How to Close Your Bank of America Account

The steps to close a Bank of America account depend on the account type and whether you want to do it in person, by phone, or by mail

Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through three routes: visiting a branch in person, calling customer service, or sending a written request by mail. The fastest method is usually in person at a branch, where a representative can process the closure when ready and answer questions about your balance and any pending transactions. If you close by phone or mail, the process takes longer — typically five to ten business days — because the bank must verify your identity and may support all outstanding checks have cleared.

Before you close, you need to know your account balance, settle any outstanding checks or automatic payments, and decide how you want the remaining funds returned. The bank will not close an account with a negative balance; you must bring it to zero or positive first. If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments set up, those will stop once the account closes, so you should redirect them to another account beforehand.

Key Takeaways

• You can close a Bank of America account in person at any branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or by mailing a written request to your local branch.
• Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure; the bank will not close accounts with negative balances.
• Any outstanding checks, automatic payments, and direct deposits will stop, so you should redirect them to another account first.
• In-person closure is when ready, while phone and mail closures typically take five to ten business days to complete.
• The bank may ask why you are closing and may offer incentives to keep the account open, but you are not required to accept.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued photo ID and your account number or the card linked to the account. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm your current balance, and ask how you want the remaining funds — by check, transfer to another bank account, or cash if the balance is small enough.

The representative will also ask whether you have any outstanding checks or recurring payments tied to the account. If you do, they may ask you to cancel those first or may note them in the closure record. Once everything is settled, they will process the closure on the spot. You will receive a confirmation receipt showing the account is closed and the disposition of your funds.

Closing 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, Social Security number, and a recent statement ready. The representative will verify your identity, review your balance, and confirm there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments.

The bank will mail you a check for any remaining balance within five to ten business days, or you can request a transfer to another bank account if you provide the routing and account numbers. The representative will send you a written confirmation by mail. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call back to confirm the closure went through.

Closing by mail

Write a letter to your local Bank of America branch requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking or savings), and how you want your remaining balance returned — by check or transfer to another account. If you choose a transfer, include the routing number and account number of the receiving bank.

Sign the letter and mail it to your branch address. You can find your branch address on your statement or on the Bank of America website. The bank will process the closure within five to ten business days and send you a confirmation letter and a check (if applicable) by mail. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

What happens to your money and automatic payments

Any balance remaining in your account will be returned to you in the method you choose: check, transfer to another account, or cash if you close in person. The check will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request closure. If you request a transfer to another bank, the funds typically arrive within three to five business days after the account closes.

Any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to the account will stop once it closes. You are responsible for setting up those payments with your new bank or with the companies you pay. If you forget to redirect a payment and it bounces, the original company may charge you a fee. Contact each company that has automatic access to your account — your employer for direct deposit, your utilities, insurance companies, and subscription services — and give them your new account information at least a week before you close.

Reasons the bank may deny or delay closure

Bank of America will not close an account with a negative balance. If you owe the bank money, you must pay it first. The bank may also delay closure if there are outstanding checks that have not yet cleared, because it needs to may support those checks do not bounce after the account closes. In that case, you can either wait for the checks to clear or ask the bank to hold the account open until they do.

If you have a credit line or loan tied to your checking account, closing the account may affect your credit or the loan terms. Ask the representative whether closing will impact any other products you have with the bank before you proceed. Some accounts also have early closure fees if you close within a certain period of opening, though Bank of America does not typically charge these.

After your account closes

Once your account is closed, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. If you have a safety deposit box at the same branch, closing your checking account does not close the box — you must close that separately. Any pending transactions that were in process when you closed may still post to the account for a short time; the bank will handle those and notify you if there are any issues.

Keep your closure confirmation letter for your records. If you ever need proof that the account is closed — for a mortgage process, a background check, or a dispute — you can show this letter or contact the bank to request a written statement of closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring your balance to zero or positive before the bank will close the account. If you owe money, pay it first, then request closure. The bank will not process a closure on an overdrawn account.

What if I have outstanding checks that have not cleared?

Tell the representative or include this in your written request. The bank can hold the account open until the checks clear, or you can wait for them to clear before closing. Once they post, you can close when ready.

Will closing my Bank of America account hurt my credit?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score. However, if you have a credit card or line of credit with Bank of America, closing your checking account may affect the terms of those products. Ask before you close.

How long does it take to receive my money after I close?

If you close in person and take cash or a check, you have the money when ready. If the bank mails a check, it arrives within five to ten business days. If you request a transfer to another bank, the funds typically arrive within three to five business days after closure.

Can I reopen a closed Bank of America account?

You can open a new account, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact the bank when ready to see if they can reverse the closure before it fully processes.