Call Bank of America's cancellation line to close your card
The fastest way to cancel a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. You will reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready. Have your card number and account PIN ready before you call.
Bank of America also allows you to cancel through their mobile app or online banking portal, though the phone route is more direct because a representative can confirm the cancellation is complete and answer questions about what happens to your balance or rewards points.
If you have an outstanding balance on the card, the bank will not close the account until you pay it off. You can continue making payments on a closed card, so cancelling does not stop you from paying down what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Bank of America credit card to speak with a representative who can cancel it on the spot.
- You must pay off any balance before the account will fully close, though you can keep making payments after cancellation.
- Cancelling a card lowers your total available credit, which may affect your credit score in the short term.
- Rewards points in your account will not disappear when you cancel, but the terms for redeeming them may change depending on your card type.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation so you have a record of the date and account number.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If your card has an unpaid balance, Bank of America will keep the account open until the debt is paid in full. The account will not close on the cancellation date — it closes when the balance reaches zero. You will continue to receive monthly statements and can make payments by phone, mail, or through online banking.
Interest will continue to accrue on the remaining balance at your card's current rate. Cancelling the card does not stop interest charges or change the terms of repayment. If you want to avoid further interest, pay the full balance before you call to cancel.
Rewards points and cash back after cancellation
Bank of America does not delete rewards points when you cancel a card. Points remain in your account and you can redeem them after the card is closed. However, the redemption options may be limited depending on which Bank of America card you held.
If your card earned cash back, those rewards are usually redeemable for a statement credit or a check. Log into your Bank of America account after cancellation to see your points balance and available redemption options. Some card types allow you to transfer points to a travel partner or another Bank of America product, but this varies by card.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card lowers your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit. A higher utilization ratio may lower your credit score temporarily. The effect is usually small if you have other open accounts with available credit.
Cancelling a card does not remove it from your credit history. The account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years, showing that it was closed by the cardholder. This record does not hurt your score — it straightforward shows the account is no longer active.
Steps to cancel over the phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Bank of America credit card. This number connects you to the cancellation department. Have your card number, account PIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.
Tell the representative you want to cancel the card. They will ask why you are cancelling and may offer you a lower interest rate or other incentives to keep the account open. You are not required to accept any offer. Once you confirm you want to proceed, the representative will process the cancellation and give you a confirmation number.
Ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the cancellation by mail. This confirmation should include the account number, cancellation date, and confirmation number. Keep this letter for your records.
Cancelling through the mobile app or website
Log into your Bank of America mobile app or online banking account. Navigate to your credit card account and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. The exact menu location varies depending on your device and app version.
Select the option to close the account and follow the on-screen prompts. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the cancellation. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down this number and take a screenshot for your records.
Cancelling through the app or website is less direct than calling because you will not speak to a representative. If you have questions about your balance, rewards, or the cancellation process, calling is the better option.
What to do before you cancel
Before you call, check your account for any pending charges or subscriptions linked to the card. Some services — streaming subscriptions, insurance payments, or utility bills — may be set to charge this card automatically. Update those payments to a different card or account so they do not fail after cancellation.
Review your rewards balance and redeem any points you want to keep. Once the card is closed, redemption options may become limited or expire depending on the card type. Bank of America usually gives you a grace period to redeem, but it is safer to redeem before you cancel.
Pay down your balance as much as possible. If you cannot pay it off completely, paying down the balance before cancellation reduces the interest you will owe while the account remains open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Bank of America credit card if I still owe money on it?
Yes. The card will close when ready, but the account will remain open until your balance is paid in full. You can continue making payments by phone, mail, or online banking. Interest will keep accruing on the unpaid balance at your card's current rate.
Will cancelling my card hurt my credit score?
Cancelling a card may lower your score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit. The effect is usually small and fades over time. The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to ten years, but this does not harm your score — it straightforward shows the account is inactive.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Your rewards points do not disappear. They remain in your account after cancellation and you can redeem them through your Bank of America account. Redemption options may be limited depending on which card you held, so check your options before you cancel.
How long does it take for a Bank of America credit card to close?
The card closes when ready when you cancel, but if you have an unpaid balance, the account stays open until the balance is paid. Once the balance reaches zero, the account fully closes. This can take anywhere from days to months depending on how quickly you pay.
Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card after I cancel it?
You can request to reopen a closed account by calling Bank of America customer service, but approval is not may provide. Bank of America reviews your account history and current credit profile. If the account was closed due to inactivity or non-payment, reopening may be denied.