You cannot change your existing Chase account number
Chase does not allow you to change the account number on an active checking or savings account. The account number is tied to your account's history, your routing number, and all the transactions linked to it. If you need a different account number, you must close your current account and open a new one.
This is standard across all major banks, not unique to Chase. Account numbers are permanent identifiers for the life of the account. Changing one would break the connection to your direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and transaction records.
Key Takeaways
- Chase will not change your account number on an existing account; you must close the old account and open a new one if you need a different number.
- Before closing an account, redirect all direct deposits and automatic payments to your new account number to avoid missed payments or lost income.
- Closing a Chase account takes three to five business days after you have moved your money out and stopped using it.
- If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access, contact Chase immediately rather than closing the account yourself—the bank can secure it and investigate.
Why you might want a new account number
Most people want to change their account number because they believe it has been compromised. If your account number has been shared with someone you do not trust, or if you suspect unauthorized transactions, contact Chase fraud services right away instead of closing the account yourself. Chase can freeze the account, investigate the activity, and reverse fraudulent charges while keeping your account history intact.
A smaller number of people want a new number simply because they prefer a different one. Chase will not accommodate this request. If the number itself matters to you for a specific reason, opening a new account is your only option.
Steps to close your current account and open a new one
Move your money first. Transfer your balance to another account—either another Chase account you already have or an account at a different bank. You can do this online through Chase's transfer tool, by visiting a branch, or by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Do not close the account until the balance is zero or you have moved everything you want to keep.
Redirect your direct deposits and automatic payments. Before you close the account, update your employer, benefits provider, or anyone else sending you regular deposits with your new account number and routing number. Do the same for any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers you have set up. This usually takes one to two business days to take effect, so make the changes at least a week before you plan to close the old account.
Open your new account. You can open a new Chase checking or savings account online, by phone, or at a branch. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your current address. The new account opens immediately online or the same day at a branch. Your new account number will be provided as soon as the account is created.
Close the old account. Once your balance is zero and all your payments have been moved, contact Chase to close the account. You can do this by phone at 1-800-935-9935, at a branch, or sometimes through your online banking portal. Chase will confirm the account is empty and close it. The closure takes effect within three to five business days.
What happens to checks and automatic payments tied to your old account
Any checks you wrote from your old account will bounce if they are deposited after you close it. Before closing, make sure you have stopped using that checkbook or have accounted for all checks you have written. If you are worried about a check still in the mail, wait to close the account until you are certain it has cleared.
Automatic payments set up with your old account number will fail once the account closes. This is why redirecting them to your new account before closing is critical. If you miss redirecting a payment and it fails, contact the company that was trying to charge you and provide your new account number. Most will reprocess the payment within one to two business days.
If your account has been compromised or you suspect fraud
Do not close the account yourself. Call Chase fraud services immediately at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. Chase can place a temporary hold on the account, investigate unauthorized transactions, and reverse charges. The bank may issue you a new debit card with a new card number (separate from your account number) as an immediate security measure.
Chase's fraud investigation typically takes 10 business days. During that time, your account remains open and your account number stays the same, but the bank is working to secure it and recover any money that was taken. Once the investigation closes, you can decide whether to keep the account or close it and open a new one.
Your routing number stays the same
When you open a new Chase account, your routing number will be the same as your old one. Chase's routing number depends on your state and the type of account, not on the individual account itself. This means you only need to update your account number with your employer and billers—the routing number does not change.
If you are moving to a different state or switching to a different account type (for example, from a regular checking account to a Chase Premier checking account), your routing number might change. Chase will tell you the correct routing number when you open the new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close a Chase account?
The account closes within three to five business days after you have emptied it and requested closure. The actual closure happens on Chase's end; you will receive confirmation by mail or email. If you need the account closed faster, visit a branch in person and ask to close it that day.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. You can close a Chase checking or savings account without any impact on your credit.
Can I reopen a Chase account I closed?
Yes, you can open a new account at Chase at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may review your history before approving a new account. If you were in good standing when you closed it, opening a new account is straightforward.
What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?
Wait until all pending transactions have cleared before closing the account. Pending transactions can take one to three business days to post. If you close the account while transactions are still pending, they may bounce or be rejected, which can result in overdraft fees or failed payments.
Do I need to close my old account before opening a new one?
No. You can open a new Chase account while your old one is still active. In fact, it is safer to open the new account first, move your money and payments over, and then close the old one once everything is set up and working correctly.