How to Close Your Bank of America Checking Account

Steps to close your Bank of America checking account

You can close a Bank of America checking account by calling customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the mobile app. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card, where a representative can process the closure when ready. If you go to a branch, bring a valid ID and your account number or debit card.

Before you close the account, make sure your balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance, you'll need to deposit money to cover it. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to the bank. Once the account is closed, the bank will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account you specify.

The closure takes effect the same day you request it by phone or in person. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to that account may still process for a few days after closure, so contact any companies that withdraw money from this account and update your payment information with them first.

Key Takeaways

• Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch with your ID, or use the mobile app to close your checking account.
• Your account balance must be zero or positive before Bank of America will close it; if you owe money, deposit funds first.
• Pending transactions and automatic payments may still process for several days after closure, so update payment information with other companies beforehand.
• The closure is effective when ready, and any remaining balance will be sent to you by check or transferred to another account.
• Keep your account number and final statement for your records in case you need proof of closure later.

What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic payments or recurring charges set up on the account will continue to attempt processing for a short time after closure. Bank of America recommends updating your payment information with all companies that regularly charge your account at least a week before you close it. This includes utility companies, subscription services, insurance providers, and any other businesses that withdraw money automatically.

Direct deposits sent to the closed account will be returned to the sender. If you have paychecks or other regular deposits going to this account, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number if you're moving to a different bank.

Closing the account online or through the mobile app

Bank of America allows you to close a checking account through the mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. Open the app, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. The app will walk you through the steps and confirm the closure once it's complete.

Online closure through the website is not currently available for checking accounts; you must use the mobile app, call, or visit a branch. If you don't have the mobile app installed, you can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store using the same login credentials as your online banking account.

What to do if you have a negative balance

A negative balance means you owe Bank of America money, usually because of overdraft fees or transactions that exceeded your available funds. The bank will not close your account until this balance is paid. You can deposit money online, through the mobile app, at an ATM, or by visiting a branch to bring the balance to zero.

If you're unsure of your current balance, log into your online account or call customer service to check. Once you've paid what you owe, you can proceed with closing the account using any of the methods described above.

Getting your final statement and records

Bank of America will send you a final statement for the closed account, usually within one to two billing cycles. You can also view and read your statement history through online banking before you close the account. Save copies of your statements for your records, especially if you need proof of account closure for tax purposes or other documentation.

If you need a copy of a specific transaction or statement after the account is closed, you can still request it from Bank of America by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Keep your account number handy when you make the request, as the bank will use it to locate your records.

Transferring money before closure

If your checking account still has money in it, decide where you want that balance to go before you close the account. You can transfer funds to another Bank of America account you own, to an account at a different bank, or request a check. The transfer method you choose affects how quickly you receive the money.

A transfer to another Bank of America account is usually when ready. A transfer to an external bank account may take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank. If you request a check, Bank of America will mail it to the address on file, which typically takes five to seven business days to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 after closure. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or other issues, the bank may review your history before opening a new account. Contact a branch or call customer service to discuss reopening an account.

What happens to my debit card when I close my checking account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have a new account at Bank of America, you can request a new debit card for that account. Destroy your old card by cutting it up or contact the bank to have it deactivated if you're concerned about security.

Do I need to close my savings account if I'm closing my checking account?

No, closing a checking account does not affect any savings accounts or other products you have with Bank of America. You can close just the checking account and keep your savings account open. Each account must be closed separately if you want to close multiple accounts.

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

The closure is effective when ready when you request it by phone, in person, or through the mobile app. However, it may take several days for pending transactions to clear and for your final statement to be generated. Any remaining balance will be sent to you within one to two weeks depending on the transfer method you choose.

Will closing my checking account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have an outstanding balance that goes unpaid, Bank of America may report it as a debt, which could impact your credit. Pay any balance owed before closing to avoid this.