to your local Bank of America branch or to the address listed on your most recent statement. Some branches have a specific mailing address for account closures; call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the correct address before you send it.

Mail takes time to arrive and process. Allow one to two weeks for your letter to reach the bank, then another three to five business days for the closure to complete. This is the slowest method and leaves no room for questions if something goes wrong. Use it only if you cannot visit a branch or make a phone call.

What happens after you close

Your debit card stops working within 24 hours. If you have checks printed with that account number, they will bounce if anyone tries to cash them after the account closes. Destroy any unused checks.

If you have a positive balance, Bank of America will send it to you by check or transfer within five to seven business days. If the check is lost in the mail, you can call customer service and ask them to issue a replacement or transfer the funds to another account.

Your account history remains available for seven years through your online account or by requesting statements from the bank. If you need to dispute a charge or verify a transaction after closing, you can still do so by contacting customer service with your old account number.

What to do if you cannot close because of a problem

If Bank of America refuses to close your account, the most common reason is an overdraft or unpaid fees. Ask the banker or representative exactly how much you owe and in what form. Pay it immediately — by transfer from another account, debit card, or cash at a branch — and then request closure again.

If there is a dispute on the account or a hold placed by the bank, ask what triggered it. Bank of America may place a hold if they suspect fraud or if there is a legal claim against the account. You will need to resolve the underlying issue before closing. If you believe the hold is wrong, ask to speak with a supervisor or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

No. Bank of America does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must close in person, by phone, or by mail. In-person closure is fastest and gives you immediate confirmation.

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

Bank of America will not close the account until the overdraft is paid. Deposit money to bring the balance to zero, then request closure. If you do not pay, the bank may eventually close it and send you to collections.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Only credit products like loans and credit cards impact your score.

What if I close my account but then need to access old transactions?

You can still view your account history and request statements for seven years after closing. Log into your online account with your old credentials, or call customer service with your account number to request copies of statements.

How long does it take for my debit card to stop working?

Usually within 24 hours of closure. Do not rely on the card after you close the account. If you need to make a purchase, use a different payment method or account.