You can close a Bank of America account in person, by phone, or by mail, but you must settle any outstanding balance first

Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through three channels: walk into a branch with your ID, call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, or send a written request by mail. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive—if you owe money due to overdrafts or fees, you must pay that first. The bank will not close an account with a negative balance.

The process itself is quick if you do it in person or by phone. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions, and close the account on the spot. By mail, it takes longer because the bank needs to receive your letter, process it, and send confirmation back.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID to a Bank of America branch, or call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure; you cannot close an account that is overdrawn.
  • Set up direct deposit redirection or withdraw remaining funds before closing, because the account will no longer accept deposits or transfers once it is closed.
  • Request written confirmation of closure by mail or ask for it in person, so you have proof the account is closed if disputes arise later.
  • If you have a linked credit card or line of credit, closing the checking or savings account does not close those products automatically.

Closing in person at a branch

This is the fastest method. Find your nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on their website, or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm hours. Bring your government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have a joint account, both account holders should be present, though some branches may allow one person to close with a signed letter from the other.

Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will review your balance, check for pending transactions, and ask whether you want to withdraw remaining funds as cash or a check. If your balance is negative, they will tell you how much you owe and will not proceed until you pay it. Once everything is settled, they will close the account immediately. Ask for written confirmation—either a receipt or a letter stating the account is closed and the date of closure.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and ask how you want to handle any remaining funds. If your balance is positive, they can arrange a check to be mailed to you or transfer the money to another account. If your balance is negative, they will tell you the amount owed and may require payment before closing.

Phone closure takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure. Write down the date, time, and representative's name in case you need to reference the call later. This record is useful if the account appears on your credit report after closure or if you receive unexpected charges.

Closing by mail

Write a letter to Bank of America requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking or savings), and your signature. Mail it to the address on your Bank of America statements or to Bank of America, Attn: Account Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298. Keep a copy for your records.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the bank receives your letter. You will not know immediately whether the account is closed, so this method is slower than in-person or phone closure. If your account has a positive balance, the bank will mail you a check. If it is negative, they will send you an invoice for the amount owed. Request written confirmation in your letter, and follow up by phone if you do not receive it within two weeks.

What to do before closing

Before you close, redirect any automatic deposits or bill payments. Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and review your recent transactions to see which employers, government agencies, or billers are sending money to or pulling money from this account. Update those accounts with your new bank's routing and account numbers, or cancel the payments if you no longer need them.

If you receive Social Security, a pension, or a paycheck via direct deposit, contact your employer or the Social Security Administration to change the deposit account. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so do this at least a week before you close the account. Withdraw any remaining balance as cash or request a check. Do not leave money in the account after closure—the bank may charge fees on closed accounts, and you will have no way to access the funds.

What happens to linked products

Closing a checking or savings account does not automatically close a Bank of America credit card, line of credit, or investment account linked to it. Those products remain open and active. If you want to close a credit card or line of credit as well, you must request that separately. Call the number on the back of the card or contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000.

If you have overdraft protection linked to another account, closing one account may affect the other. Ask the representative whether closing this account will change your overdraft settings on remaining accounts.

Proof of closure and next steps

Keep your written confirmation of closure. You may need it if the account appears on your credit report, if you receive mail from the bank after closure, or if a payment attempt bounces because the account no longer exists. The confirmation shows the date the account was closed and protects you if the bank later claims the account was still active.

After closure, monitor your credit report for 30 to 60 days to make sure the account is marked as closed by the bank. You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still appears as open or active, contact Bank of America and provide your closure confirmation letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

Bank of America will not close the account until the negative balance is paid. You must deposit funds to bring the balance to zero or positive, then request closure again. The representative will tell you the exact amount owed.

Can I close a joint account if the other person does not want to?

No. Both account holders must consent to closure. If you are the only one who wants to close, you may need to remove yourself as an authorized user or open a separate account and transfer your portion of the funds, depending on how the account is structured. Contact Bank of America to discuss your options.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

In-person and phone closures are immediate, but the account may take 5 to 10 business days to stop appearing in your online banking. Mail closures take 7 to 10 business days from receipt. During this time, do not attempt to use the account.

What if I receive a check from Bank of America after I close the account?

This usually means the bank found a pending transaction or credit that was processing when you closed. Deposit the check into your new bank account. If you receive an invoice instead, it means there was an outstanding charge or fee. Pay it promptly to avoid collection action.

Do I need to close my account before switching banks?

No. You can open a new account at another bank and keep your Bank of America account open for a while to make sure all automatic payments have switched over. Once you are certain no payments are still pulling from the old account, you can close it.