How to Close a Bank of America Account in 2026

Updated March 3, 2026 • 7 min read

Before You Close: The Critical Checklist

Skipping these steps is how people get hit with fees on "closed" accounts:

1. Move your direct deposit — update your employer's payroll to your new bank (takes 1-2 pay cycles)
2. Cancel all autopays — subscriptions, utilities, insurance, loan payments. Miss one and BofA can reopen the account with overdraft fees
3. Transfer your balance — external transfer, wire, or withdraw at a branch. Leave $0.00
4. Wait for pending transactions — any checks or debit transactions still clearing will bounce if you close too early
5. Download statements — you lose online access after closure. Download at least 12 months of statements

How to Close by Phone

1. Call 1-800-432-1000
2. Verify your identity (SSN last 4, account number, security questions)
3. Say "I'd like to close my account"
4. They'll attempt to retain you with fee waivers or upgraded accounts
5. Confirm closure and ask for a confirmation number
6. Request written confirmation sent to your email or mailing address

How to Close In-Person

1. Visit any Bank of America branch (find locations at bankofamerica.com)
2. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
3. Request to close your account
4. They'll hand you a cashier's check for any remaining balance
5. Get a signed closure confirmation — this is your proof

In-person is better if you have a balance to withdraw — you walk out with a check and written proof.

Closing a BofA Credit Card

Credit cards are a separate process from bank accounts:

1. Pay off the entire balance first
2. Redeem all cashback rewards (they're forfeited on closure)
3. Call the number on the back of your card
4. Request card closure and written confirmation

Credit score consideration: If it's your oldest card, consider keeping it open (even unused) or product-changing to a no-fee card. Closing old credit cards shortens your credit history.

BofA Monthly Maintenance Fees You Might Be Paying

• Advantage SafePass Checking: $12/month (waived with $1,500 minimum balance or $250+ direct deposit)
• Advantage Plus Checking: $12/month
• Advantage Relationship Checking: $25/month
• Regular Savings: $8/month (waived with $500+ balance or automatic transfers)

If you're closing due to fees, you might be able to switch to a fee-free online bank like Ally, Marcus, or SoFi instead.

Better Alternatives

• Ally Bank: No fees, no minimums, 4.00%+ APY savings
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: No fees, 4.00%+ APY savings
• SoFi Checking/Savings: No fees, up to 4.50% APY with direct deposit
• Capital One 360: No fees, easy account opening

After Closing

• Monitor for 60 days — watch for any surprise charges or fees
• File any remaining tax documents (1099-INT for interest earned)
• Shred old debit cards and checks
• Update any services that had your BofA account for payments