How to Close a Bank of America Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closing a bank account sounds simple — and often it is. But doing it carelessly can create headaches that linger for weeks: bounced transactions, surprise fees, or funds stuck in limbo. Whether you're consolidating accounts, switching banks, or simply done with a product that no longer serves you, here's exactly what the process looks like at Bank of America and what to think through before you make the call.

Before You Close: What to Do First

Rushing to close an account before tying up loose ends is the most common mistake. A few things to check off before you contact the bank:

Redirect automatic payments and direct deposits. Any recurring bills, subscriptions, or payroll deposits linked to the account need to be updated. Make a list and switch them to a new account before closing. Give yourself at least a full billing cycle of buffer — some billers are slow to process changes.

Let all pending transactions clear. Outstanding checks, debit card purchases, or ACH transfers that haven't posted yet can cause your balance to go negative after you think you're done. Wait until your statement reflects a clean, settled balance.

Zero out the balance — or know how you'll receive the remaining funds. Bank of America will typically issue a cashier's check for any remaining balance at closing. If you'd prefer a direct transfer to another account, ask about that option when you call or visit.

Download or print statements you need. Once the account is closed, accessing old records becomes much harder. If you need transaction history for taxes, a rental application, or any other purpose, save it now.

How to Actually Close the Account

Bank of America gives customers a few ways to close a personal checking or savings account. 🏦

Option 1: In Person at a Branch

Walking into a branch is the most straightforward path, especially if your balance is large or your situation is complicated. A banker can process the closure on the spot, hand you a cashier's check for any remaining funds, and confirm everything in writing before you leave.

Bring a valid photo ID. If it's a joint account, policy on whether both account holders must be present can vary, so it's worth calling ahead.

Option 2: By Phone

Call the Bank of America customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card and on their website. A representative can initiate the closure and walk you through next steps. This option works well for straightforward accounts with small balances.

Be prepared to verify your identity thoroughly. The rep will likely confirm your Social Security number, account number, address on file, and answers to security questions.

Option 3: By Mail

You can submit a written closure request by mailing a signed letter to Bank of America's customer service address. Include your full name, address, account number, and a signature matching what's on file. This is the slowest method and generally the least recommended unless you have a specific reason to go that route.

What Bank of America does not currently offer is a fully self-serve online or in-app account closure for most account types. You can't simply click a "close account" button in their mobile app the way you might delete a streaming subscription.

What Happens After You Request Closure

Once you've initiated the closure, a few things happen:

• The account is typically flagged and may be restricted from new transactions shortly after the request.
• Any remaining balance is returned to you via cashier's check (mailed to your address on file) or, in some cases, transferred to a linked account.
• You'll receive a written confirmation of the closure. Keep this for your records.
• Bank of America may report the account status to ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency used by banks — not credit bureaus. A properly closed account with no negative history generally doesn't cause problems with future bank account applications.

Does Closing a Bank Account Affect Your Credit Score?

This is one of the most common points of confusion, and the answer matters: closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score. Bank accounts are not reported to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, and they don't factor into FICO or VantageScore calculations.

The exception worth knowing: if you had overdraft protection linked to a credit line, and that credit line is closed as part of the process, that could have credit score implications — specifically around credit utilization and account age. Those are factors worth understanding before closing if your situation involves a credit product attached to the account.

If You Have a Bank of America Credit Card Too

Closing a bank account does not automatically close any credit cards you hold with Bank of America — those are separate products. But if you're in the middle of a broader relationship exit, the order and timing of what you close, and how it interacts with your credit utilization ratio and average age of accounts, matters differently for every cardholder.

Someone with a long credit history, low utilization across multiple cards, and strong scores will experience a different ripple effect than someone earlier in their credit journey with fewer open accounts. ⚠️

The Part That Depends on You

The mechanics of closing a Bank of America account are consistent for everyone. What varies — and what only you can assess — is the downstream effect on your broader financial picture. Whether it's the impact on your relationship with a bank you may need again, the timing around upcoming loan applications, or the credit implications of any attached products, those answers live in your own credit profile and financial situation, not in a general guide.