How to Close Your Bank of America Account Online
You can close most Bank of America accounts online through your profile settings, but savings accounts and some specialty accounts require a phone call
Bank of America lets you close a checking account through their website or mobile app without calling. You log in, navigate to your account settings, and request closure. The process takes a few minutes, though the account itself closes within one to three business days after you've withdrawn your remaining balance and resolved any pending transactions.
Savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs cannot be closed online — you must call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close these. Credit card accounts also require a phone call. If you have a business account, you'll need to visit a branch or call your business banker.
Key Takeaways
- Checking accounts can be closed online through your Bank of America profile, but savings accounts and CDs require a phone call to 1-800-432-1000.
- You must withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before closing, and any pending deposits or checks will delay the closure.
- Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or unresolved disputes.
- After closure, keep your account number and final statement for tax records and to verify that automatic payments have stopped.
Steps to close a checking account online
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Go to your profile or account settings — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but look for a gear icon or "Settings" menu. Find the account you want to close and select it.
Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Click or tap it. Bank of America will show you your current balance and ask you to confirm that you've transferred or withdrawn all funds. If money remains in the account, you must move it before you can proceed. You'll also see a list of any pending transactions — checks that haven't cleared, automatic payments scheduled, or deposits in progress. These must settle before the account fully closes.
After you confirm, Bank of America will ask you to state a reason for closing (optional) and review the closure terms. Submit your request. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. The account will close within one to three business days, depending on whether any transactions are still pending.
What to do before you close your account
Move your money first. Transfer your balance to another bank account or withdraw it in cash or a cashier's check. Bank of America will not close an account that still holds funds, and leaving money behind can result in dormancy fees or the account being sent to your state's unclaimed property program.
Stop or redirect automatic payments and deposits. Review any recurring bills, paycheck deposits, or transfers linked to this account. Update them to point to your new bank account at least one week before you close. If you miss one, the payment will fail and may trigger a late fee from the biller. Paychecks deposited after closure will be returned to your employer.
Pay any outstanding fees or overdraft balances. Bank of America will not close an account with an unpaid overdraft, negative balance, or disputed transaction. If you owe money, settle it before requesting closure.
Write down your account number and routing number. You'll need these for your records and to confirm closure with any billers or employers who may still have the old account information on file.
Why your online closure request might be denied
Bank of America will reject a closure request if your account has a negative balance, pending transactions, or unresolved disputes. If you see an error message, check your account balance and transaction history. Pending checks or ACH transfers can take several business days to clear — you may need to wait before trying again.
If you have a hold on your account due to fraud investigation or a legal claim, you cannot close it online. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to discuss the hold and what must happen before closure is possible.
Some accounts linked to investment products, trust accounts, or business accounts cannot be closed through the standard online process. If the online option doesn't appear for your account, call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch.
Closing savings accounts, CDs, and credit cards by phone
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to close a savings account, money market account, CD, or credit card. Have your account number ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and walk you through the closure process. If you have funds in the account, they'll arrange a transfer or check to your address.
For CDs, ask about early withdrawal penalties. If your CD has not yet matured, Bank of America will charge a fee to close it early — the amount depends on the CD's term and current interest rate. The representative will tell you the exact penalty before you authorize closure.
Credit card closure is when ready once you confirm, but your account will remain on your credit report for seven years. Closing a credit card can lower your credit score if it reduces your available credit or increases your credit utilization ratio on remaining cards.
What happens after your account closes
Bank of America will send you a final statement showing all transactions through the closure date. Keep this for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or recurring deposits. The statement confirms the account is closed and shows your final balance.
Any checks you wrote that haven't cleared will bounce after closure. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and let them know your account is closed so they can request payment another way. If a check does bounce, the recipient may charge you a returned check fee.
Automatic payments will fail if the biller tries to charge your closed account. You'll likely receive a notice from the biller that the payment was declined. Make sure you've updated all recurring payments and subscriptions before closure, or contact the biller when ready after to provide new payment information.
Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. Destroy it or contact Bank of America to confirm it's been deactivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I still have pending checks?
No. Bank of America will not let you close an account with pending transactions, including checks that haven't cleared. You must wait for all checks to clear or contact the recipients and ask them to resubmit payment after closure. This can take up to two weeks depending on the check amount and the recipient's bank.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card can lower your score if it reduces your total available credit. Closing a credit card account does not remove it from your credit history — it will remain visible for seven years.
What if I close my account and then receive a deposit meant for it?
If a paycheck or transfer is deposited to your closed account, Bank of America will hold it briefly and then return it to the sender. The sender will receive a notice that the account is closed. Contact your employer or the person who sent the money and provide your new account details so they can resubmit the deposit.
Do I need to visit a branch to close my account?
You do not need to visit a branch to close a checking account — the online process is sufficient. Savings accounts, CDs, and credit cards require a phone call. If you prefer to close in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with your ID, but calling is faster and does not require an appointment.
How long does it take for my account to fully close after I request it online?
Most checking accounts close within one to three business days. If you have pending transactions, the closure may take longer — up to two weeks in some cases. Bank of America will send you an email confirmation once the account is fully closed. You can also log into your account to verify that it no longer appears in your account list.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.