You cannot close a Bank of America checking account entirely through their website or mobile app

Bank of America requires you to close a checking account by phone or in person at a branch. There is no online closure option, even though you can manage most other account functions digitally. This means you will need to call their customer service line or visit a physical location to complete the closure.

The reason for this requirement is that Bank of America needs to verify your identity and confirm the account status before closing it — particularly if there are pending transactions, automatic payments, or a balance remaining. A representative will also ask why you are closing the account and may offer retention options.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America checking accounts must be closed by phone at 1-800-432-1000 or in person at a branch; no online option exists.
  • Before you call, stop all automatic payments and transfers, withdraw or transfer your remaining balance, and have your account number ready.
  • The account closes immediately after you speak with a representative, but checks and debit cards remain active until you destroy them.
  • If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not affect those accounts.

What to do before you call or visit

Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers at least a few days before closure. This includes bill payments, paycheck direct deposits, and transfers to other accounts. If a payment processes after you close the account, it can create complications with the payee and may result in overdraft fees or returned payment notices.

Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance to another account. You can do this through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or ATM. If you leave money in the account when you close it, the bank will hold it and mail you a check, which can take several weeks.

Gather your account number, which appears on your debit card, checks, or statements. Have your Social Security number and a form of identification ready as well. If you are calling from a number different from the one on file, the representative may ask security questions to verify your identity.

Closing by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter holds. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your checking account and provide your account number.

The representative will confirm your identity, review your account for pending transactions, and ask if you want to close any linked accounts as well. They may also ask why you are closing the account or offer to address any concerns. Once you confirm, the account closes immediately.

Ask the representative to confirm the closure in writing. Some customers request that the confirmation be emailed or mailed to them, which creates a record of the closure date. This is useful if you later receive mail or notices related to the account.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued ID and your account number. Bring any debit cards or checks you want to destroy so the teller can shred them in front of you. This prevents someone from using old checks or cards after the account is closed.

Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask for written confirmation of the closure before you leave.

Branch closure is useful if you have questions about your account history, want to discuss why you are leaving, or prefer to handle the transaction face-to-face. It also gives you immediate proof of closure, which you can keep for your records.

What happens to your debit card and checks after closure

Your debit card and checks remain active for a short period after closure, even though the account is closed. This is a safety measure to allow pending transactions to clear. Do not use the card or write new checks after the account closes.

Destroy your debit card by cutting it in half and discarding it, or ask a teller to shred it during your branch visit. Destroy unused checks by tearing them up or shredding them. If you have a large stack of checks, you can also contact Bank of America to request that they cancel the remaining checks in your book.

If a transaction posts to the closed account after closure, Bank of America will typically reject it and notify the merchant. This can result in a returned payment notice to the payee, so make sure all automatic payments are stopped beforehand.

Linked accounts and what stays open

Closing your checking account does not automatically close any savings accounts, money market accounts, or credit cards linked to it. Each account must be closed separately if you want to close them. If you only want to close the checking account, your other Bank of America accounts will remain active.

If you have direct deposit set up through an employer or government agency, update your banking information with them before you close the account. Otherwise, your next deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can delay your pay or benefits.

If you have a linked savings account that you want to keep, make sure any overdraft protection tied to the checking account is removed. Once the checking account closes, overdraft protection will no longer work.

If you need to reopen the account later

Bank of America allows you to reopen a closed checking account within a certain timeframe, though policies vary. Contact customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether your specific account can be reopened and what steps are required.

If the account has been closed for a long time or was closed due to fraud or policy violations, reopening may not be possible. In that case, you would need to open a new account instead. A new account requires a new application and may have different terms or requirements than your original account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring your account to zero or positive before closing. If your account is negative, you owe Bank of America that amount. Pay the negative balance through another account or arrange a payment plan with a representative before attempting to close.

What if I have pending checks or automatic payments when I close?

Pending transactions can still process after closure and will be rejected, resulting in returned payment notices to the payees. Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers at least three to five business days before you close the account to avoid this.

Do I lose my account history after I close the account?

No. Bank of America keeps your account history on file for several years. You can request statements or transaction records by calling customer service or visiting a branch, even after the account is closed.

Will closing my checking account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not deposit accounts. Closing a checking account has no impact on your creditworthiness.

Can someone else close my account if they have power of attorney?

Yes, but Bank of America will need to verify the power of attorney document and confirm the account holder's identity. The person with power of attorney should call customer service or visit a branch with the original or certified copy of the power of attorney document.