How to Close a Bank of America Account

The steps to close a Bank of America account

You can close a Bank of America account by visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using online banking if you have a straightforward checking or savings account with no outstanding issues. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account. The process takes a few minutes if you do it in person or by phone, though it may take longer if you need to resolve a negative balance or transfer money first.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it have been redirected to another account. Bank of America will not automatically move these for you, and missed payments or deposits can create problems after the account closes.

Key Takeaways

• You can close an account at any Bank of America branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through online banking for straightforward accounts without complications.
• Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, because Bank of America will not transfer these automatically.
• If your account has a negative balance, you must pay it before the account can close.
• Bank of America will send you written confirmation of the closure, which you should keep for your records.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued ID. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask which account you want to close — if you have multiple accounts, be specific about the account number or the type (checking, savings, money market).

The representative will check for any outstanding issues: a negative balance, pending transactions, or holds on the account. If the balance is positive, they can close it when ready. If the balance is negative, you must pay the amount owed before they can process the closure. If there are pending transactions, you may need to wait for them to clear.

Ask the representative for written confirmation of the closure. This document shows the account number, the date it closed, and the final balance. Keep this for your records in case questions arise later.

Closing your account by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your account history.

Tell them you want to close the account and which account if you have more than one. They will check for the same issues a branch representative would: negative balance, pending transactions, or holds. If everything is clear, they can close it over the phone.

Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation. Write down the representative's name, the date and time of the call, and the confirmation number they give you. This creates a record of when you requested the closure.

Closing your account online

Log into your Bank of America online banking account and go to the account settings or account management section. Not all account types can be closed online — if you do not see a close account option, you will need to visit a branch or call instead.

If the option is available, select the account you want to close and follow the prompts. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you want to close it and may ask why. Answer honestly but briefly. The system will show you the current balance and any pending transactions.

After you submit the request, you should receive an email confirmation. Print or save this email. Some accounts close when ready; others may take a few business days to process.

What to do before closing the account

Check for any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account. These include utility bills, subscription services, insurance payments, loan payments, or any other regular withdrawals. Log into each service's website or app and update the payment method to a different bank account or credit card.

If you receive direct deposit — from an employer, government benefits, or another source — contact the payer and provide them with your new account number at another bank. Do not assume they will figure this out on their own. Direct deposits sent to a closed account may be returned or delayed.

Wait for any pending deposits or withdrawals to clear before closing. If you close an account while a check is still processing or a transfer is in flight, it can create delays or rejections.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Bank of America debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have checks linked to the account, do not write any new checks after you request closure. Checks written after closure will bounce.

If you have unused checks, you can destroy them or let Bank of America destroy them. Some people prefer to cut them up themselves to be certain they are not used. If you have a checkbook with checks still in it, you can bring it to a branch and ask them to dispose of it.

If your account has a negative balance

A negative balance means you owe Bank of America money — usually because of overdraft fees, returned deposits, or other charges that exceeded your account balance. You cannot close the account until you pay this amount.

You can pay the negative balance by transferring money from another account, depositing cash or a check at a branch, or using a debit card at an ATM. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closing the account.

If you are unsure of the exact amount owed, call customer service or visit a branch and ask for the current balance. They will tell you the exact figure and the reason for the negative balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In person or by phone, closure is usually when ready. Online closure may take a few business days to process. You will receive written confirmation once it is complete. If there are pending transactions or a negative balance, closure may be delayed until those are resolved.

Will Bank of America charge me to close my account?

No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking, savings, or money market account. If you have a different type of account, such as an investment or retirement account, ask the representative whether a fee applies.

What if I have a loan or credit card with Bank of America?

Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not affect a loan or credit card. Those remain open and active. You will need to make payments from a different account or update the payment method in your loan or credit card settings.

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

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or other issue, Bank of America may review your history before opening a new one. There is no penalty for reopening; it is treated as a new account.

What if I forgot to redirect my direct deposit before closing?

Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number as soon as possible. Deposits sent to a closed account are typically returned to the sender, who may then reissue the payment. This can cause a delay of one to two pay periods.