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

The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with an account specialist. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions or holds on the account, and process the closure. If you have a balance, they will ask how you want it returned—by check, transfer to another bank account, or deposit to a linked savings account. The entire call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also close the account in person at any Bank of America branch by bringing a valid ID and your account number. A teller will walk through the same steps: confirming no holds exist, handling your remaining balance, and closing the account on the spot. If you prefer not to call or visit a branch, some account types allow closure through the Bank of America mobile app or website, though this option is not available for all checking products.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone closure at 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and takes about 15 minutes if your account has no holds or pending transactions.
  • You must have zero balance or arrange for your remaining money to be returned before the account closes.
  • Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account will stop, so redirect them to another account first.
  • Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but canceling a credit card with Bank of America may.
  • If the account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must pay it before closure is processed.

Prepare your account before you call or visit

Before you contact Bank of America, make sure your checking account is ready to close. This means confirming the balance is zero or positive, and that no pending transactions are waiting to clear. If you have automatic bill payments set up—such as utilities, insurance, or loan payments—you need to cancel or redirect them to another bank account first. Bank of America will not close an account with active automatic payments.

Check your recent transactions for any pending deposits or withdrawals that have not yet cleared. If you have a pending direct deposit from your employer, wait until it posts before closing. Similarly, if you wrote checks that have not cleared, wait for them to post or cancel them through the bank. An account with pending items will be flagged during closure and the process will be delayed.

If your account is overdrawn—meaning you owe Bank of America money—you must pay the negative balance before closure. The bank will not close an account with an outstanding debt. You can pay this online, by phone, or in person at a branch.

What happens to your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when you close it, Bank of America will return it to you. During the closure process, a representative will ask how you want the funds transferred. Your options are a check mailed to your address on file, a direct transfer to another bank account (you will need to provide the routing and account numbers), or a deposit to a linked Bank of America savings account if you have one.

A check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A direct transfer to another bank can take 1 to 3 business days. If you choose to move the money to another Bank of America account you own, it posts immediately. Make sure you provide the correct account information—if you give the wrong routing or account number, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong place, and you will need to contact the bank to recover it.

Closing the account by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. They will ask for your account number and will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have your account number ready—you can find it on a check, your debit card, or in the mobile app.

The representative will check for pending transactions, automatic payments, and holds on the account. If everything is clear, they will ask about your remaining balance and how you want it returned. Provide the transfer details if you are moving money to another bank, or confirm your mailing address if you want a check. The representative will then process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write this down or ask for it to be emailed to you.

After closure, you will no longer be able to use your debit card or access the account online. Any automatic payments or direct deposits will fail, so make sure you have redirected them beforehand.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with a valid photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, verify your identity, and check for pending transactions and holds. If the account is clear, they will ask how you want your remaining balance returned and process the closure on the spot.

In-person closure has one advantage: you can walk out with a cashier's check for your balance if you prefer not to wait for a mailed check or electronic transfer. A cashier's check is issued immediately and is may provide by the bank. If you choose this option, the teller will print it and you can deposit it at another bank right away.

Ask the teller for a written confirmation of the closure. This document shows the account number, closure date, and final balance, and can be useful if you need proof later that the account is closed.

Closing through the mobile app or website

Bank of America's mobile app and website allow you to close some checking accounts without calling or visiting a branch. Log into your account, navigate to the account settings or account details section, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. Not all account types support online closure—if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

If the option is available, the app or website will walk you through the same steps: confirming your balance, asking how you want remaining funds returned, and checking for pending transactions. You will need to provide transfer details if you are moving money to another bank. After you submit the request, Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with a reference number.

Online closure can take longer to process than a phone call or in-person visit. It may take 1 to 3 business days for the closure to be finalized, whereas phone and in-person closures are usually immediate.

What to do with linked accounts and services

If you have a Bank of America savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to your checking account, closing the checking account does not affect those other accounts. They will remain open and active. However, if you set up transfers between your checking account and any of these accounts, those transfers will stop working once the checking account closes.

If you use your Bank of America debit card for online shopping, subscription services, or recurring payments, update those merchants with a new payment method before you close the account. Transactions will be declined once the account is closed, which could interrupt services like streaming subscriptions or gym memberships.

If you have a linked Bank of America credit card, closing your checking account will not close the credit card. Your credit card account will remain open and you can continue using it. Closing a credit card itself is a separate process and does not happen automatically when you close a checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a Bank of America credit card, however, may have a small impact on your score.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Wait for the check to clear before closing the account. If you close the account before the check clears, the check may bounce and the recipient may charge you a fee. You can check your recent transactions in the app or online to see if any checks are still pending. If a check is taking longer than expected to clear, contact the bank before closing.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, but this is not may provide. If you think you might need the account again, ask the representative during closure whether reopening is possible. If you wait too long, you may have to open a new account instead, which could involve a new application and approval process.

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

Your debit card will stop working immediately after the account closes. You will no longer be able to use it for purchases, ATM withdrawals, or online payments. Destroy the card by cutting it up or shredding it to prevent misuse. If you have a new checking account at another bank, request a debit card for that account before you close your Bank of America account.

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

No. You can close your Bank of America checking account from anywhere by calling customer service, visiting any Bank of America branch nationwide, or using the mobile app. The location where you opened the account does not matter.