Call Bank of America or use their online portal to close your card
The fastest way to close a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check your account balance, and process the closure. The call takes about 10 minutes.
If you prefer not to call, you can also close your card through the Bank of America website or mobile app. Log in to your account, go to the credit card settings, and look for the option to close the account. The online method works the same way as calling, but you will not get immediate confirmation—Bank of America will send you a written confirmation by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you close the card, pay off any remaining balance. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and attempting to close it will not erase what you owe. If you have a promotional 0% interest period still running, closing the card ends that promotion, and the remaining balance will accrue interest at the regular rate.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your card immediately, or use the Bank of America app or website for a written confirmation by mail.
- You must pay off your entire balance before Bank of America will close the account.
- Closing a card with an active 0% promotional period ends that promotion and interest begins accruing on the remaining balance.
- After closure, your card will stop working, but you remain responsible for any pending charges or disputes that arise later.
Pay your balance in full before calling
Bank of America will not process a closure request if your account has an outstanding balance. If you owe money, make a payment first through your online account, by phone, or by mail. Once the balance reaches zero, you can proceed with closing the card.
If you have pending charges that have not yet posted to your account, wait for them to appear before you close. Closing the card does not stop merchants from submitting charges they have already authorized. Those charges will still post and you will still owe them, even though the card is closed.
What happens to your credit score after closure
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. If you have a $5,000 limit on this card and a $10,000 limit on another card, closing this one drops your total available credit from $15,000 to $10,000. This change affects your credit utilization ratio, which is part of how credit bureaus calculate your score.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over time as you continue to pay other accounts on time. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, which can actually help your score because it shows a history of responsible credit use.
If you want to minimize the impact, consider closing the card after you have paid down balances on other cards, or wait until after you have applied for any major loans (mortgage, auto loan) that require a credit check.
Confirm closure in writing and check your credit report
After you close the card, Bank of America will send you a written confirmation. Keep this letter in case you need proof that the account is closed. The confirmation will include the closure date and your final balance.
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to make sure the account shows as "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by creditor." You can get a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account is listed incorrectly, contact the bureau in writing to dispute it.
What to do with the physical card after closure
Once Bank of America confirms the closure, cut up the physical card or shred it. Do not throw it away whole. This prevents anyone who finds it from attempting to use it, even though the card will be declined.
If you have set up automatic payments using this card—for utilities, subscriptions, or other recurring charges—update those payments to a different card or bank account before you close. Bank of America will not process charges after the card is closed, and your service providers may charge you a fee or suspend your service if a payment fails.
Reopen a closed card if you change your mind
If you close your card and then change your mind within a short window, you may be able to reopen it. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether the account can be reopened. Bank of America typically allows this within 30 days of closure, though the policy can vary. After 30 days, the account is usually permanent closed and cannot be reopened.
If the account cannot be reopened, you can always open a new Bank of America credit card. You will receive a new card number and a new credit limit, which may be different from your previous card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only in the short term. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points immediately because your available credit decreases. The impact fades over time as you continue to pay other accounts on time. The closed account stays on your report for up to 10 years, which can actually help your score long-term.
What if I have a balance transfer or promotional rate on the card?
Closing the card ends any promotional rate immediately. Any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the regular rate. Pay off the balance before closing, or wait until the promotional period ends naturally if the balance is large.
Can I close the card online or do I have to call?
You can close it online through the Bank of America app or website, but you will not get immediate confirmation. Calling 1-800-432-1000 is faster and gives you confirmation on the spot. Either method works.
What happens to pending charges after I close the card?
Merchants can still submit charges that have already been authorized, even after closure. Those charges will post to your account and you will owe them. Make sure all pending transactions have posted before you close, or wait a few days after your last purchase.
Can I reopen a closed credit card?
Bank of America usually allows reopening within 30 days of closure. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask. After 30 days, the account is permanent closed. You can open a new Bank of America card instead, though the credit limit may differ.