You can close a Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America lets you start the closure process online using the BofA mobile app or their website, but the actual closure happens through customer service. You cannot complete the entire process without speaking to someone — either by phone, in-app chat, or in person at a branch. The online tools let you request closure and handle the paperwork, but a representative has to verify your identity and confirm the account is truly empty before they shut it down.
Before you attempt closure, your checking account must have exactly zero dollars in it. Any remaining balance, even a few cents, will block the closure. You also need to make sure no pending transactions are waiting to clear — a debit card charge you made three days ago that hasn't posted yet will prevent closure until it does. Once both conditions are met, you can move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account balance must be zero and all pending transactions must have cleared before Bank of America will close the account.
- You can request closure through the BofA mobile app, the website, or by calling 1-800-432-1000, but a representative must verify and complete the closure.
- If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments set up, cancel them before requesting closure to avoid failed transactions after the account closes.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but it may take three to five business days for the closure to finalize after you request it.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not automatically close those products.
How to request closure through the BofA mobile app
Open the BofA mobile app and log in with your username and password. Navigate to the account you want to close — tap on the checking account tile. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) and select "Account Services" or "Manage Account." Scroll down until you find an option labeled "Close Account" or "Request Account Closure." Tap it.
The app will show you a confirmation screen that lists your current balance and any pending items. Review this carefully — if the balance is not zero, you cannot proceed. If it shows zero, the app will ask you to confirm your request. You may be asked to provide a reason for closing (this is optional information). After you confirm, the app will generate a reference number. Save or screenshot this number — you will need it if you have to follow up.
The app will tell you that a representative will contact you within one to two business days to complete the closure. This is not automatic; someone from Bank of America will reach out to verify your identity and confirm the account details before they actually close it.
How to request closure through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on the checking account you want to close. Look for "Account Services" or a settings icon, then select "Close Account" or "Request Account Closure." The website will display your current balance and any pending transactions, just like the app does.
If your balance is zero and there are no pending items, you can submit the closure request. The website will ask for confirmation and may ask why you are closing the account. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Bank of America will send you an email confirmation and will contact you by phone within one to two business days to complete the process.
Calling Bank of America to close your account
If you prefer to close your account by phone, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and check for any pending transactions. If everything is clear, they can close the account immediately over the phone.
Closing by phone is often faster than the online request method because the representative can complete the entire process in one call. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Ask the representative to email you a written confirmation of the closure.
What to do before you close your account
Cancel any automatic bill payments or recurring charges linked to this checking account at least one week before you request closure. Log into each biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, subscription services, etc.) and update your payment method or cancel the automatic payment. If you do not do this, payments may fail after the account closes, and you could face late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive direct deposits (paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds), update your direct deposit information with your employer or the paying agency at least two weeks before closure. Provide them with your new account number if you are switching to another bank, or let them know you no longer want direct deposits. A direct deposit sent to a closed account will be returned to the sender, which can delay your money and create confusion.
Withdraw any remaining balance in cash at an ATM or at a branch. Even if the balance shows as zero online, there may be a small pending charge that has not posted yet. Withdraw what you can and wait a few days to confirm the balance is truly zero before requesting closure.
What happens after you request closure
Bank of America will contact you within one to two business days to verify the closure request. They will confirm your identity over the phone or through the app. Once verified, the account will be marked for closure, but it may take three to five additional business days for the closure to fully process. During this time, the account still exists but you cannot use it.
After the account is closed, you will receive a final statement by mail or email (depending on your statement delivery preference). This statement will show the final balance and the closure date. Keep this for your records.
If you have a linked savings account or credit card with Bank of America, closing your checking account does not affect those products. They will remain open unless you close them separately.
What to do if you cannot close your account online
If the online closure option is not available in your app or on the website, or if you see an error message, your account likely has a balance that is not zero, pending transactions, or a hold placed by Bank of America. Call 1-800-432-1000 to speak with a representative who can tell you exactly why closure is blocked and what you need to do to unblock it.
If you have an overdraft protection linked to this account, the system may not allow online closure. A representative can remove the overdraft protection and then process the closure. If there is an outstanding balance (meaning you owe the bank money), you must pay it before the account can close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Bank of America 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. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a checking account has no impact on your creditworthiness.
What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not cleared yet?
Wait for the direct deposit to post before requesting closure. Once it clears, withdraw the money and confirm your balance is zero. If a direct deposit arrives after you request closure but before the account fully closes, it will be returned to the sender. Contact the sender to reissue the deposit to your new account.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance (the amount you owe) before the account can close. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask how much you owe, then make a payment. Once the balance reaches zero, you can request closure.
How long does it take for a Bank of America checking account to close?
The closure process takes three to five business days after a representative verifies your request. You will receive a final statement within one to two weeks after the account is fully closed. The entire process from request to completion usually takes one to two weeks.
Do I need to go to a branch in person to close my account?
No. You can close your account entirely online or by phone. However, if you prefer to close it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask a representative to close the account for you. They can do it immediately if your balance is zero.