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. A representative will confirm your identity, answer questions about why you're closing the account, and process the closure on the call. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few days for the status to update in your online banking.

You can also close the card in person at any Bank of America branch with your ID and card, or through the mobile app by going to your card details and selecting the close account option. The phone route is fastest because you get confirmation right away and can ask about your balance or rewards before hanging up.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-432-1000 with your card number ready to close your account over the phone in minutes.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before closing, or the card will stay open until the debt is paid.
  • Your closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, which is normal and does not hurt your score.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case the card is ever reopened by mistake.

Pay your balance before you close

Bank of America will not close a card with an outstanding balance. If you have a remaining balance when you call, the representative will tell you the account cannot be closed until it is paid off. You can pay it over the phone during the same call, by mail, through online banking, or at a branch.

If you have a promotional rate or 0% APR offer still running, closing the card ends that offer when ready. Any remaining balance will revert to the regular purchase APR, which can be 15% to 25% depending on your creditworthiness. If you have a large balance, it may make sense to pay it down before closing rather than closing first and then paying interest on the remaining amount.

Redeem rewards before the account closes

Bank of America credit cards earn cash back or points depending on the card type. Once the account is closed, you typically have a limited window — usually 30 to 90 days — to redeem any remaining rewards. After that, unredeemed rewards may be forfeited.

Log into your Bank of America account online or call the rewards department to check your balance. Cash back can usually be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a linked bank account, or transferred to certain partner merchants. Points-based rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash. Do this before you close the account to avoid losing money you've already earned.

Understand what happens to your credit after closure

Closing a credit card does not when ready damage your credit score, but it does change two factors that affect your score: your available credit and your credit history length. When you close the card, your total available credit shrinks, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you're using). If you have balances on other cards, this ratio will appear higher, which can lower your score by a few points in the short term.

The closed account will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years. This is normal and does not mean the account is "hurting" your score — closed accounts in good standing actually help your score because they show a history of responsible credit use. The impact is smallest if you close the card after paying it off and have other open accounts with low balances.

What to do if you want to keep the card open but unused

If you're closing the card because you don't use it, consider keeping it open instead. An unused card with a zero balance costs you nothing and actually helps your credit score by keeping your available credit high and your credit history intact. Bank of America will not close the account for inactivity alone, though some cards do charge an annual fee if there's no activity for a set period.

Check your card's terms to see if there is an annual fee. If there is, you have two choices: pay the fee to keep the card open, or close it. If there is no annual fee, leaving the card open and making one small purchase every six months (like a coffee) keeps the account active without any cost to you.

Get written confirmation of the closure

After you close the card, ask the representative to send you written confirmation. This confirmation should include the account number, the closure date, and a statement that the account is closed at your request with a zero balance. Keep this document for your records.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to make sure the account shows as "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by creditor" or any other status. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account shows the wrong status, contact Bank of America with your confirmation letter and ask them to correct it with the credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my credit card hurt my credit score?

Closing a card can lower your score slightly in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. The impact is usually small — a few points — and temporary. Your score recovers within a few months, especially if you have other open accounts with low balances. Closing a card in good standing does not cause lasting damage.

Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card after I close it?

Bank of America may reopen a closed account if you request it within a certain period, usually 30 to 60 days. After that window, the account is permanently closed and you would need to open a new card. If you think you might want the card back, wait a few weeks before closing or call customer service to ask about their reopening policy.

What happens to my rewards if I close the card?

You have 30 to 90 days after closure to redeem any remaining rewards. After that period, unredeemed rewards are typically forfeited. Log into your account or call before closing to check your balance and redeem everything you've earned.

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

Yes. Cut the card in half or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the account is closed, a physical card could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Destroy it as soon as the closure is confirmed.

How long does it take for a Bank of America credit card to close?

The account closes when ready when you call, but it may take three to five business days for the closure to show in your online banking and on your credit report. If you need proof of closure right away, ask the representative to note the closure in your account and request written confirmation by mail.