How to Close a Bank of America Account
You can close a Bank of America account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform. The process itself takes minutes, but you need to handle a few things first: make sure your account balance is zero, set up direct deposit elsewhere if you receive paychecks, and redirect any automatic payments that pull from that account. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, and you do not need a reason to do it.
The method you choose depends on what type of account you have and whether you want to keep other accounts open at Bank of America. If you are closing your only account, closing a joint account, or closing a credit card, the steps differ slightly.
Key Takeaways
- Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close an account over the phone, or visit any branch with your ID and account information.
- Your account balance must be zero before closing — withdraw remaining funds or request a check for the balance.
- Stop or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay transfers, or direct deposits linked to that account before you close it.
- Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, and the process takes a few minutes once your balance is cleared.
- If you close a checking account, any debit card tied to it will stop working when ready after closure.
Close Your Account by Phone
Calling Bank of America customer service is the fastest way to close an account if you do not want to visit a branch. Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — they will ask you to verify your identity before proceeding.
The representative will confirm your account balance and ask what you want to do with any remaining money. If your balance is positive, they can arrange a check mailed to your address on file, or you can withdraw the funds at an ATM or branch before calling. Once your balance is zero, they will close the account when ready. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within a few business days.
If you have automatic payments or recurring transfers set up on that account, tell the representative before they close it. They can see what is scheduled and help you understand what will happen to those transactions.
Close Your Account at a Branch
You can walk into any Bank of America branch and close an account in person. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. A teller or banker will pull up your account, confirm your balance, and process the closure while you wait.
If you have money in the account, the teller can withdraw it for you on the spot in cash, or you can request a cashier's check. Once your balance is zero, they will close the account when ready. You will receive written confirmation by mail.
Closing in person is useful if you have questions about what happens to linked services — for example, if you use that account for bill pay or have a savings account tied to it for overdraft protection. The banker can walk you through those details before closing.
What to Do Before You Close
Before you call or visit, take these steps to avoid problems after closure. First, withdraw or transfer out any remaining balance. Second, log into your Bank of America online account and check for any automatic payments, bill pay transactions, or recurring transfers scheduled from that account. Write down which companies or people receive payments and when they are due.
Contact each company or person and give them your new account number if you are moving to a different bank, or let them know the account is closing. This is especially important for payroll direct deposit, insurance payments, loan payments, and subscription services. If you miss this step, payments may fail or bounce, which can hurt your credit or result in late fees.
If you have a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working the moment the account closes. If you use it for online shopping or subscriptions, update those merchants with a new payment method first.
Closing a Joint Account
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. Bank of America may require both of you to be present at a branch, or they may allow one person to close it by phone if the other person has given written permission.
Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask what Bank of America requires for your specific situation. If you are the only one who wants to close the account and the other person does not, you may not be able to close it unilaterally — you would need to remove yourself from the account instead, which is a different process.
Closing a Credit Card
Closing a Bank of America credit card works differently from closing a checking or savings account. Call the credit card customer service number on the back of your card, or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with the credit card department.
Make sure your balance is paid in full before closing. The representative will confirm your balance, process the closure, and you will receive written confirmation by mail. Your credit card will stop working when ready, but you may still receive a final statement if there are any pending transactions.
Keep in mind that closing a credit card can affect your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and may change your credit utilization ratio. This is not a reason to keep a card open, but it is something to be aware of.
What Happens After You Close
Once your account is closed, you will not be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any pending transactions that have not yet cleared may still post to the account for a few days — Bank of America will handle these and send you a final statement.
If a company tries to charge your closed account after closure, the transaction will be declined. This is why it is important to update your payment information with all merchants before closing.
Bank of America keeps records of closed accounts for their internal purposes, but you will not have access to view old statements or transactions online after closure. If you need records of transactions from that account, request them before closing or ask for a statement copy when you close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new account at Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a problem — such as too many overdrafts or fraud — Bank of America may review your history before opening a new one. In most cases, reopening is straightforward.
What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled for the day I close my account?
If a direct deposit arrives after your account is closed, Bank of America will typically return it to the sender. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number before you close. This prevents the deposit from being rejected.
Do I lose my transaction history after I close my account?
You will not be able to view your transaction history online after closure, but Bank of America retains records. If you need a copy of old statements, request them before closing or contact Bank of America customer service after closure and ask for a statement by mail.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card may lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, but the impact is usually small and temporary.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Bank of America will close it. You can deposit funds to cover the overdraft, or the representative can deduct the amount from another Bank of America account you own. Once the balance is zero or positive, the account can be closed.