You can close a Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if your account is in good standing and has a zero balance
Bank of America lets you close a checking account without visiting a branch, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have money or holds on it. If your account is active, has no pending transactions, and carries no balance, you can initiate closure through the Bank of America mobile app or website. If your account has a balance, you must withdraw or transfer the money first. If your account is flagged for fraud investigation, has a negative balance, or is subject to a legal hold, you cannot close it online—you will need to call or visit a branch.
The entire process takes one to two business days from the moment you submit your request. You will receive written confirmation by mail within five to seven business days. Before you start, make sure you have moved all automatic bill payments and direct deposits to a different account, because closing this one will cancel any scheduled transactions.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before you can close your account online through the Bank of America app or website.
- If your account holds money, transfer or withdraw it to another account before you attempt to close.
- Accounts with negative balances, fraud holds, or legal claims cannot be closed online and require a phone call or branch visit.
- After you close your account, Bank of America will mail you written confirmation, and the account will stop processing transactions within one to two business days.
- If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set to this account, change those arrangements before you close it.
How to close your account through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Navigate to the account you want to close by tapping on it from your accounts list. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) and select "Account Services" or "Settings." From there, find the option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Closure." The app will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you have no pending transactions. If both are true, you can proceed. If your balance is not zero, the app will stop you and direct you to transfer or withdraw the funds first.
After you confirm the closure request, Bank of America will show you a summary of what will happen: your account will close, you will receive written confirmation by mail, and any remaining scheduled transactions will be cancelled. You will need to tap a final confirmation button to complete the request. Do not close the app or navigate away until you see a confirmation message stating that your closure request has been submitted. Write down or screenshot the confirmation number for your records.
How to close your account through the website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your online banking credentials. Click on the checking account you want to close. Look for a "Settings" or "Account Services" link, usually found near the top or bottom of the account details page. Select "Close Account" from the menu. The website will verify that your balance is zero and that no transactions are pending. If your account passes these checks, you can proceed to the confirmation page.
Review the closure summary, which will list the account number, the date the closure will take effect, and what happens to any scheduled payments or transfers. Click the final confirmation button to submit your request. You will receive an on-screen confirmation number—write this down or take a screenshot. Bank of America will also send you a written confirmation letter to the address on file within five to seven business days. Keep both the on-screen confirmation and the mailed letter for your records.
What to do before you close your account
Before you attempt to close your account online, make sure you have moved all your money out. Log into your account and check your current balance. If it is not zero, transfer the funds to another bank account you own or withdraw the cash at an ATM or branch. Wait for the transfer to complete and the balance to show as zero before you start the closure process. If you try to close an account with a balance, the system will reject your request.
Next, review any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers tied to this account. Log into each service that sends money to or takes money from this checking account—your employer's payroll system, your insurance company, your utility provider, your subscription services—and update the payment method or account number. If you do not change these before you close the account, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions. This step takes the most time, so start it at least one week before you plan to close the account.
Check whether you have any pending checks you have written from this account. If you have written a check that has not yet cleared, wait until it does before closing the account, or contact the recipient and ask them to deposit it sooner. Closing an account with outstanding checks can cause those checks to bounce.
When you cannot close your account online
Bank of America will not let you close your account online if it has a negative balance (meaning you owe the bank money). This happens when you have overdraft fees, returned deposits, or other charges that exceed your account balance. You must pay the negative balance first by transferring money into the account or visiting a branch. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close it online.
If your account is under investigation for fraud, has a legal hold placed on it by a court or creditor, or is flagged for suspicious activity, you cannot close it through the app or website. You will need to call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. A representative will explain the hold and tell you when it will be lifted. Only after the hold is removed can you close the account.
Accounts that are linked to a Bank of America credit card, investment account, or mortgage may have restrictions on online closure. If the system will not let you close your account online, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit your nearest branch to close it in person. A representative can tell you whether your account type supports online closure or what needs to happen first.
What happens after you submit your closure request
Once you submit your closure request online, Bank of America will process it within one to two business days. Your account will stop accepting new transactions immediately, though it may take a few days for the closure to appear in your account list. Any automatic payments or transfers scheduled after the closure date will be cancelled, and the payees will receive a notification that the account is closed.
You will receive a written confirmation letter in the mail within five to seven business days. Keep this letter for your records. If you need proof that your account is closed for tax purposes, a mortgage application, or another reason, you can use this letter or call Bank of America to request a closure confirmation letter.
If you have a debit card tied to this account, it will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to do anything with the card—it will simply decline at checkout. If you want to destroy it, you can cut it up or shred it. You do not need to return it to Bank of America.
What to do if your closure request is rejected
If you try to close your account online and the system rejects your request, the app or website will show an error message explaining why. The most common reasons are: your balance is not zero, you have pending transactions, your account is flagged for fraud or legal holds, or your account type does not support online closure. Read the error message carefully—it will tell you exactly what needs to happen before you can proceed.
If the error message is unclear or you believe it is a mistake, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative. They can see what is blocking your closure and tell you the next steps. If your account truly cannot be closed online, they will help you close it over the phone or schedule an appointment at a branch. Have your account number and the error message ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my debit card when I close my checking account?
Yes. Your debit card is tied to your checking account, so it will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to return it or do anything with it—just stop using it. If you want to destroy it, you can cut it up or shred it.
Can I close my account if I have pending direct deposits or bill payments?
You can close the account, but you should not. Any scheduled transactions will be cancelled, which can cause your bills to go unpaid or your paycheck to be rejected. Update all automatic payments and direct deposits to a different account at least one week before you close this account.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Bank of America processes the closure within one to two business days. You will receive written confirmation by mail within five to seven business days. The account will stop accepting transactions immediately, but it may take a few days to disappear from your account list.
What if I change my mind after I close my account?
Once your account is closed, you cannot reopen it online. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 within 30 days of closure and ask if they can reopen it. After 30 days, you will need to open a new account instead.
Will closing my checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit cards, loans, and other credit products show up on your credit report.