Call Bank of America's customer service line to cancel 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'll reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready. Have your card number and account information ready when you call.
Bank of America's main customer service line is 1-800-432-1000. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week — calling early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter holds. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're cancelling (though you don't have to give a detailed reason), and then close the account.
After you hang up, the card is closed. You won't be able to use it for new purchases, but any existing balance remains your responsibility. The representative will tell you what you owe and when payment is due.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 with your card number ready; a representative can cancel your account in one call.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, or you'll still owe it after the card is closed.
- After cancellation, your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score.
- If you have pending transactions or rewards points, handle those before cancelling — you can't earn or redeem points on a closed card.
- You can also cancel online through your Bank of America account, though calling is usually faster.
Settle your balance before cancelling
If your card has an outstanding balance, you have two choices: pay it off before cancelling, or cancel and continue paying the balance afterward. Most people pay it off first to avoid confusion about where to send payments.
Log into your Bank of America account online or call customer service to see your current balance and minimum payment. If you can't pay the full amount, you can still cancel — the account will close but you'll receive a bill each month for what you owe. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance at your card's regular rate.
Cancelling doesn't forgive the debt. Bank of America will expect payment, and if you stop paying, the account can go to collections and damage your credit score further.
Redeem or transfer rewards points before the account closes
If your Bank of America card earns cash back or rewards points, use them before you cancel. Once the account is closed, you typically can't earn new rewards, and some cards restrict how you can redeem existing points on a closed account.
Log into your account and check your rewards balance. Most Bank of America cards let you redeem points for cash back, statement credits, or transfers to travel partners. Do this before you call to cancel, so you don't lose the value you've built up.
If you're unsure how to redeem your specific rewards, ask the customer service representative when you call to cancel. They can walk you through the process or sometimes process the redemption for you during the same call.
Cancel online through your Bank of America account
You can also cancel through your Bank of America online account or mobile app, though the phone method is usually more straightforward. Log in, go to your credit card account, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. The exact location varies depending on which version of the website or app you're using.
If you can't find the option online, call customer service instead — it's simpler than hunting through menus. Some Bank of America accounts require you to call to cancel, so you may end up on the phone anyway.
Understand what happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases — if you had a $5,000 limit and cancelled that card, you now have $5,000 less credit available. This can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you're using), which may lower your score temporarily.
Second, the closed account stays on your credit report for about 10 years. During that time, it shows as "closed by consumer," which is neutral or slightly negative compared to accounts still open and in good standing. The impact usually fades after a few months as newer accounts and payment history become more prominent in your score.
If you're cancelling because you want to reduce the number of cards you carry, consider keeping the account open but unused instead. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account history on your report. Just make sure there's no annual fee — if there is, cancelling makes sense.
Handle pending transactions and automatic payments
Before you cancel, check whether you have any pending transactions or automatic payments set up on the card. Pending transactions may still post after cancellation, and you'll still owe them. Automatic payments — like a subscription, insurance premium, or utility bill — will fail if the card is closed, which could result in late fees or service interruption.
Log into your account and review recent transactions. If you see recurring charges, update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel. This prevents missed payments and keeps your other accounts in good standing.
If a transaction is still pending when you cancel, Bank of America will send you a bill for it. The payment address will be on your statement or you can find it by calling customer service.
Keep your card after cancelling if you want to
You don't have to physically destroy your card after cancelling, though many people do. The card straightforward stops working — merchants' systems will decline it. If you want to keep it as a record or for your files, that's fine. If you want to destroy it, cut it up or shred it to prevent anyone from finding it in the trash.
Bank of America won't send you a replacement card after cancellation. If you change your mind and want to reopen the account, you'll have to call customer service and request it. Reopening is sometimes possible, but it's treated as a new process and may require a hard credit inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop a few points in the short term because your available credit decreases and the account history changes. The impact typically fades within a few months as other factors in your credit report become more prominent.
Can I cancel over the phone without talking to a representative?
No. Bank of America requires you to speak with a representative or use their online account portal to cancel. You can't cancel by mail or through an automated phone system. Calling 1-800-432-1000 is the fastest method.
What if I have a balance I can't pay right now?
You can still cancel. Your balance remains your responsibility and you'll receive monthly bills. Interest will continue to accrue at your card's regular rate. If you stop paying, the account can go to collections and damage your credit further.
How long does it take for the card to actually close?
The account closes when ready when the representative processes your cancellation. You won't be able to use the card for new purchases right away. Pending transactions may still post for a few days, and you'll receive a final statement showing the closed account.
Can I reopen the account if I change my mind?
Sometimes. Call Bank of America customer service to ask about reopening. They may allow it within a certain window, but it's treated as a new process and may require a hard credit inquiry. There's no may provide they'll approve it.