You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

Bank of America lets you close most checking and savings accounts through multiple channels. The fastest route is usually a phone call to customer service at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can walk you through the process and confirm your account is empty. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID. Online closure is available for some account types through your digital banking portal, though you may still need to call if you have complications.

Before you close any account, make sure you have moved or withdrawn all your money, set up direct deposits elsewhere if needed, and cancelled any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to that account. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or pending transactions. If you have a credit card, savings account, or money market account linked to your checking account, closing the checking account will not affect those other products.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
  • Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before Bank of America will close it.
  • Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and recurring charges at least a few days before you close the account.
  • Closing a checking account does not close linked savings accounts, credit cards, or other Bank of America products.
  • Keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records in case you need proof the account was closed.

Steps to close your account by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, review your account balance, and confirm there are no pending transactions or automatic payments still attached to the account.

If your account has a balance, the representative will ask how you want to receive the money — as a check mailed to your address on file, a transfer to another bank account, or a withdrawal at a branch. If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer, provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. Once the money is moved or withdrawn, the representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write this down.

The entire call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you hang up, your account will be closed within one to three business days. You will receive a final statement in the mail confirming the closure.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with your valid ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close your account. The teller will verify your identity and check your account balance just as a phone representative would.

If you have money in the account, the teller can withdraw it for you in cash on the spot, or you can ask them to transfer it to another account. If you have a balance and want a check, the teller can issue one when ready. Once the account is empty, the teller will close it and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

Closing in person is often faster than by phone because everything happens at once — you can empty the account and complete the closure in a single visit. However, branch hours vary by location, so check your local branch's schedule before you go.

Closing your account online

Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app and look for account settings or account management options. Some account types allow you to request closure directly through the portal. Select the account you want to close, then follow the prompts to confirm your request.

Online closure is not available for all account types. If you do not see a closure option in your settings, or if your account has a balance or pending transactions, you will need to call or visit a branch instead. Even if you submit an online closure request, Bank of America may contact you by phone to verify your identity before processing it.

What to do before you close your account

Stop all automatic bill payments at least three to five business days before you close the account. Log into each biller's website or call them directly to redirect payments to your new account or payment method. Common automatic payments include utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, and credit card payments. If you miss stopping one, the payment may bounce and trigger overdraft fees on an account you are trying to close.

Update your direct deposit with your employer or benefit provider to point to your new bank account. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so do this well before you close your old account. If you receive Social Security, veterans benefits, or unemployment payments by direct deposit, contact the agency directly to change your banking information.

Withdraw or transfer all money from the account. Bank of America will not close an account with a balance. If you have linked accounts — such as a savings account tied to your checking account for overdraft protection — make sure you understand how closing one account affects the others. Closing a checking account does not automatically close a linked savings account, but overdraft protection will stop working.

What happens to checks and debit cards after closure

Your debit card will stop working when ready after the account closes. Destroy it by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, as the card number is still readable.

Any checks you have printed for that account will bounce if someone tries to cash or deposit them after the account is closed. If you have unused checks, destroy them. If you wrote checks that have not cleared yet, contact the people or businesses you wrote them to and let them know the account is closing so they can avoid the bounce fee.

If you have an outstanding balance or fees

Bank of America will not close an account that has an overdraft balance, unpaid fees, or a negative balance. If your account shows a negative number, you owe Bank of America money. You must deposit enough to bring the balance to zero before closure is possible.

If you dispute a fee or believe it was charged in error, contact Bank of America before you close the account. Explain the situation to a representative and ask whether the fee can be waived. Some fees are reversible, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or if the fee was the result of a system error. Once you close the account, it becomes much harder to dispute charges or recover fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I still have pending transactions?

No. Bank of America will not close an account with pending transactions, checks that have not cleared, or automatic payments still scheduled. Wait for all pending items to clear, then cancel any remaining automatic payments before you request closure. This usually takes three to five business days.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You must deposit money to bring the balance to zero before Bank of America will close the account. If you believe the negative balance is due to an error or an unfair fee, contact customer service to dispute it first. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.

Will closing my Bank of America checking account close my savings account too?

No. Closing a checking account does not close any other accounts you have with Bank of America. Savings accounts, money market accounts, and credit cards remain open unless you specifically request to close them. However, if you had overdraft protection set up between the two accounts, that feature will stop working.

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

After you request closure, Bank of America typically closes the account within one to three business days. You will receive a final statement in the mail within 7 to 10 business days confirming the closure. Keep this statement and your confirmation number for your records.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close your account over the phone, in person, or online depending on your account type. Phone closure is usually fastest and requires only a 10-minute call to 1-800-432-1000. In-person closure at a branch is also quick if you want to withdraw cash or get a check on the spot. Online closure is available for some accounts but may still require a phone call to verify your identity.