How to Close Your Bank of America Account in 5 Steps

You can close a Bank of America account in person, by phone, or by mail — the fastest way is usually a branch visit

Bank of America lets you close a checking or savings account through three channels: walk into a branch with your ID, call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000, or send a written request by mail. The branch visit is fastest because the banker can confirm your account is empty, process the closure on the spot, and answer questions about what happens to pending transactions. Phone and mail closures take longer — typically three to five business days after Bank of America receives your request — because they have to verify your identity through additional steps and wait for any outstanding checks or automatic payments to clear.

Before you close, you need to empty the account completely. Bank of America will not close an account with a balance, even a small one. You also need to cancel any automatic bill payments or direct deposits tied to that account, because they will fail once the account is gone. If you have a debit card attached, it stops working when ready after closure.

Key Takeaways

Your Bank of America account must have a zero balance before closure — the bank will not close an account with money in it.
You must cancel automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees at your new bank.
Closing in person at a branch is the fastest option and takes minutes; phone and mail closures take three to five business days.
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close an account, but some account types have early closure penalties if you close within a certain timeframe.
After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation number in case you need to dispute a charge or verify the account is truly closed.

Step 1: Move Your Money Out and Cancel Automatic Transactions

Transfer your entire balance to another bank account or withdraw it in cash. Bank of America will not process a closure request if any money remains in the account. If you have pending automatic bill payments — utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions — log into your Bank of America account online or call 1-800-432-1000 to cancel them. Do the same for any direct deposits from your employer or government benefits.

Give yourself at least one week before you plan to close the account. This window lets you catch any recurring charges you may have forgotten about. If a payment bounces because the account is closed, your new bank may charge you an overdraft or returned-item fee, and the merchant may charge a late fee. Canceling first prevents that chain reaction.

Step 2: Choose Your Closure Method

Bank of America offers three ways to close an account. In-person closure at any Bank of America branch is the fastest: bring your ID and debit card, tell the banker you want to close the account, and they will process it while you wait. You will receive a confirmation number on the spot. Phone closure requires calling 1-800-432-1000 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday). The representative will verify your identity, confirm the account is empty, and submit the closure request. Mail closure means sending a signed letter to Bank of America requesting closure, along with a copy of your ID. Send it to the address on your statement or call to confirm the correct mailing address for your region.

In-person is best if you have questions or want when ready confirmation. Phone works if you cannot reach a branch. Mail is slowest but leaves a paper trail if you need proof later.

Step 3: Provide Your Account Information and Identity Verification

Have your account number and routing number ready. If you are closing in person, bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The banker will verify your identity against the account holder's name on file. If you are closing by phone, the representative will ask you security questions (such as recent transactions or your mother's maiden name) to confirm you are the account owner. If you are closing by mail, include a photocopy of your ID with your written request.

If the account is a joint account, both owners typically need to be present or consent in writing. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about your specific account type, because rules vary for business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts with authorized users.

Step 4: Confirm the Account Is Empty and Finalize Closure

The banker, phone representative, or mail processor will verify that your balance is zero before proceeding. If you have any outstanding checks that have not cleared, Bank of America may ask you to wait until they do, or they may close the account and hold the funds to cover those checks. Ask what happens to any pending transactions — some banks hold the account open for 30 days after closure to catch stragglers.

Once closure is approved, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. If you closed in person, ask for a written confirmation slip. This number proves the account was closed on a specific date and protects you if a charge appears on the account later or if you need to dispute something.

Step 5: Monitor for Unexpected Activity and Keep Your Records

After closure, check your email and any other banks where you have accounts to make sure no stray charges appear. Bank of America will send a final statement to your address on file within one to two billing cycles. Keep this statement and your confirmation number for at least one year. If a merchant tries to charge the closed account, the charge will be declined, but having proof of closure protects you if the merchant claims you still owe the money.

If you had a credit card with Bank of America, closing a checking or savings account does not close the credit card. You will need to close the credit card separately if you want to do so. Call the number on the back of the card or log into your account online.

What Happens to Checks, Transfers, and Pending Payments

Any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared will bounce after the account closes. Contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and let them know the account is closed; ask them to resubmit the check or arrange a different payment method. Automatic payments scheduled after the closure date will fail. You are responsible for making sure those payments go through at your new bank, so update your payment information with each merchant or service provider before the closure date.

If Bank of America is holding funds to cover outstanding checks, they will mail you a check for the remaining balance or transfer it to another account you specify. Ask about this during the closure process so you know when to expect the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America charge a fee to close an account?

No, Bank of America does not charge a closure fee for standard checking or savings accounts. However, some premium or specialty accounts may have an early closure penalty if you close within a set timeframe — typically 90 days to one year. Check your account agreement or call 1-800-432-1000 to see if yours applies.

What if I have a pending direct deposit scheduled after I close the account?

The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide your new bank account information before you close. Allow at least one pay cycle for the change to take effect.

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

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Bank of America may flag your name in their system and require additional verification. If you closed it in good standing, reopening is straightforward.

What if I forgot to cancel a subscription before closing the account?

The charge will be declined when the merchant tries to process it. The merchant may contact you about the failed payment. Update your payment information with that merchant using your new bank account or credit card. You are not responsible for charges that fail due to a closed account, but you may owe the merchant for any service you used.

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

Mail closure typically takes three to five business days from the date Bank of America receives your letter. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the correct mailing address for your region.

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.