The basic steps to close a Bank of America account
You can close a Bank of America account by visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using online banking. The method you choose depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances or pending transactions. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but you will need to settle any remaining balance and stop any automatic payments linked to that account before closure is complete.
The account closure process typically takes a few business days. Bank of America will send you written confirmation once the account is closed. If you have a debit card attached to the account, it will stop working after closure, so plan ahead if you use it for regular purchases or bill payments.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through online banking without paying a fee.
- Before closing, you must withdraw or transfer any remaining balance and cancel automatic payments or recurring transfers tied to that account.
- Bring a government-issued ID to a branch, or have your account number and Social Security number ready if you call.
- Bank of America will mail you written confirmation of the closure within a few business days.
Closing your account in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and ask to close your account. Bring your debit card if you have one. A representative will review your account to confirm there are no pending transactions, verify your identity, and process the closure on the spot.
If your account has a remaining balance, the representative can issue you a cashier's check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. This method is fastest if you need the closure completed when ready, since you receive confirmation in writing before you leave the branch.
Closing your account by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID available. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account has no pending transactions, and process the closure.
When you close by phone, ask the representative how Bank of America will return any remaining balance — they can mail a check, transfer funds to another account, or arrange other options. Request written confirmation of the closure and note the date and representative's name for your records. The closure typically takes three to five business days to complete after the call.
Closing your account through online banking
Log into your Bank of America online account and navigate to the account settings or profile section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Bank of America's online closure tool will walk you through confirming your identity and reviewing any outstanding balance.
Online closure works only if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions. If you have funds remaining, you must transfer or withdraw them first. After you submit the closure request online, Bank of America will send you email and written confirmation within a few business days.
What to do before you close your account
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers at least one week before you close the account. This includes automatic bill payments, direct deposits, subscription charges, and transfers to other accounts. Log into your account online or call customer service to review what is set up and cancel each one individually.
Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance to another account. If you leave money in the account, Bank of America will hold it and eventually send you a check, but this can take weeks. If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before closure is possible.
Update any services that may still be linked to this account. If you use your Bank of America debit card for online shopping, streaming services, or other recurring charges, change the payment method on those accounts now. After closure, any charges attempted on that card will be declined.
What happens after your account closes
Your debit card stops working when ready or within one business day of closure. Any checks you wrote from that account will bounce if they have not yet cleared, so contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and provide an alternative payment method.
Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts for a set period. If you need a statement or documentation of transactions from the closed account, you can request it from customer service. The bank will not reopen a closed account, but you can open a new account at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account if it has a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance in full before the account can close. Deposit funds into the account or transfer money from another account to bring the balance to zero, then proceed with closure.
What if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments scheduled?
Cancel all automatic payments and recurring transfers before closing. If a direct deposit is scheduled to hit the account after closure, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide a new account number. Deposits to a closed account may be returned or held by the bank.
How long does it take to close a Bank of America account?
In-person closure at a branch is when ready. Phone and online closures typically take three to five business days. You will receive written confirmation by mail once the closure is complete.
Will closing my account affect my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history, not deposit accounts. However, if you close an account with an outstanding balance that goes unpaid, that could be reported to collection agencies and harm your credit.
Can someone else close my account for me?
No. Only the account owner can close the account. If the account is jointly owned, both owners typically must consent. For accounts owned by a deceased person, the executor or authorized representative must contact Bank of America with a death certificate and legal documentation.