Cancel Your Bank of America Card by Phone or Online
To cancel a Bank of America credit card, call the customer service number on the back of your card or go to your online account and request cancellation through the messaging center. Bank of America does not let you cancel through their website directly — you must either speak to a representative or submit a written request. The process takes a few minutes by phone and usually closes the account within one to two business days.
Before you call, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and they may continue to charge interest until you do. If you have pending transactions or recurring charges set to that card, update those payment methods first so you do not miss a bill or subscription renewal.
Have your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are canceling (this is optional to answer), and process the closure. They will tell you the account is closed when ready, though it may take a few days to show as closed in your online account.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Bank of America card or use the messaging center in your online account to request cancellation.
- Pay off any balance before canceling, because Bank of America will not close an account with money owed.
- Update any recurring charges or automatic payments tied to the card before you cancel so you do not miss payments.
- The account closes when ready after the representative processes your request, though it may take a few days to reflect online.
- Keep the card after cancellation until you receive written confirmation, in case there are any disputes about the closure.
What Happens to Your Credit After Cancellation
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases when ready — if you had a $5,000 limit and other cards with $10,000 in limits, your total available credit drops from $15,000 to $10,000. This raises your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limit you are using), which can lower your score by a few points even if you pay off all balances.
Second, the closed account stays on your credit report for up to ten years. During that time, it still counts toward your credit history length, which helps your score. The impact is usually small if you have other cards open and a long payment history overall. If this is your oldest card or your only card, closing it may have a larger effect.
If you are concerned about the score impact, consider keeping the card open but unused instead. You can ask Bank of America to lower the credit limit if you are worried about fraud or overspending, and the card will not hurt your score as long as you do not carry a balance.
Handling Rewards Points and Cash Back Before You Cancel
Bank of America credit cards earn rewards or cash back depending on the card type. Before you cancel, redeem any points or cash back you have accumulated — once the account closes, you may lose the ability to use them. Log into your account and check the rewards balance in the "Rewards" or "Cash Back" section.
Most Bank of America cards let you redeem rewards as a statement credit, a deposit to a linked Bank of America checking account, or a check mailed to you. Cash back usually posts as a statement credit automatically once you reach a minimum (often $25), but you can request it sooner. If you have a small balance that has not reached the minimum, contact customer service to ask if they will process an early redemption.
If you have a premium card like the Bank of America Premium Rewards or Preferred Rewards card, check whether you have any annual fee credits or other benefits you have not used. Some cards offer statement credits for travel or other purchases — use these before closing the account.
Canceling a Card with an Outstanding Balance
Bank of America will not close your account if you owe money on the card. You must pay the full balance first. If you cannot pay it all at once, you can set up a payment plan, but the account will remain open until the balance reaches zero.
If you are carrying a balance and want to close the account, pay as much as you can now and then call to cancel once the balance is paid off. In the meantime, you can stop using the card to prevent new charges from adding to what you owe. Bank of America will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance, so paying it down faster saves you money.
If you are struggling to pay the balance, contact Bank of America's hardship department before canceling. They may offer a lower interest rate, a payment plan, or other options that make the debt more manageable. You can still cancel after you have paid it off.
What to Do After Your Card Is Closed
After Bank of America confirms the cancellation, destroy the physical card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, because the card number and expiration date are still visible and could be used fraudulently.
Keep any confirmation email or letter from Bank of America that shows the account closure date. If a charge appears on the card after it is closed, you will need this proof to dispute it. Bank of America should not process new charges after the closure date, but mistakes happen.
Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to make sure the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account does not show as closed after 30 days, contact Bank of America to confirm the closure was processed.
Canceling a Card Without Calling
If you prefer not to call, you can submit a written cancellation request through your Bank of America online account. Log in, go to the messaging center, and send a message requesting that your credit card be closed. Include your full account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number so they can identify you.
Written requests take longer than phone calls — usually five to ten business days instead of one to two. Bank of America will send you a confirmation message once the account is closed. This method leaves a written record of your request, which can be useful if there is ever a dispute about when the account was closed.
You can also mail a written request to Bank of America's customer service address, which you can find on your statement or by calling the number on the back of your card. Include the same information you would provide online, and send it via certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Bank of America credit card if I have a balance?
No. Bank of America requires you to pay off the full balance before closing the account. You can set up a payment plan to pay it down, but the account will stay open until the balance reaches zero. Once you have paid it off, you can then request cancellation.
Will canceling my Bank of America card hurt my credit score?
Closing a credit card can lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and raises your credit utilization ratio. The impact is usually small, especially if you have other cards open. The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to ten years, which helps your credit history length.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
You should redeem your rewards before canceling, because you may lose access to them after the account closes. Log into your account and redeem points as a statement credit, a bank transfer, or a check. If you have a small balance that has not reached the redemption minimum, contact customer service to request an early redemption.
How long does it take to cancel a Bank of America credit card?
If you call, the account closes when ready after the representative processes your request, though it may take one to two business days to show as closed in your online account. If you submit a written request through messaging or mail, it takes five to ten business days.
Do I need to destroy my Bank of America card after canceling?
Yes. Cut the card in half or shred it so the card number and expiration date are not visible. Do not throw it away whole. Keep any confirmation email or letter from Bank of America showing the closure date in case you need to dispute a charge later.