You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have pending transactions

The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call 1-800-432-1000 and ask for account closure. A representative will verify your identity, check for pending deposits or automatic payments, and close the account on the spot. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and ask a teller to process the closure. Online closure is not available for checking accounts through the Bank of America website or mobile app — the bank requires either a phone call or in-person visit.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or move any remaining funds to another account. Bank of America will not close an account with a positive balance until the money is transferred out. If your account has a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay that amount first. Any pending automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account should be redirected to a new account or cancelled beforehand, because the bank will not process transactions after closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 to close your account by phone, or visit a branch in person with a photo ID — these are the only two methods Bank of America accepts for checking accounts.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closure; transfer any remaining funds to another bank account first.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to the account before you close it.
  • The bank will mail you a confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days, and the account will be fully closed within that timeframe.
  • If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees, you must settle those before the account can be closed.

What happens to your debit card and checks after closure

Your debit card will stop working immediately after the account closes, even if the card itself has not expired. You do not need to physically destroy the card, but Bank of America recommends cutting it up or shredding it to prevent accidental use. If you have unused checks, they will become invalid once the account is closed, so do not write any new checks after you initiate the closure process.

If you have automatic bill payments set up through your checking account, those will fail after closure. Contact each company or service you pay automatically — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — and provide them with a new payment method or account number at least one week before you close the account. Missed payments can damage your credit and trigger late fees, so this step is critical.

Settling overdrafts and outstanding fees before closure

If your account is overdrawn, Bank of America will not close it until you pay the negative balance. The amount owed includes the overdraft itself plus any overdraft fees the bank has charged. You can pay this by transferring funds from another account, making a deposit at an ATM or branch, or asking the representative to deduct the amount from a linked savings account if you have one.

Outstanding fees — such as monthly maintenance fees, returned check fees, or wire transfer fees — must also be paid before closure. Ask the representative or teller for a final statement showing all charges and fees so you know the exact amount due. Once you pay, the account can be closed immediately.

Timing and what to expect after you close

Bank of America processes account closures within 7 to 10 business days. During this window, the account remains technically open but inactive — no new transactions can be posted, but pending items may still clear. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail showing the closure date and final balance. Keep this letter for your records, especially if you need to dispute any charges or verify closure later.

If you have a safety deposit box rented through Bank of America, closing your checking account does not automatically close the box. You must handle the safety deposit box separately by visiting a branch and removing your contents. Ask about the rental fee and whether it will be charged to your account after closure.

Reopening an account if you change your mind

If you close your account and later decide you need it back, you can reopen a checking account at any Bank of America branch or by phone. However, the bank may run a new ChexSystems check (a banking history report), and if your previous account had issues like overdrafts or fraud, reopening may be denied or require a waiting period. There is no formal waiting period published by Bank of America, but some branches may require 30 days to pass before reopening.

If you closed the account in good standing with no negative history, reopening is usually straightforward and can happen the same day you request it. Bring a photo ID and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government document dated within the last 60 days).

Transferring funds to avoid delays

The safest way to move money out of your Bank of America checking account before closure is to transfer it to another account you control at the same bank or a different bank. If you have a Bank of America savings account, you can transfer between accounts instantly through online banking or at a branch. If you are moving money to a different bank, use an ACH transfer (which takes 1 to 3 business days) or a wire transfer (which takes 1 business day but may cost $15 to $25).

Do not wait until the day you plan to close the account to transfer funds. Complete the transfer at least 3 to 5 business days beforehand so you can confirm the money arrived before you call to close. If the transfer fails or is delayed, you will have time to troubleshoot instead of holding up the closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must pay the negative balance and any associated fees before Bank of America will close the account. Contact the bank to find out the exact amount owed, then make a payment by deposit, transfer, or deduction from a linked account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

What if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments?

Redirect them to a new account before you close. Contact your employer or the company sending the deposit, and provide your new account number. For automatic payments you make (bills, subscriptions), log into each company's website and update your payment method. Payments that post after closure will be rejected and may trigger late fees.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have an overdraft or unpaid fees that go to collections, that can damage your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closure to avoid this.

How long does it take for the account to be fully closed?

Bank of America processes closures within 7 to 10 business days. The account becomes inactive immediately after you request closure, but the bank needs time to clear any pending transactions and mail you a confirmation letter. You will receive written confirmation when the closure is complete.

Do I need to close my debit card separately?

No. Your debit card is tied to the checking account, so it will stop working automatically when the account closes. You can cut up the card or shred it, but you do not need to contact the bank separately to deactivate it. The card will be invalid within hours of account closure.