Call Bank of America or visit a branch to close your account

Bank of America lets you close a checking account by phone, online, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the steps and confirm the account is closed the same day. If you prefer to do it in person, bring your ID to any Bank of America branch and ask to close the account.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it first. Bank of America will not close an account with money owed. Also check that no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account — those need to be moved to another bank or cancelled before closure.

Online closure through your Bank of America login is also an option, though the process varies depending on your account type and whether you have linked products like savings accounts or credit cards. If you run into trouble closing online, the phone or branch route is more reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close your checking account by calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch with your ID, or using your online banking login.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive — you cannot close an account with an overdraft or negative balance.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before you close the account.
  • Closing takes effect immediately by phone or in person, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online account.
  • If you have linked products like a savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect them unless you specifically ask to close those too.

What to do with money still in the account

If your checking account has a positive balance, you have three options: leave the money there until it is withdrawn, transfer it to another account before closing, or ask Bank of America to send you a check. Most people transfer the balance to another bank account — you can do this online through your Bank of America portal or ask the representative on the phone to process it for you.

If you ask for a check, it typically arrives within five to ten business days. Bank of America will mail it to the address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request closure. If you do not pick up the check or deposit it within a certain period, Bank of America may attempt to return the funds to you or, in rare cases, turn the money over to your state's unclaimed property program.

Cancel automatic payments and direct deposits first

Any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or payroll direct deposits tied to your checking account need to be moved or stopped before closure. If you close the account while these are still active, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions. Contact each company or your employer separately to update your banking information.

For payroll direct deposit, log into your employer's system or contact your HR or payroll department and provide your new bank account number. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, credit card issuer, insurance company, etc.) and update the account number or switch to a different payment method. For subscriptions, do the same through the app or website where you signed up.

Bank of America will not automatically redirect these payments to another account, and the company will not contact your billers on your behalf. The responsibility is yours to update each one.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card stops working immediately or within a few business days after closure, depending on whether you closed by phone, online, or in person. If you closed in person, the representative may deactivate the card on the spot. If you closed by phone or online, the card typically stops working within 24 hours, though it can take up to three business days.

Any checks you have not yet used become invalid once the account closes. If you have outstanding checks that have not cleared, they will bounce when presented to the bank. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and let them know the account is closing so they can request payment by another method. Destroy any unused checks to prevent fraud.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Closure is usually effective immediately if you close by phone or in person. Online closure may take one to two business days to process. Once closed, you will no longer see the account in your Bank of America online banking portal, though it may take a few days for it to disappear completely.

If you have a Bank of America savings account, credit card, or other products, closing your checking account does not affect them. They remain open and active unless you specifically ask to close those as well. Your credit score is not impacted by closing a checking account — only credit products like credit cards and loans affect your credit history.

If you need a record of transactions from the closed account for tax or legal purposes, download or print your statements before closure. Once the account is closed, accessing old statements becomes more difficult, though Bank of America can usually provide them if you contact customer service.

If you want to reopen the account later

Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed checking account within a certain window, though policies vary. If you closed the account recently and want to reopen it, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to ask whether reopening is possible. The bank may be able to restore the account if it has been closed for only a short time and there are no outstanding issues.

If too much time has passed or the account cannot be reopened, you will need to open a new checking account. This requires a valid ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit. The process takes about 15 minutes in person or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my checking account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any overdraft or negative balance before Bank of America will close the account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

What if I have pending transactions when I close the account?

Pending transactions may still post after closure, and if they do, your account could go negative. Contact the merchant to cancel or delay the transaction, or wait for it to clear before closing the account.

Does closing my checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit affect your credit score.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

Closure is usually effective the same day by phone or in person. Online closure may take one to two business days. The account may remain visible in your online portal for a few additional days before disappearing.

What if I closed the account and a check I wrote still comes through?

The check will bounce and the merchant will be notified of insufficient funds. Contact the merchant immediately and arrange payment by another method. You may also face a returned check fee from Bank of America, though you can ask the bank to waive it.