How to Close Your Bank of America Account

The basic steps to close a Bank of America account

You can close a Bank of America checking or savings account by visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or using online banking. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Bank of America statement — you'll reach a representative who can walk you through the process in about 10 minutes. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and any debit cards you want to close with the account.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have an outstanding balance or pending transactions, Bank of America will not close the account until those are resolved. You'll also need to cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account — the bank won't do this for you, and missed payments can damage your credit.

After you request closure, the bank typically finalizes it within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If your account has a remaining balance, Bank of America will mail you a check to the address on file, though you can ask them to transfer it to another account you own instead.

Key Takeaways

• Call the customer service number on your debit card or statement to close your account over the phone, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
• Your account balance must be zero or positive, and you must cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits before closure can be completed.
• The bank will mail you a check for any remaining balance within 7 to 10 business days, unless you ask them to transfer it to another account.
• Bring a photo ID and your debit card if you close the account in person at a Bank of America branch.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits

This is the step most people forget, and it can cause real problems. Before you call to close the account, go through your recent statements and identify every automatic payment — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, anything that comes out regularly. You'll need to update each one with a new account number or payment method.

The same applies to direct deposits. If your paycheck, Social Security, or any other regular deposit goes to the account you're closing, contact your employer or the organization sending the money and give them your new account details. Bank of America will not forward these payments automatically, and if they arrive after closure, they may be returned to the sender.

If you're not sure which payments are tied to the account, log into online banking and look at the past three months of transactions. Any payment that appears on the same day each month is likely automatic. Write these down before you call to close — the representative can tell you if you've missed any, but it's faster if you have the list ready.

Closing the account online versus by phone versus in person

Bank of America does not offer account closure through its online banking portal or mobile app. You must either call or visit a branch. Phone closure is usually the fastest option — you won't wait for an appointment, and the representative can answer questions about your balance and pending transactions in real time.

If you prefer to close in person, visit any Bank of America branch during business hours. Bring your photo ID and your debit card. The branch representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and process the closure on the spot. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. In-person closure is useful if you have questions about your account history or if you want to transfer your remaining balance to another account when ready.

Phone closure is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number and Social Security number ready when you call.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working as soon as the account is closed. You don't need to do anything special — the card will straightforward decline at any merchant or ATM. If you want to destroy the card yourself before closure is finalized, you can cut it up or shred it.

If you have checks linked to the account, stop using them when ready. Any checks you write after closure will bounce, and the recipient can charge you a returned-check fee. If you've already written checks that haven't cleared, contact the recipients and ask them to wait until you can provide a new payment method or account number.

Bank of America will not reissue checks for a closed account. If you need to write checks in the future, you'll need to open a new account or use a different bank.

Handling a negative balance or outstanding fees

If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe the bank money — Bank of America will not close it until the balance is paid. You can pay the balance over the phone while you're requesting closure, by transferring money from another account, or by visiting a branch and making a deposit.

The same rule applies if there are outstanding fees. If the bank has charged you overdraft fees or monthly maintenance fees that haven't been paid, these must be settled before closure. The representative will tell you the exact amount owed and your options for payment.

If you dispute a fee and believe it was charged in error, you can request a refund before closing. Bank of America typically reviews fee disputes within 10 business days. However, the account cannot be closed until the dispute is resolved or the fee is paid.

After your account is closed

Once closure is finalized, you won't be able to access the account through online banking or your debit card. If you need to review old statements or transaction history, you can request copies from Bank of America. The bank keeps records for seven years, and you can request them by phone or by visiting a branch.

If you closed the account because of a problem — such as fraud, unauthorized charges, or poor customer service — consider reporting the issue to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB maintains a public database of complaints and can investigate if a pattern of problems exists.

If you plan to bank with Bank of America again in the future, closing an account in good standing (with a zero balance and no outstanding fees) will not affect your ability to open a new account later. However, if you closed due to a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may flag your name in their system, and you may face delays or additional requirements when opening a new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a pending transaction?

No. Bank of America will not close an account if there are pending transactions — transactions that have been authorized but not yet posted to your account. You'll need to wait for pending transactions to clear or contact the merchant to cancel them. Once they're resolved, you can request closure again.

What if I have a credit card with Bank of America — does closing my checking account affect it?

No. Closing a checking or savings account does not affect any credit cards you have with Bank of America. Your credit card account remains open and active. However, if your credit card is set to pull payments from the checking account you're closing, you'll need to update the payment method before closure.

How long does it take to receive my remaining balance after closure?

Bank of America typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days of closure. If you requested a transfer to another account instead, the funds may arrive faster — usually within 3 to 5 business days. Check your mail or the receiving account regularly to confirm receipt.

Can I reopen a Bank of America account I just closed?

Yes, you can open a new Bank of America account at any time after closure. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or unpaid fees, the bank may require additional documentation or verification when you explore for a new account. If you closed in good standing, there are no restrictions on opening a new account.

What if I forgot to cancel an automatic payment before closing?

Contact the organization that receives the payment when ready and provide them with your new account information or payment method. If the payment was already scheduled to come out of your closed account, it will be rejected and returned to the sender. You may be charged a late fee by the creditor, so update your payment method as soon as possible.