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
Bank of America lets you close checking, savings, and money market accounts through three channels: calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a local branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero — if you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out first. If you owe the bank money (overdraft, fees, or a loan), you must settle that before closing.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you're closing a consumer account or a business account. Consumer accounts (personal checking and savings) close immediately once you've met the requirements. Business accounts may take longer and may require additional documentation. If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing your checking or savings account does not close the credit card — you'll need to handle those separately.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer your remaining balance to another account before closing, since Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
- Settle any outstanding balances, overdrafts, or fees owed to the bank before you initiate the closure.
- Calling 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes; you'll need your account number and ID ready.
- Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after closure.
- Closing a checking or savings account does not affect credit cards, loans, or other Bank of America products you hold.
How to close your account by phone
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance is zero, and check for any outstanding fees or holds. If everything is clear, they'll process the closure immediately.
The representative will ask why you're closing the account — this is optional information, and you don't have to provide a detailed reason. They may offer you incentives to keep the account open; you can decline. Once the closure is confirmed, ask the representative for a reference number and note the date. You'll receive a written confirmation letter from Bank of America within 7 to 10 business days.
How to close your account in person at a branch
Visit your local Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and your account number. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They'll verify your identity, check your balance, and confirm there are no outstanding fees or holds. If your account has a balance, the teller can process a transfer to another account or issue you a check on the spot.
In-person closure is useful if you have questions about pending transactions or if you want to close the account and withdraw cash at the same time. The teller will give you a receipt confirming the closure. You'll still receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How to close your account online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and navigate to the account settings or profile section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Not all account types can be closed online — if you don't see this option, you'll need to call or visit a branch. Online closure is available for most consumer checking and savings accounts but may not work for certain account types like CDs or accounts with holds.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and verify your account balance is zero. The system will ask you to confirm the closure. Once submitted, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation and a confirmation email. The account will close within one to two business days, and you'll receive a mailed confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do before you close your account
Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account. You can do this through an external transfer (moving money to a different bank), a transfer to another Bank of America account you own, or by withdrawing cash. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, update those with your new bank account information at least a week before closing. Any payments scheduled to come out of the account after closure will be rejected, which could result in late fees from the biller.
Check for outstanding fees, overdrafts, or loan balances. Bank of America will not close an account if you owe money. If you have a negative balance (the bank is owed money), you must pay that amount before closure. Review your recent statements to make sure there are no pending transactions that haven't cleared yet. If there are, wait for them to post before closing.
If you have a safe deposit box, retrieve your items and close that separately. Safe deposit boxes are not closed automatically when you close your account. Contact your branch to arrange this.
What happens after you close your account
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining activity. This statement arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this statement for your records — you may need it for tax purposes or to prove the account is closed if a payment attempt is made after closure.
Any checks you've written that haven't cleared will be rejected after the account closes. If you've given someone a check from this account and it hasn't been deposited yet, contact that person and provide them with alternative payment information. Automatic payments and recurring charges will also be rejected, so update those with your new bank account information before closure.
Closing the account does not affect your credit report or credit score. It also does not close any other Bank of America products you have, such as credit cards, loans, or investment accounts. Those remain open and active unless you close them separately.
If you have a joint account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders typically need to authorize the closure. Call Bank of America or visit a branch with the other account holder present, or have them call separately to authorize the closure. Some joint accounts can be closed by one holder if the other holder is deceased — you'll need to provide a death certificate and follow Bank of America's process for that situation.
If you want to close only your portion of a joint account, you cannot do that. You can remove yourself as an authorized user, but the account itself remains open in the other person's name. Contact Bank of America to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance (the amount you owe the bank) before closing. This includes overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or any other charges. Once you've paid what you owe, the account balance will be zero and you can proceed with closure.
What if I have pending transactions when I try to close?
Wait for pending transactions to post before closing. If you close with pending transactions, they may be rejected after the account closes, which could result in late fees from the merchant or biller. Check your recent activity and give transactions 1 to 2 business days to clear.
Do I need to close my Bank of America credit card when I close my checking account?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not close a credit card. You must close the credit card separately if you want to. Call the credit card customer service line or log into your credit card account online to request closure.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?
Immediate closure happens when you call or visit a branch, but the account may take 1 to 2 business days to fully close in the system. You'll receive written confirmation within 7 to 10 business days. Any checks or automatic payments scheduled after closure will be rejected.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Only credit products (credit cards, loans, lines of credit) appear on your credit report. Closing a bank account is not reported to credit bureaus.