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 outstanding transactions

The fastest way to close a Bank of America checking account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through the closure, confirm your account has no pending transactions, and arrange for any remaining balance to be sent to you. If you have a physical Bank of America branch nearby, you can also walk in and ask to close the account in person — bring your ID and any debit cards associated with the account.

Online closure through the Bank of America app or website is not available for checking accounts. The bank requires either a phone call or an in-person visit to ensure you understand the consequences and to verify your identity. Before you close, make sure all automatic bill payments and direct deposits linked to the account have been redirected to another bank account, because the account will stop accepting transactions once it is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person to close your checking account; online closure is not an option for checking accounts.
  • Redirect all automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, because the account will no longer accept transactions.
  • If your account has a negative balance, you must pay it before closure; if it has a positive balance, the bank will mail a check or transfer the funds.
  • Debit cards linked to the account will stop working immediately after closure, so plan ahead if you use the card for regular purchases.
  • The closure is usually complete within one business day, but check your account online or by phone a few days later to confirm.

What happens to your remaining balance

If your checking account has money in it when you close, Bank of America will send you a check for the remaining balance within 7 to 10 business days. You can also ask the representative to transfer the balance to another bank account you own — either at Bank of America or at a different bank — if you want the money faster.

If your account is overdrawn (meaning you owe the bank money), you must pay the negative balance before the account can be closed. You can pay it over the phone using a debit card or bank transfer, or in person at a branch with cash or a check.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

Any automatic bill payments set up through your Bank of America checking account will fail once the account is closed. Before you close, log into your account online or call the bank to see which payments are scheduled. You will need to update each one with your new bank account information or cancel it entirely.

If you receive direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new bank account details. Direct deposits typically take one or two pay cycles to update, so make the change at least a week before you close the account to avoid missed deposits.

What to do with your debit card

Your Bank of America debit card will stop working immediately after the account closes. You do not need to do anything special with the card — it will simply decline at checkout or ATMs. If you want to destroy it for security reasons, you can cut it up or shred it.

If you have a PIN or online banking password saved on your phone or computer, those will no longer work after closure. Clear them from your devices or change them if you plan to open a new Bank of America account later.

Timing and confirmation of closure

Bank of America typically closes a checking account within one business day of your request. However, if there are pending transactions (like a check that has not yet cleared or a pending debit card charge), the closure may be delayed until those transactions settle. The representative will tell you if this is the case when you call or visit.

After you close the account, check your Bank of America online banking or call customer service a few days later to confirm the account no longer appears in your account list. If you see the account still listed, call again to verify it was actually closed.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is joint (meaning two or more people own it), all account holders must agree to close it. Bank of America will not close a joint account unless all owners consent. If one owner wants to close and the other does not, you can ask the bank to remove yourself as an owner instead, which leaves the account open for the other person.

To remove yourself from a joint account, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your ID. The bank will transfer any funds to the remaining owner or send you a check for your portion, depending on how the account was set up.

If you have linked accounts or credit products

If you have a Bank of America savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to your checking account, closing the checking account will not affect those other accounts. However, if you use the checking account to make payments on a Bank of America credit card or loan, you will need to set up a new payment method before closing.

Log into your Bank of America online banking and update the payment account for any credit cards or loans. You can link a different Bank of America account, an external bank account, or set up payments by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or applying online at bankofamerica.com. There is no waiting period, though the bank may review your account history before approving the new account.

What if I close my account and then receive a check or payment meant for the old account?

Checks and ACH transfers sent to a closed account will be returned to the sender. If you receive a check after closure, you can deposit it into your new account. If an automatic payment or direct deposit is sent to the closed account, contact the sender to update your banking information.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can someone else do it for me?

Bank of America requires the account owner to close the account themselves for security reasons. If you are unable to visit a branch or make a phone call, you can authorize someone with power of attorney to close it on your behalf, but you will need to bring the power of attorney document to a branch.

Will closing my account affect 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 is only affected by credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

What if there is a hold or freeze on my account?

If Bank of America has placed a hold on your account due to fraud investigation or legal action, you cannot close it until the hold is lifted. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about the hold and when it will be removed.