Close your account in person, by phone, or by mail—but settle all outstanding transactions first

To close a Bank of America account, you have three routes: visit a branch in person with your ID, call customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or send a written request by mail. Before you close, make sure any pending deposits have cleared, any automatic payments or transfers are stopped, and your balance is zero or you've arranged to withdraw or transfer the remaining funds. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but they will not close it if money is still owed or expected to arrive.

The fastest method is visiting a branch. A representative can close the account on the spot, confirm all transactions are complete, and answer questions about what happens to any pending items. If you cannot visit a branch, phone closure takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though you may be asked security questions and the representative may try to keep you as a customer. Mail closure is slowest—allow two to three weeks for processing—but gives you a paper record of your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Stop all automatic payments, bill pay, and transfers before you close, or they may fail and trigger overdraft fees.
  • Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance to another account; Bank of America will not close an account with money in it.
  • Bring your ID and debit card to a branch, or call 1-800-432-1000 to close by phone without visiting.
  • If you close by mail, send a signed letter to your local branch or to Bank of America's mailing address and keep a copy for your records.
  • Check your credit report after closing to confirm the account is marked closed by you, not by the bank, which protects your credit score.

Stop automatic payments and transfers before closing

Any automatic payment or transfer still scheduled when you close will likely fail, leaving the payee unpaid and potentially triggering an overdraft fee on your account. Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and cancel every recurring transaction: bill pay, automatic transfers to savings, paycheck direct deposit, subscription charges, and loan or credit card payments.

If you have a mortgage, auto loan, or other debt with Bank of America, do not close the account that payment is tied to until you have set up payment from a different bank. Call the loan servicer directly to confirm the new payment method is active before you close the checking or savings account.

For paycheck direct deposit, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new bank's routing and account number. This change usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do it well before you close your Bank of America account.

Withdraw or transfer your balance

Bank of America will not close an account that still holds money. Before you close, move any remaining balance to another bank account or withdraw it in cash. You can transfer funds online to another bank using external transfer (also called ACH transfer), which usually takes one to three business days. You can also withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM or branch with no limit.

If you have a savings account linked to your checking account, transfer the savings balance first, then close the savings account, then close the checking account. If you have a money market account or certificate of deposit (CD), those must be closed separately and may have early withdrawal penalties if the CD has not matured.

Close in person at a branch

Bring your government-issued ID and your debit card to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm your balance is zero, check for any pending transactions, and process the closure on the spot. Ask them to provide a written confirmation that the account is closed.

This method is fastest and gives you immediate proof of closure. The representative can also answer questions about what happens to checks you may have written or pending deposits that have not yet cleared. If you have multiple accounts, you can close them all in one visit, but you must do each one separately.

Close by phone if you cannot visit a branch

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and say you want to close your account. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and ask about any pending transactions. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Bank of America may ask why you are closing or offer you incentives to stay. You are not required to explain or negotiate. Once the representative confirms closure, ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation. Write down the date, time, and representative's name for your records.

Close by mail for a paper record

Write a letter to Bank of America requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking, savings, or both), and the date you want it closed. Sign and date the letter. Send it to your local Bank of America branch or to the address on your most recent statement.

Keep a copy of the letter and send it via certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery. Bank of America typically processes mail requests within two to three weeks. Follow up by phone if you do not receive confirmation within that time.

What happens after you close

Once your account is closed, you cannot use your debit card or access online banking for that account. Any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared may still be processed against the closed account, which can trigger an overdraft fee. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and ask them to hold or destroy it.

Bank of America will keep records of your closed account for seven years for tax and fraud purposes. If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, you can request it from customer service even after the account is closed.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closing to confirm the account is marked "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by bank." A consumer-initiated closure has no negative impact on your credit score. If it shows as closed by the bank, contact Bank of America and ask them to correct it with the credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still owe money?

No. If you have an overdraft balance or owe fees, you must pay that amount first. If you have a loan or credit card with Bank of America, those are separate accounts and closing your checking or savings account does not close them.

What if I have checks pending or a deposit that has not cleared?

Tell the representative or include this in your mail request. Bank of America can hold the account open temporarily while pending items clear, then close it once everything is settled. This usually takes five to seven business days.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only loans and credit cards appear on your credit report.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?

You can open a new account, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you closed it fewer than 90 days ago, Bank of America may deny a new account application. Wait at least 90 days before reapplying.

What if Bank of America closes my account without asking?

Bank of America can close an account for inactivity (usually after 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals), repeated overdrafts, or suspected fraud. If this happens, they will mail you a notice. Withdraw any remaining balance and contact customer service to understand why it was closed.