You can close most Bank of America accounts through their website or mobile app, but some account types require a phone call or branch visit

Bank of America lets you close checking and savings accounts online through their website or the mobile app. You log in, navigate to the account settings, and request closure—the process takes a few minutes. However, if you have a credit card, investment account, or certain specialty accounts tied to Bank of America, you'll need to call or visit a branch instead. Before you close anything, make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared.

The online closure works only if your account is in good standing, meaning you don't owe money and there are no holds or disputes on the account. If you've overdrawn the account or have an outstanding balance, Bank of America will ask you to settle that first. Once you request closure online, the account typically closes within a few business days, though the exact timeline depends on whether you have direct deposits or automatic payments still linked to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed through the Bank of America website or mobile app by logging in and selecting account settings.
  • Your account balance must be zero and all pending transactions must clear before Bank of America will process the closure.
  • Credit cards, investment accounts, and some specialty accounts require a phone call to 1-800-432-1000 or a visit to a branch.
  • After you request closure, the account typically closes within a few business days, but you should confirm the closure in writing or through your online banking.
  • If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, redirect them to another account before closing to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.

Steps to close your account online through the website

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you're in, look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Accounts"—the exact label varies depending on your account type. Select the account you want to close, then look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Request Account Closure." Bank of America will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you understand the account will be permanently closed.

Before you click confirm, make sure you've transferred any remaining balance to another account or withdrawn it. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance, and they won't transfer money for you. Once you confirm, you'll receive an on-screen message confirming your request. Write down the date and time, or take a screenshot—you'll want proof that you requested closure in case there's a delay or confusion later.

After you submit the request, check your email for a confirmation message from Bank of America. This email should include a reference number and the expected closure date. If you don't receive an email within a few hours, log back into your account and check the account settings to see if the closure request went through. Sometimes the system requires you to confirm a second time or answer a security question before the request is final.

Closing your account through the mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in. Tap the account you want to close, then look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or three dots) in the upper right corner. Select "Account Settings" or "Manage This Account." Scroll down until you find the option to close the account—it may be labeled "Close Account," "Request Closure," or "Account Services."

The app will walk you through the same confirmation steps as the website: confirming your balance is zero, that you understand the account will close permanently, and that you've moved any automatic payments or direct deposits. Once you confirm, you'll see a message with a reference number. Save this number or take a screenshot. The closure request will be processed the same way as if you'd done it online, typically within a few business days.

What to do before you close your account

Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account at least a week before you request closure. This includes utility bills, insurance premiums, subscription services, and loan payments. Log into each service's website or app and update the payment method to a different account or credit card. If you miss this step, payments may fail and you could face late fees or service interruptions.

Check for any pending direct deposits, especially paychecks or government benefits. If your employer or a government agency is set to deposit money into this account, update your direct deposit information with them before closing the account. Deposits that arrive after the account closes will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can delay your money by several days.

Review your recent statements to make sure there are no outstanding checks, pending transfers, or disputed transactions. If you've written checks that haven't cleared yet, wait until they do before closing the account. Bank of America can still process checks from a closed account for a limited time, but it's safer to wait. Similarly, if you've initiated a wire transfer or ACH transfer that's still pending, let it complete first.

Accounts that require a phone call or branch visit to close

Credit cards, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) cannot be closed online. You must call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close a credit card or investment account. For retirement accounts, the process is more complex because there are tax implications—you'll need to speak with a representative who can explain your options and ensure the closure is handled correctly.

If you have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a mortgage with Bank of America, you cannot close these accounts online either. These require a branch visit or a call to your loan servicer. Similarly, if you have a business account, you'll need to visit a branch or call the business banking line at 1-800-432-1000 and select the business option.

When you call to close a credit card, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions. Bank of America may ask why you're closing the account, but you don't have to provide a detailed explanation. They may also offer you incentives to keep the account open—you can decline. Once you confirm closure over the phone, ask for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call.

What happens after your account closes

Your account will stop accepting deposits and withdrawals once the closure is complete. Any checks you've written will still be processed if they arrive within a certain window (usually 180 days), but new transactions cannot be added. Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account closure date and any remaining balance or fees.

Keep your final statement and any confirmation emails or reference numbers for at least one year. If there's ever a dispute about the closure or if a transaction appears on the account after it's closed, you'll need proof that you requested the closure and when. If you had overdraft protection linked to this account, that protection will end when the account closes.

If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, report it to Bank of America in writing as well. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the fraud department, then follow up with a written complaint sent to the address they provide. This creates an official record in case you need to dispute charges or recover money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if it has a negative balance?

No. You must bring the balance to zero before Bank of America will close the account. If your account is overdrawn, you need to deposit money to cover the negative balance first. Once the balance is zero, you can request closure.

How long does it take for my account to actually close after I request it?

Most accounts close within a few business days, but it can take up to two weeks if there are pending transactions or automatic payments still processing. Check your online banking regularly to confirm the closure has gone through. If it hasn't closed after two weeks, call Bank of America to follow up.

What if I have a check that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait until the check clears before closing the account. You can see pending checks in your transaction history. Once all checks have cleared and your balance is zero, you can request closure. If you close the account before a check clears, it may still be processed, but it's safer to wait.

Do I lose access to my statements after the account closes?

You can still view your statements online for a limited time after closure, usually up to seven years depending on the account type. Download or print any statements you need to keep before closing the account. After that period, you may need to contact Bank of America to request archived statements.

Can I reopen an account I just closed?

Yes, but only within a certain window—usually 30 to 90 days. After that, you'll need to open a new account instead. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider waiting before closing it, or contact Bank of America to ask about their specific reopening policy.