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 an outstanding balance
The fastest way to close most checking and savings accounts is to call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with an account representative. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions, and process the closure on the call. If you have a balance, they will ask how you want the funds sent—by check, transfer to another bank account, or deposit to a different Bank of America account. The account closes immediately after that conversation.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID. A banker can close checking, savings, and money market accounts on the spot. This method works well if you have questions about your balance or need to discuss what happens to automatic payments tied to the account.
Online closure is available for some account types through the Bank of America mobile app or website, though the option does not appear for all customers. Log into your account, navigate to the account settings or profile section, and look for a "close account" option. If you do not see it, phone or in-person closure is your route.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close most accounts by phone; the representative will handle the closure and arrange for your remaining balance to be returned.
- Bring a valid ID to any Bank of America branch to close an account in person, and the closure takes effect immediately.
- Before you close, redirect any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to the account so they do not fail.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but you may owe a balance if the account is overdrawn.
- Keep your account open for at least 10 business days after closure to allow pending transactions to clear.
What to do before you close the account
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers at least one week before closure. Log into your account online or call the bank to see which bills, subscriptions, or transfers are set to pull from this account. Update each one to use a different payment method or account number. If you miss one, the payment will fail and may trigger an overdraft fee or late payment on the bill itself.
Redirect your direct deposit to a different account if your paycheck goes to this one. Contact your employer's payroll department or your bank to change the routing and account number. This usually takes one or two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change at least two weeks before you close the account.
Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. If you want the money as a check, the bank will mail it to your address on file—this can take 7 to 10 business days. If you want it faster, transfer the balance to another bank account you control or to a different Bank of America account on the same day you close.
Destroy or stop using the debit card linked to the account. The card will no longer work after closure, but cutting it up prevents accidental use or confusion if someone else finds it.
What happens to pending transactions and checks
Checks you have written but not yet cashed will bounce if the account is closed before they clear. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and ask them to wait or provide a different payment method. If a check has already been deposited by the recipient, the bank will attempt to pay it from the closed account and may charge you a non-sufficient funds fee.
Pending transactions—charges that have been authorized but not yet posted—will still go through after closure. The bank will attempt to deduct them from your balance or, if the balance is insufficient, may charge an overdraft fee. This is why keeping the account open for 10 business days after closure is important: it gives the bank time to process any transactions that were in flight when you closed.
If you are closing because of fraud or unauthorized charges, tell the bank representative before you close. They can flag the account and may be able to reverse fraudulent transactions before the account is shut down.
Closing a joint account or account with a co-owner
If the account has two owners, both must consent to closure. Call the bank together or have both owners present at the branch. The bank will ask both of you to verify your identity and confirm you agree to close. If only one owner wants to close, the other can request to remove the first owner and keep the account open, or both can agree to close it and split the remaining balance.
If you are the only one who wants to close and the other owner refuses, you can request to be removed as an owner instead. This stops your liability for overdrafts or fees on the account going forward, though the account itself stays open.
Closing a credit card or line of credit
Credit cards and lines of credit close differently than deposit accounts. Call the credit card customer service line on the back of your card or phone 1-800-432-1000 and ask to close the credit card. The representative will confirm your balance, discuss payment options, and close the account. You must pay off any balance before or at the time of closure.
After closure, you can still make payments on any remaining balance, but you cannot use the card for new purchases. The account will appear on your credit report as "closed by consumer" for up to seven years, which has a minor impact on your credit score because it reduces your available credit.
If you have a Bank of America line of credit (a revolving credit line separate from a credit card), the same process applies: call to close, pay any balance, and the account closes immediately.
What to expect after closure
You will receive a final statement by mail within one to two billing cycles. This statement shows all transactions up to the closure date and confirms the account is closed. Keep this statement for your records in case you need to dispute a charge or verify closure later.
If you had overdraft protection linked to another account, that protection ends when the account closes. Make sure your other accounts have sufficient funds to cover any pending transactions.
If you closed because you are moving banks, do not close until you have confirmed the new bank has received and processed your account information. Some banks require a few days to set up direct deposit or transfer funds.
Reopening a closed account
Bank of America may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain window, usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the reason for closure and your account history. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether your account can be reopened. If it can, the bank will restore it to active status, though you may need to make a new deposit to reactivate it.
If the account was closed due to fraud, inactivity, or violation of the account agreement, reopening may not be possible. The bank will tell you whether the account is may be able to access for reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America charge a fee to close an account?
No, Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking, savings, or money market account. If your account is overdrawn, you will owe that balance, but closure itself is free. Credit cards and lines of credit also close without a fee, though you must pay any outstanding balance.
What if I have a negative balance when I close?
You must pay the negative balance before or at the time of closure. The bank representative will tell you the amount owed and accept payment by debit card, transfer from another account, or check. If you do not pay, the bank may send the debt to collections.
How long does it take for a Bank of America account to fully close?
The account closes immediately when you call or visit a branch, but pending transactions may post for up to 10 business days after. The final statement arrives within one to two billing cycles. For credit purposes, the account appears closed right away.
Can I close my account if I have a pending dispute or claim?
You can request closure, but the bank may hold the account open until the dispute is resolved. If you have filed a claim for fraud or an error, tell the representative before closing. They can advise whether closure will affect the investigation.
What happens to my debit card after I close the account?
The debit card stops working immediately after closure. Any attempt to use it will be declined. Cut up the card or dispose of it securely to prevent accidental use or theft.