How to Close Your Bank of America Checking Account

How to close your Bank of America checking account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by calling customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account. Before you close, you'll need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, make sure all pending transactions have cleared, and redirect any automatic deposits or bill payments to another account.

The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can confirm your balance, process the closure, and answer questions about what happens to any remaining funds. If you prefer to close in person, bring a valid ID to any Bank of America branch and ask to speak with an account representative.

Key Takeaways

• You can close your account by phone, in person at a branch, or through the mobile app without paying a fee.
• Your account balance must be zero before Bank of America will close the account, so withdraw or transfer all remaining money first.
• Stop or redirect any automatic bill payments and direct deposits to another account before you close, or they may fail.
• Bank of America will mail you a confirmation letter after the account closes, which you should keep for your records.
• If you have outstanding checks or pending transactions, wait for them to clear before closing to avoid overdraft fees.

Prepare your account before closing

Before you contact Bank of America, take time to settle your account. Check your current balance through online banking or the mobile app. If you have money in the account, you can transfer it to another bank account you own, or withdraw it in cash at a Bank of America ATM or branch.

Review your recent transactions to make sure everything has posted. If you have checks you've written that haven't cleared yet, wait for them to process before closing. An outstanding check that arrives after your account is closed can trigger an overdraft fee, and Bank of America may refuse to pay it.

Look for any automatic bill payments or recurring charges linked to this account. Log into your online banking and check the bill pay section, or review your recent statements to see which companies charge you regularly. You'll need to update those payments to a different account or payment method before you close.

Close your account by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your Bank of America statement. Have your account number and a valid ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account.

The representative will confirm your account balance and ask how you want to handle any remaining funds. If your balance is zero, they can process the closure when ready. If you have money in the account, they can transfer it to another account you provide, or they can issue you a check. Some representatives will also ask why you're closing, but you don't have to answer.

After the representative confirms the closure, ask for a confirmation number. Write it down along with the date and time of the call. Bank of America will mail you a written confirmation within a few business days.

Close your account in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with a valid government-issued ID. Tell a representative at the desk or a teller that you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account and review your balance with you.

If your account has a zero balance, the representative can close it on the spot. If you have money in the account, you can ask them to transfer it to another account, withdraw it in cash, or issue a cashier's check. The representative will have you sign a form confirming the closure.

Ask for a receipt or confirmation document before you leave the branch. This serves as proof that you closed the account on that date. Keep it with your financial records.

Close your account through the mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in. Navigate to the account settings or account management section—this location varies depending on your phone's operating system. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services."

The app will walk you through the closure process and confirm that your balance is zero. If you have a remaining balance, the app will prompt you to transfer or withdraw the money first. Once your balance is confirmed at zero, you can complete the closure request through the app.

After you submit the request, Bank of America will send you a confirmation email and mail a written confirmation to the address on file. The closure typically takes effect within one to three business days.

What happens after you close your account

Once your account is closed, you can no longer use your debit card for purchases or ATM withdrawals. Any pending transactions that haven't cleared may still post to the account for a short time after closure. Bank of America will hold the account open long enough to process these transactions, then close it permanently.

If a bill payment or automatic deposit attempts to post after the account closes, it will be rejected. The company trying to charge you will receive a notice that the account is closed. This is why it's important to update your payment methods and direct deposit information before you close.

Bank of America will keep records of your closed account for a period of time. If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, you can request it through online banking or by calling customer service, even after the account is closed.

Redirect automatic payments and deposits

Before closing, make a list of every company that automatically charges your account or deposits money to it. Check your recent statements for recurring charges, and log into your employer's payroll system to see if your direct deposit is set to this account.

Contact each company to update your payment method or account number. For direct deposit, log into your employer's HR or payroll portal and change the account number to your new bank account. For bill payments, log into each company's website and update the account information there, or call their customer service line.

Give yourself at least one to two weeks after making these changes before you close the account. This allows time for the changes to take effect and ensures that no payments fail or deposits go missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time after closing. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or violation of Bank of America's policies, the bank may refuse to open a new account for you. If you closed the account in good standing, you can open a new one when ready.

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

You must pay the negative balance before Bank of America will close the account. You can deposit money to bring the balance to zero, or the bank can deduct the amount from another account you own. If you don't pay the negative balance, the account will remain open and you may face additional fees.

How long does it take for a Bank of America checking account to close?

Closure typically takes one to three business days after you request it. If you close in person or by phone, the representative will process it when ready, but the account may remain in the system for a few days. You'll receive a written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.

Will closing my checking account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history and borrowing activity, not on bank accounts. Bank of America may report the closure to ChexSystems, a banking history database, but this does not impact your credit.

What should I do if I receive mail for my account after it's closed?

Write "Account Closed" on any mail you receive and return it to the sender. If Bank of America sends you statements or notices after closure, you can discard them or contact customer service to confirm the account is closed. If you receive suspicious mail claiming to be from Bank of America, do not respond and report it as potential fraud.