Call Bank of America's customer service line to request cancellation

The fastest way to cancel a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the cancellation on the call. The card becomes inactive immediately, though the account may take a few business days to fully close in their system.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask to close the card. Bring your card and a photo ID. A banker can process it while you wait, and you'll receive written confirmation before you leave.

Online closure through your Bank of America account is not available for credit cards — the bank requires phone or in-person contact to prevent accidental closures. This is a deliberate policy, not a technical limitation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your card to cancel; the representative will verify your identity and close the account during the call.
  • Pay any remaining balance before or during the cancellation call, or arrange a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and note the date, because the account may take several days to disappear from your credit report.
  • Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm the account shows as closed, since reporting delays are common.
  • If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before canceling, because some rewards expire when the account closes.

Settle any balance before you call

Bank of America will not close a credit card with an outstanding balance. If you owe money, you have two options: pay the full balance before calling to cancel, or call first and ask about a payment plan. Many representatives will close the account while you commit to a specific payment schedule, though the card itself will be deactivated immediately.

If you have a promotional 0% APR period still active, closing the card does not end it — you'll continue to pay no interest on the remaining balance as long as you make the agreed payments. However, if you miss a payment after closure, the promotional rate may be forfeited and regular interest will apply retroactively.

Redeem rewards before the account closes

Bank of America rewards points and cash back have different expiration rules depending on your card type. Some rewards expire when the account closes; others remain available for a set period after closure. The safest approach is to redeem all rewards before you cancel.

Log into your Bank of America account online and check your rewards balance. You can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, or transfers to travel partners directly from the rewards portal. If you're unsure whether your specific rewards will survive account closure, call customer service and ask before you cancel the card.

What happens to your credit after cancellation

Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases immediately, which raises your credit utilization ratio on remaining cards — this can lower your score by a few points in the short term. Second, the closed account remains on your credit report for seven to ten years, which actually helps your score over time because it shows a history of on-time payments.

The score dip is usually temporary. Most people see their score recover within three to six months, especially if they keep balances low on other cards. If you're planning to apply for a mortgage or auto loan soon, closing a card right before the application can work against you; waiting a few months is often smarter.

Request written confirmation and monitor your report

After the representative confirms the cancellation, ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation that includes the account number, closure date, and final balance. Keep this document for your records. Bank of America typically sends a confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days, but having the representative's confirmation number from the call is proof the request was made.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm the account appears as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. If the account still shows as open after 60 days, call Bank of America again and ask them to contact the credit bureaus on your behalf.

What to do if you want to keep the card but stop using it

If you're closing the card because you don't use it, consider keeping it open instead. An unused card with a zero balance actually helps your credit score by lowering your overall utilization ratio. Bank of America will not close inactive cards automatically, so you can simply stop using it and leave it open indefinitely.

If you're concerned about fraud on an unused card, call to request a lower credit limit or ask the bank to flag the account so charges above a certain amount trigger a fraud alert. These options preserve the account's benefit to your credit without the risk of unauthorized use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Bank of America credit card online?

No. Bank of America requires you to cancel by phone or in person at a branch. Call the number on your card or visit a local branch with your ID. The bank does not offer online cancellation for credit cards.

What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?

It depends on your card type. Some Bank of America rewards expire when the account closes; others remain available for a period after closure. Redeem all points before you cancel to be certain you don't lose them. Call customer service if you're unsure which rule applies to your specific card.

Will closing my card hurt my credit score?

Closing a card typically lowers your score slightly in the short term because your available credit decreases. The effect is usually temporary — most people see their score recover within three to six months. The closed account stays on your report for seven to ten years and actually helps your score long-term.

Do I have to pay my balance before I cancel?

Bank of America will not close a card with an outstanding balance. You can pay the full balance before calling, or call first and arrange a payment plan. The card will be deactivated immediately, but you'll continue making payments on the agreed schedule.

How long does it take for the account to close completely?

The card becomes inactive immediately when you call, but the account may take several business days to fully close in Bank of America's system. It typically appears as closed on your credit report within 30 to 60 days. Request written confirmation so you have proof of the closure date.