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

Bank of America requires you to call their customer service line or visit a branch in person to close a checking account. There is no online form, no self-service option, and no way to initiate closure through their digital channels. You must speak to a representative who will verify your identity, confirm you have no outstanding checks or automatic payments, and process the closure on their end.

The phone number for account closure is 1-800-432-1000. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your checking account; online closure is not available through Bank of America's website or app.
  • Before you call, make sure you have no pending checks, no active automatic bill payments, and no direct deposits scheduled to that account.
  • Bank of America will ask for your account number and may ask security questions to confirm your identity before processing the closure.
  • If you have a remaining balance, the bank will issue a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
  • After closure, your debit card linked to that account will stop working immediately.

What to prepare before you call

Have your account number ready. You can find it on a recent statement, on your debit card, or by logging into your online banking. Bank of America will ask for this number to pull up your account and confirm the closure request is legitimate.

Check whether you have any outstanding checks still in circulation. If you wrote checks that have not yet cleared, the bank may ask you to wait until they post before closing, or they may allow closure with a note that checks will be honored from a closed account (which can take weeks). Ask the representative what your options are if you have pending checks.

Confirm that no automatic bill payments or recurring transfers are set to draw from this account. If they are, you will need to update those payments to a different account or cancel them before closure. The representative can see these on their end and will alert you if any exist.

If you receive direct deposit to this account, update your employer's payroll system or your benefits provider to send future deposits to a different account. Deposits that arrive after closure will be returned to the sender.

What happens to your remaining balance

If your account has money in it when you close, Bank of America will not keep it. You can ask the representative to transfer the balance to another Bank of America account you own, or you can request a check mailed to your address on file. A check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you will owe that amount. The bank may deduct it from another account you have with them, or they may send you a bill. Settling any negative balance before you call to close will make the process faster.

Your debit card and online access after closure

Your debit card linked to the checking account will stop working immediately after the account is closed. Do not rely on it for purchases or ATM withdrawals after you hang up the phone. If you have a separate savings account or another checking account with Bank of America, cards linked to those accounts will continue to work.

Your online banking login will still work, but you will no longer see the closed account in your account list. You can still access statements and transaction history for the closed account for a limited time through your online portal, though Bank of America's retention policy varies.

Closing the account at a branch instead

If you prefer not to call, you can walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID and ask to close your checking account. Bring your account number if you have it. A teller or banker can process the closure on the spot, answer questions about your balance, and handle the transfer or check request in person.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website to find the nearest branch and confirm their hours before you go.

What to do if you have linked accounts or credit products

If you have a Bank of America credit card, savings account, or other products tied to your checking account, closing the checking account will not affect them. However, if you set up overdraft protection that links your checking account to a savings account, that link will be removed when the checking account closes.

If you have a Bank of America mortgage, auto loan, or other credit product, closing a checking account does not affect your loan. You can continue to make payments through other methods, such as automatic transfer from a different bank or by mailing a check.

After the account is closed

Once the representative confirms the closure, the account is closed immediately. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records.

If you need to dispute a transaction or have a question about the closed account later, you can still contact Bank of America customer service. They can pull up the account history even after closure and help resolve any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Bank of America can reopen a closed account within a limited window, usually 30 days. After that, you will need to open a new account instead. If you think you might want to reopen it, ask the representative about the timeframe when you call to close.

What if I have a pending wire transfer or ACH payment?

Pending transfers and ACH payments will be rejected if the account is closed before they post. Contact the person or business sending the money and ask them to cancel or redirect it to a different account. The representative can also tell you if any pending transactions are in the system.

Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?

No. Bank of America is a national bank, so you can close your account by calling their national customer service line or by visiting any branch, regardless of where you opened it or where you live now.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit products like credit cards and loans, not on checking or savings accounts. Closing a checking account leaves no mark on your credit report.

What if I forgot my account number?

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account but do not have your account number. They can look up your account using your Social Security number and date of birth. Have your ID ready so they can verify your identity.