Yes, you can close your Chase Total Checking account at any time
Chase will not lock you into keeping the account open. You can close it by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's website or mobile app. There is no early termination fee, no waiting period, and no penalty for closing. The process takes a few minutes, though it may take several business days for the account to fully close and any remaining balance to reach you.
Before you close, make sure you have moved any money out, stopped any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account, and destroyed or deactivated the debit card. If you leave money in the account after closing, Chase will mail it to you, which can take one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your Chase Total Checking account online, by phone, or in person with no fee or penalty.
- Move your money out first and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account before closing.
- If you have a remaining balance when the account closes, Chase will mail it to your address on file.
- Closing the account will not affect your credit score, but it may show on your banking history with ChexSystems.
How to close your account online or by phone
The fastest way is through Chase's mobile app or website. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Chase will ask you to confirm, and the account will close immediately. You will receive a confirmation email.
If you prefer to speak to someone, call the number on the back of your debit card or contact Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative can close the account over the phone and answer questions about your balance or pending transactions. Have your account number and Social Security number ready.
Closing in person at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your ID and debit card. Tell a representative you want to close your Total Checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions, and process the closure on the spot. This is the best option if you have questions or want to withdraw your remaining balance in cash immediately.
Bring a government-issued ID and your debit card. If you do not have the card, bring your account number. The branch can close the account the same day, though it may take a few business days to show as closed in the system.
What to do before closing
Stop any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account. This includes subscription services, insurance premiums, loan payments, or paycheck direct deposits. Update those services with a new account number or payment method at least a week before you close, so payments do not bounce.
Withdraw or transfer all remaining money. You can move funds to another bank account using an external transfer, or withdraw cash at a Chase ATM or branch. If you leave money in the account after closing, Chase will mail a check to your address on file, which takes one to two weeks.
Destroy or deactivate your debit card. You can request deactivation through the app or ask a branch representative to deactivate it when you close the account. Do not leave an active card tied to a closed account.
What happens to your money after closing
If you withdraw or transfer all your money before closing, there is nothing left to worry about. If you have a balance remaining when the account closes, Chase will send a check to the address on file in your account. This check usually arrives within one to two weeks, though it can take longer depending on mail delivery.
Make sure your mailing address is current before you close. If you move after closing and do not update your address, the check may be returned to Chase. You can call Chase later to ask where the check was sent and request a replacement if needed.
Whether closing affects your credit or banking record
Closing a checking account does not hurt your credit score. Checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus, so the closure will not show up on your credit report.
The closure will show on your banking history with ChexSystems, a company that tracks checking and savings account activity for banks. This record stays for five years and is visible to other banks when you open a new account. A simple closure does not prevent you from opening accounts elsewhere, but if you closed the account because of overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees, that history may make some banks hesitant to work with you.
If you want to reopen the account later
You can open a new Chase Total Checking account after closing, but Chase may require you to wait a certain period depending on why you closed. If you closed for routine reasons, you can usually open a new account right away. If the account was closed due to overdrafts or suspicious activity, Chase may place a hold on opening new accounts for a set time.
Contact Chase directly if you want to reopen an account and are unsure whether you can. They can tell you whether any restrictions apply to your account history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chase charge me a fee to close my account?
No. Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account, and there is no early termination penalty. You can close at any time without cost.
What if I have pending transactions when I try to close?
Chase will not close the account if there are pending transactions. Wait for them to clear, then try again. This usually takes one to three business days. If a transaction is stuck pending, contact Chase to have it cleared before closing.
Can I close my account if I have overdrafts or owe Chase money?
You can request closure, but Chase may hold the account open until the overdraft is paid. If you owe fees or have a negative balance, pay it first. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close without issue.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The account closes immediately when you request it online, by phone, or in person. However, it may take one to three business days to stop appearing in your account list and for any remaining balance to be mailed to you.
What if I closed my account and forgot to move money out?
Chase will mail a check to your address on file. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and provide your old account number. They can tell you the check status and reissue it if needed.