How to Close Your Bank of America Checking Account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

Bank of America lets you close a checking account through three routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking portal. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card, which takes about 10 minutes. If you have a zero balance and no pending transactions, you can often complete the closure the same day. If your account has a negative balance or outstanding checks, the bank will ask you to settle that first.

Before you close, make sure direct deposits and automatic payments linked to the account have been moved elsewhere. The bank will not automatically redirect these — they will fail, and you may face late fees on bills or missed paychecks. You should also withdraw or transfer any remaining funds, though the bank can hold a small amount to cover any final fees.

Key Takeaways

• Call the customer service number on your debit card, visit a local branch, or log into your online account to request closure.
• Move all direct deposits and automatic payments to another account before closing, or they will fail and may trigger late fees.
• Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance, because the bank may hold funds to cover final monthly fees or overdraft charges.
• Ask the bank to confirm the account is closed and request written confirmation if you plan to dispute any future charges.
• If you have a negative balance, you must pay it before the account can close.

Closing by phone: the fastest route

Call the Bank of America customer service number printed on the back of your debit card. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will ask why you are closing (this is optional to answer) and will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting your Social Security number.

The representative will then check your account balance and confirm there are no pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits still attached. If everything is clear, they will process the closure when ready. The account will typically close within one to three business days, though the bank may take longer if there are outstanding checks or pending deposits.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call. If the bank later charges you a fee or sends mail to the closed account, you will have proof of when you requested closure.

Closing in person at a Bank of America branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will print your current balance and ask you to sign a form confirming the closure request.

If you have funds in the account, the teller can give you a cashier's check, transfer the money to another account, or hand you cash on the spot. If your balance is negative, you will need to pay the amount owed before the account closes. The teller will provide a receipt showing the closure date and your final balance.

Closing in person is useful if you want to withdraw cash when ready or if you prefer to speak face-to-face. It also creates a paper trail — the receipt is your proof that you closed the account on that specific date.

Closing through online banking

Log into your Bank of America online account and navigate to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services." Not all account types allow online closure, so if you do not see this option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

If the option is available, the system will show your current balance and ask you to confirm that you want to close. You may be asked to transfer any remaining balance to another account or to confirm that you understand any pending fees. After you submit the request, the bank will send you a confirmation email.

Online closure typically takes one to three business days to process. Check your email for a confirmation that the account has been closed, and log back in after a few days to verify the account no longer appears in your account list.

What to do before you close: the checklist

Stop all automatic payments at least one week before you plan to close. Log into each service (utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments) and update the payment method to your new account. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may be charged late fees by the service provider, not the bank.

Redirect all direct deposits to your new account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new account number and routing number. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing soon after changing accounts.

Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance. You can move money to another bank account online, request a cashier's check, or withdraw cash at a teller window. Leave the account with a zero balance if possible, though the bank may hold a small amount to cover any final fees that post after closure.

Check for outstanding checks you have written. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing, or contact the bank to ask how they handle outstanding checks on closed accounts. Some banks will honor them; others will return them unpaid.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working when ready or within a few days of closure, depending on the method you used to close. If you closed by phone or online, the card may continue to work for a day or two while the system processes the closure. If you closed in person, the teller may cut up your card on the spot.

Any checks you have written will be returned unpaid if they arrive after the account closes. This is why it is important to wait for outstanding checks to clear before closing. If someone deposits a check to your closed account, the bank will return it to the sender marked "Account Closed."

Destroy any remaining blank checks yourself. Do not throw them in the trash — shred them or burn them. A closed account number is still a valid routing number, and someone could theoretically write fraudulent checks using your old account information.

If your account has a negative balance

A negative balance means you owe the bank money — usually because of overdraft fees, returned deposits, or insufficient funds. The bank will not close your account until you pay this amount. You can pay by transferring funds from another account, depositing cash at a branch, or using a debit card at an ATM.

Once you have paid the negative balance, your account will show a zero balance and you can proceed with closure. If you are unsure of the exact amount owed, call customer service and ask them to tell you the current balance and any pending fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. If you closed by phone or online, the bank processes it during business hours. If you have outstanding checks or pending deposits, closure may take longer — up to two weeks in some cases. The bank will notify you when the account is fully closed.

Will I be charged a fee to close my account?

Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account has a monthly maintenance fee and you close mid-month, that fee may still post before the account closes. Any final fees will be deducted from your remaining balance.

What if I closed my account but the bank keeps sending me mail?

Contact Bank of America customer service and provide them with the date you closed the account and your confirmation number. Ask them to update their records to reflect the closure. If mail continues to arrive, you can write "Account Closed" on it and return it to the bank, or contact them again to confirm the closure was processed.

Can I reopen a Bank of America checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new checking account with Bank of America at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud dispute, the bank may flag your name in their system. If you want to reopen an account soon after closing, call customer service first to ask whether there are any restrictions.

What should I do with my old checks after closing?

Shred or destroy any unused checks. Do not throw them in the trash or recycle them. Even though the account is closed, someone could potentially use the account and routing numbers to commit fraud. Keep any checks you have already written until they clear, then destroy those as well.