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 their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, at any branch in person, or through your online banking portal. Before you close, you need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, pay off any overdrafts or fees owed, and make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to that account. The process itself takes a few minutes, but the account may take several business days to fully close in their system.
If you have a credit card, mortgage, or investment account with Bank of America, those close through different channels and timelines. This guide covers deposit accounts — checking and savings — which is what most people mean when they say "close my account."
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before Bank of America will close your account.
- Calling 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest route for most people; you can also visit a branch or use online banking if you prefer.
- Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and bill pay transfers at least a week before you close to avoid failed transactions.
- Bank of America may take up to 10 business days to fully process the closure and remove the account from their system.
- If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank will not close the account until those are settled.
Prepare your account before you call or visit
The single biggest reason closures get delayed is an outstanding balance. Before you contact Bank of America, log into your account online or call 1-800-432-1000 to check the exact balance. If there is money in the account, transfer it to another bank or withdraw it in cash. If the balance is negative — meaning you owe the bank money — you must pay that amount first. Negative balances usually come from overdraft fees, returned checks, or monthly maintenance fees that posted after you stopped using the account.
Next, stop all automatic payments and direct deposits. Log into your online banking portal and cancel any bill pay transactions you have set up. Contact your employer or any other source of direct deposits and update your banking information with them — do not rely on the bank to redirect these. Automatic payments and direct deposits can still process for several days after you request closure, and if they hit a closed account, you may face fees or have to chase down refunds.
Check your recent statements for any pending transactions, holds, or disputed charges. If you have filed a dispute with the bank, wait until it is resolved before closing. The same applies if you have a hold on the account from a check you deposited — the hold must clear first.
Close by phone with Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and ask why you are closing (this is optional to answer). They will then process the closure and give you a confirmation number — write this down.
The representative may ask if you want to keep any other accounts open with Bank of America or if you want to move your money to another bank first. If you have not already transferred your balance, you can do this during the call — the representative can walk you through it. The account will be marked for closure when ready, but it may take 5 to 10 business days to fully disappear from the system.
Close in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close your account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. You will receive a written confirmation. This method works well if you want to withdraw cash at the same time or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Branch hours vary by location. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000. Some branches have shorter hours on Saturdays or are closed on Sundays, so check before you go.
Close through your online banking portal
Log into your Bank of America online account, go to the settings or account management section, and look for an option to close the account. Not all account types can be closed online — some require a phone call or branch visit. If you do not see a close option in your portal, you will need to use one of the other methods.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review the closure terms. You will receive a confirmation number. As with phone closure, the account will be marked for closure but may take several business days to fully process.
What happens after you request closure
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing any remaining activity and confirming the account is closed. This usually arrives within 2 to 3 weeks. Keep this statement for your records. If you have checks linked to the account, stop using them when ready — any checks that clear after closure may be rejected or cause problems.
If you set up automatic payments or direct deposits with this account and forgot to update them elsewhere, you will find out when those transactions fail. The sending institution will typically return the payment or deposit and notify you. Update your banking information with them as soon as you realize the mistake.
If you owe Bank of America money after closure — for example, a fee posts after the account closes — the bank will contact you about payment. Do not ignore these notices. Unpaid debts can affect your credit and may result in collection action.
Closing a joint account or account with a minor
If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders usually need to consent to closure. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether both signatures are required or if one person can close it. If you are the only adult on an account with a minor, you can close it, but the minor's parent or guardian may have rights to the funds — check the account paperwork or ask the bank.
If you are trying to close an account that someone else has access to, or if there is a dispute over who owns the money, contact the bank directly. These situations often require documentation or a court order, and the bank will guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance, overdraft fees, or other amounts owed before the bank will close the account. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out exactly what you owe, then pay it by phone, online, or in person at a branch.
How long does it take for Bank of America to fully close my account?
The closure is processed when ready when you request it, but the account may remain in the bank's system for 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a final statement confirming closure. If you need proof the account is closed sooner, ask for a written confirmation when you close it.
What if I close my account and then a check I wrote clears?
The check will likely be rejected and returned to the person who deposited it. They will be notified and may contact you. If this happens, contact Bank of America when ready — in some cases they can reopen the account temporarily to process the check, though this is not may provide.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Phone closure is usually the fastest option. You can also close in person at a branch or through your online portal if that option is available for your account type. All three methods are equally valid; choose whichever is most convenient for you.
Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit?
Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not directly affect your credit score. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees that go to collections, that can hurt your credit. Pay any amounts owed before closure to avoid this.