Yes, you can close a Chase checking or savings account at any time
You can close a Chase checking account, savings account, or both whenever you want. Chase will not lock you in or charge you a penalty for closing. You do not need to give a reason, and you do not need to wait for a specific date. The process takes a few minutes if you do it in person at a branch, or a phone call if you do it remotely.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending transactions have cleared, and any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account have been moved elsewhere. If you close an account with money still in it, Chase will mail you a check. If you close an account with a negative balance, you will owe that amount.
Key Takeaways
- You can close a Chase checking or savings account in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through Chase's online banking portal.
- Stop all automatic bill payments and direct deposits at least a week before closing, or update them to point to a different account.
- Your account must have a zero or positive balance; if it is negative, you owe that amount even after closing.
- Chase will mail a check for any remaining balance within 7 to 10 business days after the account closes.
- Closed accounts remain visible in your Chase history for your records, but you cannot use them for transactions.
How to close your account in person at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your ID and debit card or checkbook. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They will verify your identity, confirm your current balance, and ask which account you are closing (checking, savings, or both). If your balance is positive, they will offer to issue a check or transfer the money to another account you own. If your balance is zero, they will close it immediately.
The teller will give you a receipt confirming the closure. Keep this for your records. The account will close that same day, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online banking.
How to close your account by phone or online
Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close your account. Have your account number and ID ready. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and process the closure. If you have a positive balance, they will arrange for a check to be mailed to your address on file, or they may transfer it to another Chase account you own if you ask.
You can also close your account through the Chase mobile app or website. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Not all account types allow online closure, so if you do not see the option, call instead. Online closure is fastest if your account balance is already zero.
What to do before you close your account
Stop or redirect any automatic bill payments at least one week before closing. Log into your Chase account, go to the bill pay section, and cancel each recurring payment. Then set up the same payments from your new bank account, or pay those bills manually for one month while the transition happens. If a payment bounces because the account is closed, you may face a late fee from the biller.
Update your direct deposits with your employer or benefits provider. Give them your new account number and routing number at least one week before closing. If a direct deposit lands in a closed account, it will be returned to the sender, and you may miss a paycheck or benefit payment while it is rerouted.
Check your account for any pending transactions, pending transfers, or holds. These can take several business days to clear. If you close the account before they clear, Chase will still process them, but the timing may be delayed or the transaction may fail if there is not enough money in the account.
What happens to your remaining balance
If your account has a positive balance when you close it, Chase will mail you a check within 7 to 10 business days. The check will be sent to the address on file in your account. Make sure your mailing address is current before you close. If you move before the check arrives, you can contact Chase to request a replacement check or ask them to deposit the funds into another account you own.
If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), you must pay that amount. Chase will not close the account until the balance is zero or positive. You can deposit money to cover the overdraft, or Chase can deduct the amount from another account you own with them. If you do not pay, Chase may send the debt to a collection agency.
What happens after you close your account
Your account will no longer accept deposits or withdrawals. Any debit card linked to that account will stop working. Any checks you wrote from that account will bounce if they have not cleared yet, so make sure to account for any outstanding checks before closing.
Your closed account will remain visible in your Chase online banking history for your records. You can view past statements and transactions, but you cannot use the account. If you need to dispute a transaction or file a claim, you can still do so for up to 60 days after the account closes.
Reopening a closed Chase account
If you close your account and change your mind, you can reopen it within a short window—usually 30 days. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask if your account can be reopened. They will check whether it is still possible. If more than 30 days have passed, you will need to open a new account instead.
If you reopen an account, it will have a new account number. Any automatic payments or direct deposits set up for the old account number will not automatically transfer to the new one. You will need to update them manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close an account with a negative balance and do not pay it, Chase may report the debt to a collection agency, which will hurt your score. Pay any overdraft before closing.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared?
Wait until the check clears before closing your account, or contact the person or business who wrote the check and ask them to reissue it to your new account. If you close the account before the check clears, it may bounce, and you will not receive the money.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring your balance to zero or positive before Chase will close the account. Deposit money to cover the overdraft, or ask Chase to transfer funds from another account you own. If you do not pay, Chase will not close the account and may pursue collection.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The account closes immediately when you process the closure in person or by phone. It may take a few business days to stop showing as active in your online banking. If you have a remaining balance, the check will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to close my debit card separately?
No. When you close the account, the debit card linked to it will stop working automatically. You do not need to call separately to cancel the card. If you want to destroy the card, you can cut it up or shred it.