Call Bank of America to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel a Bank of America credit card is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling, and process the cancellation on the call. The card becomes inactive when ready, though it may take a few days for the cancellation to appear on your account online.
If you prefer not to call, you can also cancel through your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app by navigating to your credit card account settings, though phone cancellation is more reliable because you get when ready confirmation and can ask questions about your account status before you hang up.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 with your card number ready; cancellation takes place during the call and is when ready.
- Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, or your account will remain open until the debt is cleared.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by email or mail so you have a record.
- Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed.
- Canceling a credit card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.
What to do before you call
Before you cancel, pay off any balance on the card. If you have an outstanding balance when you call to cancel, Bank of America will keep the account open until the debt is paid in full. You'll still receive monthly statements and interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid amount.
Check your account for any recurring charges or subscriptions linked to this card. If you have autopay set up for other accounts or bills, update those payment methods now so they don't fail after the card is closed. Review your recent statements to make sure there are no pending transactions that haven't posted yet.
What happens to rewards points and cash back
If your Bank of America card earns rewards or cash back, you can still redeem those points after cancellation. You have a set window to redeem—usually 90 days after the account closes, though this varies by card type. Log into your account before canceling to see your current balance and redemption options, or ask the representative about your rewards balance when you call to cancel.
Some rewards expire if the account is closed and the points are not redeemed, so check the terms of your specific card. If you have a substantial rewards balance, redeem it before canceling rather than after.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. This affects your credit utilization ratio—the amount of credit you're using compared to the amount available to you. If you have other cards with balances, closing one card makes your utilization percentage higher, which can drop your score by 10 to 50 points depending on your overall credit profile.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over several months as you continue to pay bills on time and the closed account ages. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit in the next few months, consider waiting to cancel until after you've completed that process.
Confirming the cancellation in writing
After you cancel by phone, ask the representative to send you written confirmation by email or mail. This creates a record of the cancellation date in case there's a dispute later or if the card is accidentally reactivated. Note the representative's name and the date and time of your call.
Log into your Bank of America account a few days later to verify that the card no longer appears in your active accounts list. If it still shows as open after a week, call back to confirm the cancellation went through. Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to make sure the account appears as closed on your credit file.
What to do if you want to keep the account open but stop using the card
If you're concerned about canceling because you want to maintain available credit or keep a long account history, you don't have to cancel. You can straightforward stop using the card and keep the account open. This preserves your credit utilization ratio and keeps the account age on your credit report, both of which help your credit score.
If you're worried about fraud or unauthorized charges, ask Bank of America to freeze the card instead of canceling it. A frozen card cannot be used, but the account remains open and active. You can unfreeze it later if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Bank of America credit card hurt my credit?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 10 to 50 points because closing the card reduces your available credit. The impact fades over several months as you continue to pay other bills on time. If you're explore for a loan soon, wait until after approval to cancel.
Can I cancel my card online instead of calling?
You can initiate cancellation through your Bank of America app or online portal, but calling 1-800-432-1000 is more reliable because you get when ready confirmation and can ask about your account before the line closes. Online cancellation sometimes requires follow-up calls to complete.
What if I have a balance when I cancel?
Bank of America will not close the account if you have an outstanding balance. The account stays open, you continue to receive statements, and interest accrues on the unpaid amount. Pay the balance first, then cancel.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?
The cancellation typically appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days. Check your report after two months to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com.
Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card after I cancel it?
It depends on how long ago you canceled and the reason for the original closure. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether the card can be reopened. Some closed accounts can be reactivated within a certain timeframe, but this is not may provide.