The steps to close your 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 fastest method is usually a phone call to 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can process the closure immediately. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and any debit cards you want to close with that account.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it first. Bank of America will not close an account with money owed. Also check that no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account — those will fail once the account closes, and failed payments can trigger late fees or service interruptions elsewhere.

The actual closure takes effect immediately when you call or visit in person. However, it can take five to seven business days for the account to fully disappear from their system. During that time, do not attempt to use any debit cards or checks tied to that account.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account over the phone, or visit a Bank of America branch with your ID to close in person.
  • Pay off any negative balance and cancel all automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, or they will fail and may trigger fees.
  • The account closes immediately but may take five to seven business days to fully disappear from Bank of America's system.
  • If you have a savings account linked to checking, closing one does not automatically close the other — you must close each separately.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure so you have proof for your records.

What to do with money still in the account

If your account has a positive balance, you have three options: withdraw the cash at a branch or ATM before closing, request a check from Bank of America, or transfer the money to another bank account. The transfer is usually the safest route because it leaves a clear record and avoids the risk of losing cash or a check.

To transfer money out, log into your Bank of America online account and use the "Transfer Money" or "Move Money" feature to send funds to another bank. You will need the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. This transfer typically takes one to two business days. Once the money arrives at the other bank, you can safely close the Bank of America account.

If you withdraw cash, write down the amount and the date — you will want that record in case Bank of America later claims the account still held money. If you request a check, ask the representative how long it will take to arrive and whether there is a fee.

Canceling automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments or recurring charges tied to your Bank of America account will fail once the account closes. Before you close, log into your account and review the "Bill Pay" or "Payments" section to see what is scheduled. Cancel each one individually, or contact the companies charging you and give them your new payment method.

If you receive direct deposits (paycheck, benefits, tax refunds), contact your employer or the agency sending the money and provide them with your new bank account details. Do not assume they will stop on their own — they may attempt to deposit into the closed account, and the money may be returned to the sender or held in limbo.

Check your account for at least two weeks after closing to make sure no unexpected charges or deposits appear. If something does, contact Bank of America immediately with the date and amount.

Closing multiple accounts at once

If you have more than one account with Bank of America — checking, savings, money market, or credit card — each one must be closed separately. Closing your checking account does not close your savings account. When you call or visit, tell the representative which specific accounts you want to close and confirm the closure for each one.

Credit cards are handled differently from deposit accounts. To close a credit card, you can call the number on the back of the card or use your online account. Pay off the full balance first, then request closure. After you close a credit card, the account will still appear on your credit report for up to seven years, but it will show as closed.

If you have a linked account (for example, a savings account set up as overdraft protection for your checking), closing the checking account may affect how overdraft protection works on the savings account. Ask the representative to explain what will happen to any linked services before you proceed.

What happens to checks and debit cards

Any checks you have printed from the closed account will no longer work. If you have unused checks, destroy them or ask Bank of America to cancel the check stock. Do not try to use them after the account closes — they will be rejected, and you may face fees.

Debit cards linked to the account will stop working immediately. If you have a debit card, bring it to the branch when you close, or the representative on the phone will note that it should be deactivated. You do not need to physically destroy the card, but it is a good idea to cut it up or shred it to prevent misuse.

If you have pending transactions that have not yet cleared (a charge you made yesterday that is still processing), those may still go through even after you close the account. This can result in an overdraft fee if the account balance is zero. Contact Bank of America if this happens and ask them to reverse the fee.

Keeping records after closure

After your account closes, Bank of America will no longer show it in your online banking portal. Download or print your account statements for the past year or two before you close — once the account is gone, retrieving old statements becomes harder and may require a written request.

Ask the representative to provide written confirmation of the closure, including the account number, the date it closed, and the final balance. Keep this document with your financial records. If a company later claims you still owe money on that account, or if a payment dispute arises, you will have proof that the account no longer exists.

If you closed the account due to fraud or unauthorized activity, also request a copy of any fraud report or dispute documentation Bank of America filed on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any overdraft or negative balance before Bank of America will close the account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not affect your credit score because banks do not report deposit account closures to credit bureaus. Closing a credit card may have a small temporary impact, but it fades over time.

How long does it take to close an account?

The closure is processed immediately when you call or visit a branch. However, the account may take five to seven business days to fully disappear from Bank of America's system. During that time, do not attempt to use cards or checks tied to the account.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Contact Bank of America before closing and ask them to hold the account open until the check clears, or ask them to note the pending check in the system. If the check clears after closure, it may trigger an overdraft fee — call them immediately to request a reversal.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?

You can open a new account with Bank of America at any time, but you cannot reopen a closed account. The old account number will not be reactivated. You will need to open a fresh account with a new account number.