How to Close Your Bank of America Account

The steps to close a Bank of America account

You can close a Bank of America account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings. The fastest method is usually a phone call to customer service at 1-800-432-1000, where a representative can process the closure when ready. If you close in person, bring a valid ID and any debit cards you want to cancel. Online closure is available through your Bank of America login under account settings, though some account types may require you to call or visit a branch instead.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or transfer any remaining money to another account. Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but you are responsible for any outstanding checks or automatic payments still pending. If you have a mortgage, credit card, or other loan with Bank of America, closing your checking or savings account does not affect those separate accounts.

After closure, Bank of America will send you a final statement by mail within 30 days. Keep this statement for your records. If you had direct deposit set up, update your employer or benefit provider with your new account information before closing, or your paychecks or benefits may be rejected.

Key Takeaways

• You can close your account by calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch with your ID, or using your online account settings.
• Your account balance must be zero before closure, and you are responsible for stopping any pending checks or automatic payments.
• Closing a Bank of America checking or savings account does not close credit cards, loans, or investment accounts held separately.
• Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefit provider before closing to prevent payment rejections.
• Bank of America will mail you a final statement within 30 days of closure for your records.

What happens to pending transactions and automatic payments

Automatic payments and recurring transfers scheduled after your closure date will be rejected. You must cancel these before you close the account, or contact the companies or people you pay to update your payment method. This includes utility bills, subscription services, loan payments, insurance premiums, and any other recurring charges linked to that account.

Outstanding checks you have written may still clear after closure if they have not been deposited yet. Bank of America will honor checks written before closure for up to six months after the account closes, as long as the funds are available. If a check arrives after your account is closed and empty, it will bounce and the payee may charge you a returned check fee.

If you receive a refund or payment to the closed account after closure, Bank of America will return it to the sender. This is why updating your direct deposit and notifying creditors or employers is critical before you close.

Closing accounts with an outstanding balance or negative balance

If your account has a negative balance (you owe Bank of America money), you must pay the full amount before closure. This can happen if you overdrew the account and the overdraft fee was not covered. You can pay online, by phone, or in person at a branch.

If your account has a positive balance, transfer the money to another account at any bank before you close. You can do this online, by phone, or at a branch. Bank of America will not close an account with money still in it, and you cannot leave funds behind.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must consent to closure. Contact Bank of America and ask to speak with a representative who can process a joint closure. You will need to decide how to split any remaining balance, and both parties may need to be present or provide written authorization.

If one joint account holder wants to close the account and the other does not, you cannot unilaterally close it. Your options are to remove yourself as an authorized user (if that is possible with your account type) or to work with the other account holder to decide on next steps. Bank of America can explain what options are available for your specific account structure.

What to do if you have a Bank of America credit card or loan

Closing a checking or savings account does not close your credit card or loan accounts. These are separate products and remain active unless you close them separately. If your credit card or loan has automatic payments set up from the account you are closing, you must update the payment method before closure or your payment will fail.

To close a Bank of America credit card, call the number on the back of your card or call 1-800-432-1000. To close a loan, contact your loan servicer directly. Closing a credit card may affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit, so consider this before you close.

Reopening a closed Bank of America account

Bank of America does not reopen closed accounts. If you close an account and later want to use Bank of America again, you must open a new account. This means you will receive a new account number and routing number, so you will need to update direct deposit and automatic payments again.

If you closed your account within the last 30 days and changed your mind, contact Bank of America when ready to ask if the closure can be reversed before it is finalized. After 30 days, reversal is not possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Bank of America account if I have pending direct deposits?

Yes, but you should update your direct deposit information first. If a direct deposit arrives after your account closes, it will be returned to the sender. Contact your employer, benefit provider, or whoever sends the deposit and provide your new account information before you close.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Closing a credit card may lower your score because it reduces your available credit. Closing a loan account does not hurt your score if the loan is paid off.

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

Closure is when ready when you close by phone or in person. Online closure may take one to two business days to process. Your final statement will arrive by mail within 30 days.

What if I have uncashed checks from Bank of America?

If Bank of America issued you a check (for example, a refund or cashier's check) and you have not cashed it, deposit or cash it before you close your account. After closure, you can still cash the check at any bank, but you should do this before closure to avoid confusion.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it by phone?

Phone closure is usually fastest and does not require a branch visit. You can close by calling 1-800-432-1000. In-person closure requires a valid ID and a trip to a branch. Online closure is available for some account types but may not work for all accounts.