How to Cancel Your Bank of America Credit Card

Call Bank of America to cancel, or use their online portal if you want a written record

You can cancel a Bank of America credit card by phone, online, or in person at a branch. The fastest method is calling the customer service number on the back of your card — a representative can process the cancellation when ready. If you prefer written confirmation, you can also request cancellation through the Bank of America website or mobile app, or visit a local branch with your card.

Before you cancel, understand that closing a credit card affects your credit score. It reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limit you're using). It also removes that account from your credit history, which can lower the average age of your accounts. These changes may temporarily lower your score by 5 to 50 points, depending on your overall credit profile.

The cancellation takes effect when ready when you call, but the card issuer may take several business days to update credit bureaus. You should receive written confirmation by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Key Takeaways

• Call the number on the back of your card to cancel when ready, or use the Bank of America app or website if you want a record of your request before you call.
• Canceling a credit card lowers your available credit and can reduce your credit score by a small amount, so pay off the balance first if possible.
• You should receive written confirmation of the cancellation within 7 to 10 days, and you can request it by mail if the representative does not offer it.
• If you have a rewards balance or pending points, ask the representative what happens to them before you hang up — policies vary by card type.

What to do before you call

Pay off any remaining balance on the card before canceling. If you cancel with an outstanding balance, you will still owe the money, and Bank of America will continue to charge interest until you pay it off. Paying the full balance first removes this complication and makes the cancellation cleaner.

Check whether you have an active rewards balance or pending points. Some Bank of America cards let you redeem points after cancellation, but others have time limits. Call the rewards program number (usually on your statement) to find out your balance and whether you can redeem it after the card closes. If you have cash back pending, request it before you cancel.

Gather any recent statements or account information. You do not need these to cancel, but having them nearby helps if the representative asks questions about your account or if you need to reference a specific card (useful if you have multiple Bank of America cards).

How to cancel by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. This is the fastest and most direct method. Have your card in front of you when you call.

Tell the representative you want to cancel the card. They may ask why you are canceling — this is optional to answer, but some representatives offer retention deals (like waiving an annual fee or offering a bonus) if you explain your reason. If you are not interested in keeping the card, you can straightforward say you want to proceed with cancellation.

Confirm the cancellation details before you hang up. Ask the representative to confirm the card number being closed, the effective date, and whether any balance remains. Request written confirmation by mail if they do not mention it. Write down the date and time of your call and the representative's name in case you need to reference it later.

How to cancel online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the credit card account you want to cancel. Look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the site or app you are using.

Follow the prompts to request cancellation. Bank of America may ask you to confirm your reason or offer you options to keep the card open. You can decline these offers and proceed with the cancellation request. The system will show you a confirmation number — save this or take a screenshot.

Expect a follow-up call or email from Bank of America within one to three business days. They may contact you to confirm the cancellation or to offer a retention deal. If you do not hear from them and want to verify the cancellation went through, call the customer service number on your statement.

What happens to your credit after cancellation

Your credit score may drop slightly after you cancel. The main reason is that closing the account reduces your total available credit. If you had a $5,000 limit on this card and $15,000 in total limits across all cards, canceling removes that $5,000 from your available credit. This can raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards.

The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you pay other accounts on time. The effect is smaller if you have a long credit history and multiple other accounts open.

The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, so it continues to show your payment history during that time. This is actually helpful — it demonstrates that you managed the account responsibly.

How to cancel in person at a Bank of America branch

Bring your credit card and a photo ID to your nearest Bank of America branch. Tell a representative you want to cancel the card. They can process the request on the spot and provide you with written confirmation when ready.

This method is useful if you want to hand over the card in person or if you prefer to discuss the cancellation face-to-face. The representative can also answer questions about your account or explain what happens to rewards or pending transactions.

Ask for a written confirmation receipt before you leave the branch. This gives you proof of the cancellation date and the representative's name.

What to do with the physical card after cancellation

Cut up the card or destroy it so it cannot be used. You can also ask Bank of America to send you a prepaid envelope to return the card, though this is not required. Destroying the card yourself is faster and ensures it is not accidentally used.

Do not throw the card in the trash without destroying it — someone could retrieve it and attempt to use the number. Cutting it into pieces or shredding it is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Bank of America credit card if I still owe money on it?

Yes, but you will still owe the balance and will continue to pay interest until it is paid off. The card will be closed to new purchases, but the debt remains. It is better to pay off the balance first if you can, so the account closes with a zero balance.

What happens to my rewards points if I cancel?

This depends on the specific card. Some Bank of America cards let you redeem points after cancellation, while others require you to redeem before the account closes. Call the rewards program number on your statement before you cancel to find out your options and redeem any pending points.

Will canceling hurt my credit score?

It may lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit. The impact is usually small (5 to 50 points) and temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months if you pay other accounts on time.

How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?

The cancellation takes effect when ready when you request it, but it may take 7 to 10 business days for Bank of America to report the closure to credit bureaus. You should receive written confirmation of the cancellation within the same timeframe.

Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card after I cancel it?

You can request to reopen the account within a certain period, but Bank of America does not may provide approval. If you think you might want the card again, consider downgrading to a no-annual-fee version instead of canceling, or call customer service to ask about your options before you cancel.