How to Close Your Bank of America Account

How to close a Bank of America account

You can close a Bank of America checking or savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The bank does not charge a fee to close an account. Before you close, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, pay off any outstanding checks or automatic payments, and confirm there are no holds on the account. Bank of America will send you a confirmation letter in the mail after the account is closed.

The entire process typically takes one to three business days from the moment you request closure. You will need your account number and a valid photo ID if closing in person. If you close online or by phone, have your account number and be ready to verify your identity with your Social Security number or other information Bank of America asks for.

Key Takeaways

• You can close your account by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app or online banking.
• Move your money out first — withdraw cash, transfer funds to another bank, or request a cashier's check before you initiate the closure.
• Cancel any automatic bill payments or direct deposits linked to the account at least a few days before closing.
• Bank of America sends a written confirmation to your mailing address after the account closes, which you should keep for your records.

Closing your account by phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by providing your Social Security number or other verification information. They will also ask whether you want to close a checking account, savings account, or both.

The representative will confirm your current balance and ask how you want to handle any remaining money. You can request a check mailed to your address, authorize a transfer to another bank account, or arrange to pick up a cashier's check at a branch. The account will close within a few business days after the call. Write down the date and time of your call and the name of the representative you spoke with, in case you need to reference this later.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller or banker that you want to close your account. They will pull up your account, confirm your identity, and review your current balance with you. If you have money in the account, you can withdraw it in cash on the spot, request a check, or transfer it to another account.

The banker will have you sign a form to authorize the closure. The account typically closes the same day or within one business day. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a week or two. Ask the banker for a receipt or written confirmation of the closure date before you leave the branch.

Closing your account online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America online banking account or open the mobile app. Go to your account settings or profile menu and look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Select the account you want to close. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you have transferred or withdrawn all your money and that there are no pending transactions.

Complete the closure request. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and Bank of America will send you a written confirmation by mail. Online closure typically takes effect within a few business days. If you have a balance remaining in the account, you may need to call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to handle the funds, as the online tool may not allow you to close an account with money still in it.

What to do before you close

Empty your account completely before you start the closure process. Withdraw all cash, transfer your balance to another bank, or request a cashier's check. Check your account for any pending deposits or automatic payments that have not yet cleared. Log into your online banking to review recent transactions and make sure nothing is still in progress.

Cancel or update any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to this account. Contact your employer, insurance company, utility providers, and any other organizations that send money to or take money from this account. Give them at least three to five business days' notice and provide them with your new account information if you are moving to a different bank. If you have a debit card attached to the account, you do not need to do anything special — it will stop working once the account closes. If you have checks printed for this account, stop using them when ready and destroy any remaining checks by shredding them.

What happens after you close

Bank of America will send you a written confirmation letter to the mailing address on file. Keep this letter for your records. The account number will no longer be active, and you will not be able to use any debit cards, checks, or online access tied to that account. Your account will no longer appear in your online banking dashboard.

If you set up automatic payments or direct deposits after you close the account, those transactions will be rejected. Make sure you have updated all your payment information with any organizations that were sending money to or taking money from the closed account. If a check or automatic payment tries to clear after the account closes, it will bounce, and you may face overdraft or returned-check fees from the other party. Keep your confirmation letter as proof that the account was closed on a specific date, which can help if a transaction is rejected.

Reasons Bank of America might refuse to close your account

Bank of America will not close an account if there is a negative balance (you owe the bank money). You must pay off any overdraft or fees before the closure can go through. The bank may also place a hold on closure if there are pending transactions, fraud investigations, or legal holds on the account. Contact customer service to learn about any holds are preventing your closure.

If you have a Bank of America credit card linked to your checking account through their rewards or cash management program, closing the checking account may affect your credit card benefits. Contact customer service at 1-800-432-1000 before closing to understand any impact on your other accounts or services. Some account types, such as those with pending disputes or claims, may also require additional steps before closure is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Bank of America charge me a fee to close my account?

No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. However, if your account has a negative balance or outstanding fees, you must pay those before the account closes.

What if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait for all outstanding checks to clear before you close the account. If you close before a check clears, it will bounce when it arrives, and you may face a returned-check fee. Contact the people or organizations you wrote checks to and ask when they plan to deposit them.

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 problem with Bank of America or if your account was closed by the bank due to fraud or policy violations, you may face restrictions. Contact customer service to discuss your situation.

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

Most accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. You will receive a written confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on whether you close by phone, in person, or online.

What should I do with my old checks after I close the account?

Destroy your old checks by shredding them or tearing them up. Do not throw them in the trash where someone could find them and try to use them. The account number on the checks will no longer work, but it is still a good security practice to dispose of them safely.