Call Bank of America to request the closure

The fastest way to close a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your card number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the request on the call.

Bank of America does not require you to close the card in person or online through their website — phone is the standard method and gives you a confirmation number immediately. Write down the confirmation number and the date and time of your call.

Pay off your full balance before closing

If your card has a balance, you must pay it in full before the account closes. You can make a payment over the phone during the same call, by logging into your Bank of America online account, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement.

The representative will tell you the exact amount owed, including any pending charges or interest. If you have an automatic payment set up on this card, cancel it before closing so you do not miss a payment on another account by accident.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to close your card; they will process it immediately and give you a confirmation number.
  • Pay any remaining balance in full before or during the call, or the account will remain open until the balance reaches zero.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure by mail, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm the account shows as closed on your record.
  • If you have pending charges or recurring payments tied to this card, update those merchants before you close the account.

Handle any recurring charges or subscriptions

Before you close the card, identify any subscriptions, automatic payments, or recurring charges linked to it. This includes streaming services, insurance premiums, gym memberships, or utility bills. Log into your Bank of America account or review your recent statements to find them.

Update each merchant with a new payment method — a different credit card, debit card, or bank account — at least one week before you close the card. If a charge attempts to post after the account closes, it will be declined, and the merchant may suspend your service or charge a failed-payment fee.

Request written confirmation of closure

During your phone call, ask the representative to mail you written confirmation that the account has been closed. Bank of America will send this to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter with your financial records.

The letter will show the final balance paid, the closure date, and the account status. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call back and request it again. This document is useful if a charge appears on the account after closure or if you need proof of closure for another reason.

Monitor your credit report after closure

Closing a credit card affects your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and may change your credit utilization ratio. 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.

The account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, but it will show as closed and will have less impact on your score over time. If the account does not show as closed after 60 days, contact Bank of America again with your confirmation number.

What to do if you change your mind

If you close the card and then decide you want it back, contact Bank of America within 30 days of closure. They may be able to reopen the account if it has not yet been fully processed. After 30 days, reopening is much harder and may require a new application.

If the account cannot be reopened, you can open a new Bank of America credit card, but it will be treated as a new account with a new credit line and a new account opening inquiry on your credit report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Bank of America card hurt my credit score?

Yes, closing a credit card typically lowers your score in the short term because it reduces your available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio on other cards. The impact is usually temporary and decreases over time as the account ages on your report.

Can I close a Bank of America card online?

Bank of America does not offer card closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to close the account. Phone closure ensures the representative can confirm your identity and address any balance or pending charges.

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

Your rewards points do not disappear when you close the card. You can redeem them before closure or after, depending on the specific rewards program. Log into your account or call to check your points balance and redeem them before the account closes if you want to use them.

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

The account closes immediately when you call, but it can take 7 to 10 business days for the closure to appear on your credit report and for written confirmation to arrive. Any pending charges may post for a few days after closure, so monitor your account during this period.

Do I need to cut up my card after closing it?

Yes, cut or shred the physical card after closure to prevent accidental use or fraud. You can also dispose of it in a secure manner. The account is closed, so the card will not work, but destroying it removes any risk of someone finding it and attempting to use it.