You cannot close a Bank of America account entirely online
Bank of America requires you to close a checking or savings account by phone or in person at a branch. There is no online closure option through their website or mobile app, even if you have no balance and no pending transactions. This is true for all personal deposit accounts.
The fastest route is a phone call to Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer to close in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your account number.
Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank first using online transfer, ATM withdrawal, or a teller. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments set to that account, cancel or redirect them before closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account; Bank of America does not offer online closure for any personal deposit account.
- Empty your account completely before calling—transfer or withdraw all funds, and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to it.
- Have your account number and photo ID ready when you contact them.
- Closing takes effect immediately by phone, but allow 5 to 7 business days for the account to fully disappear from your online profile.
- If you have a credit card with Bank of America, closing a deposit account does not close the card—you must handle that separately.
What to do before you call
Move all money out of the account. Log into your Bank of America online banking, go to Transfers, and send the full balance to another bank account you own. If the balance is small, you can also withdraw it at an ATM or ask a teller to withdraw it in cash. Bank of America will not close an account with a balance remaining.
Cancel or redirect any automatic payments. Check your account for recurring bills, subscriptions, or transfers that pull from this account each month. Log into each service (utilities, insurance, streaming, payroll) and update the payment method or account number. If you miss one, the payment will fail and you may face late fees from the biller.
Stop any direct deposits. If your paycheck, Social Security, or other regular deposits go to this account, contact your employer or the paying agency and provide them with a new account number at another bank. This can take one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do it at least a week before you close the account.
Check for pending transactions. Review your recent activity in online banking to see if any checks you wrote are still clearing, or if any pending charges from debit card purchases are still processing. Wait for these to complete before closure.
How to close by phone
Call 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week, but hours vary). Have your account number and a photo ID ready. You may be asked to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up.
Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm the account balance is zero and ask why you are closing. You do not have to give a detailed reason—"I am moving my banking elsewhere" is sufficient. They may offer to keep the account open or move you to a different product; you can decline.
The representative will process the closure immediately. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The account closes right away, but it may take 5 to 7 business days to disappear completely from your online banking profile and for any pending holds to release.
Ask the representative to confirm the closure in writing. Some customers request an email confirmation; Bank of America may send one, but it is not may provide. If you need written proof of closure for tax or legal reasons, ask during the call whether they can mail a letter to your address on file.
Closing in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with your photo ID and account number. You do not need an appointment. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.
The teller will give you a receipt showing the account is closed. Keep this receipt. Like phone closures, the account will disappear from your online profile within 5 to 7 business days, but the closure is effective immediately.
In-person closure can be useful if you have questions about your account history, need a printed statement, or want to speak to someone face-to-face. However, it requires a trip to a branch, which may not be convenient if your nearest location is far away.
What happens after closure
Your account number becomes inactive and cannot receive deposits or payments. If a payment arrives after closure, it will be rejected and returned to the sender. This is why redirecting direct deposits and automatic payments before closure is critical.
You can no longer access the account through online banking or the mobile app. Within a few days, the account will disappear from your login entirely. Any debit card linked to the account will stop working.
Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts for seven years for regulatory and tax purposes. If you need a statement or transaction history after closure, you can request it by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or by visiting a branch, though they may charge a fee for statements older than a certain period.
If you have a Bank of America credit card, closing a deposit account does not close the card. Your credit card account remains open and active. If you want to close the credit card too, you must do that separately by calling the credit card customer service line or visiting a branch.
If you have a negative balance or owe Bank of America
If your account is overdrawn or you owe Bank of America money (overdraft fees, returned check fees, or other charges), the bank may not allow closure until the debt is paid. You will need to bring the account to a zero or positive balance first.
If you are unsure whether you owe money, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask the representative to review your account. They can tell you the exact amount owed and explain what charges are pending. Once you pay, you can proceed with closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?
No. Wait for the check to clear before closing. If you close with a pending check, it will bounce and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. Check your recent activity in online banking to see if any checks are still processing, and wait 5 to 7 business days after the check date before calling to close.
What if I close my account and then a payment tries to go through?
The payment will be rejected and returned to the sender. The biller may charge you a late fee or report the missed payment to credit bureaus. This is why you must redirect all automatic payments and direct deposits before closure. If you miss one, contact the biller immediately and provide a new account number.
Do I need to close my Bank of America credit card when I close my checking account?
No. Closing a deposit account does not affect a credit card account. The card remains open and active. If you want to close the credit card, call the credit card customer service line or visit a branch separately.
How long does it take for my account to disappear from online banking after I close it?
The account closes immediately when you call or visit a branch, but it typically takes 5 to 7 business days to disappear from your online profile and mobile app. During this time, you may still see it listed, but you cannot use it.
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or dispute with the bank, Bank of America may review your history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but the bank may decline if you have unresolved issues.