The steps to close your account
To close your Bank of America checking account, you have three options: visit a branch in person, call customer service, or use online banking. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions or outstanding fees, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days, though some pending items may take longer to clear.
If you visit a branch, bring a valid ID and your debit card. The banker will verify your identity and ask why you are closing the account—this is routine and does not affect the closure. They will confirm there are no holds on the account and no outstanding checks or automatic payments still pending. Closing in person gives you a receipt and the chance to ask questions about your final balance or any remaining fees.
Online closure through Bank of America's website or mobile app is not currently available. You must call or visit a branch. Some banks offer online closure; Bank of America does not.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID to close your account; online closure is not an option with Bank of America.
- Before closing, cancel any automatic payments or transfers linked to the account, or they may fail and trigger overdraft fees.
- Your account will close within one to three business days, but checks you have written or pending ACH transfers may take longer to clear.
- If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees, Bank of America will deduct them from your final deposit before returning the remainder.
- Request a written confirmation of closure for your records, especially if you are closing because of a dispute or error.
Cancel automatic payments before you close
This is the most important step and the one most people skip. Any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to your checking account will fail once the account closes. A failed automatic payment can trigger a late fee from the company you owe money to, damage your credit, or cause an overdraft fee if Bank of America tries to process the payment after closure.
Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and review the Transfers and Payments section. Look for any recurring payments set to come out of this checking account. Cancel each one at least one week before you close the account. If you have a paycheck deposited directly, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number if you are moving to another bank, or let them know the account is closing.
For bills paid through Bank of America's bill pay feature, go to the Payments section and delete any scheduled or recurring payments. If you have set up automatic payments directly with a creditor (like your mortgage lender or utility company), you will need to contact them separately to update your payment method or cancel the automatic arrangement.
What happens to your remaining balance
Bank of America will hold your remaining balance for a short period after closure. If your account has a positive balance, the bank will mail you a check within five to seven business days, or you can ask them to transfer the funds to another account you own at Bank of America or elsewhere. Provide the routing and account number if you want a transfer instead of a check.
If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe the bank money—Bank of America will deduct the amount owed from any funds you have on deposit at the bank. If you have no other accounts with them and the negative balance is not covered, the bank may send the debt to collections or pursue other recovery methods. Settle any negative balance before closing to avoid this.
Outstanding checks you have written will still clear after the account closes, as long as they are presented within the standard timeframe (usually 180 days). Bank of America will honor them from your remaining balance. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared and you are concerned about the timing, contact the bank before closing to discuss how they will handle them.
Closing a joint account
If the checking account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must consent to the closure. You cannot close a joint account alone. Contact Bank of America and request that both owners be present or provide written authorization. The bank will verify both signatures before proceeding.
When the account closes, any remaining balance will be distributed according to the account agreement or state law. If the agreement does not specify how to split the balance, Bank of America may require both owners to agree on the split before closing. If you and the other owner disagree, you may need to resolve the dispute before the account can be closed.
Closing a checking account with an overdraft or fee dispute
If you are closing because of an overdraft fee you believe was incorrect, or because of other fees you want to dispute, tell the representative you are closing and mention the dispute. Bank of America may reverse certain fees if you have a good account history or if the fee was applied in error. Ask the representative to review the transaction that triggered the overdraft and explain how it was calculated.
If the representative cannot reverse the fee, ask for the dispute process. You can file a formal dispute in writing, and Bank of America has 30 days to investigate. Closing the account does not stop the dispute process, but it does mean you will no longer have access to the account online. Request a written confirmation of your dispute and the timeline for resolution before you close.
After your account is closed
Once your account is closed, you will no longer be able to use your debit card. Destroy the card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact. If you have checks printed for this account, do not use them—they will be rejected. Shred any unused checks.
Your account history will remain available through Bank of America for a limited time after closure. You can still view past statements and transactions online or by calling customer service, but you will not be able to make deposits or withdrawals. If you need copies of statements for tax purposes or other records, download or print them before closing the account.
If you are moving your direct deposit or automatic payments to another bank, allow at least one full pay cycle for the transition. Some employers take several days to process payroll changes, and some creditors take time to update their records. During the transition period, monitor both accounts to ensure payments are going to the correct place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen a checking account at Bank of America after closing one, but the bank may review your account history. If you closed the account because of repeated overdrafts or other issues, the bank may ask you to wait a certain period or may require a larger opening deposit. Contact a branch or call customer service to discuss your options.
What if I have pending checks that have not cleared yet?
Bank of America will honor pending checks after your account closes, as long as they are presented within the standard timeframe. The bank will deduct the check amount from your remaining balance. If you are concerned about the timing, call the bank before closing and ask how they will handle outstanding checks.
Do I need to close my savings account too?
No, closing your checking account does not affect any other accounts you have with Bank of America. If you want to close a savings account, you must do that separately. You can close multiple accounts in one phone call or visit, but each account must be closed individually.
Will closing my account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking accounts. However, if you close the account while owing money or if the bank sends an unpaid balance to collections, that can damage your credit. Pay any negative balance before closing.
How long does it take for my final check to arrive?
Bank of America typically mails your final balance within five to seven business days after the account closes. If you requested a transfer to another account instead, the transfer may happen within one to three business days. Ask the representative for a specific timeline when you close the account.