Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account
You can close a Chase checking account at any time without paying a closing fee. Chase does not impose penalties for closing accounts early, and there is no charge for the act of closing itself. The only fees you might encounter are ones you already owe — such as an overdraft fee from before you close, or a monthly service fee if you close partway through a billing cycle.
The process is straightforward: you can close your account in person at a branch, by phone, or online through your Chase account settings. Most closures take effect within one to three business days, though any pending transactions may still post after the account is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, regardless of how long you have held it or how much money is in it.
- Any monthly maintenance fees that apply to your account type will continue to accrue until the account officially closes, so timing matters if you want to avoid one more charge.
- You can close your account in person, by phone, or online — the method does not affect whether you pay a fee.
- Pending transactions and automatic payments may still process after you request closure, so contact your billers before you close.
What happens to pending transactions when you close
When you close a Chase checking account, any transactions already in the system — such as direct deposits, bill payments, or pending charges — may still post after the account is closed. This can create a problem: if a transaction posts after closure and there is no money in the account, Chase will typically decline it or charge an overdraft fee.
Before you close, log into your account and review what is pending. Stop any recurring bill payments or subscriptions that draft from that account. Contact your employer or any other source of direct deposits and update your banking information. Wait at least one full business day after your last expected transaction before you request closure.
Monthly service fees and the timing of closure
Chase checking accounts may carry a monthly maintenance fee depending on the account type. Common accounts include Chase Total Checking (which waives the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit) and Chase Premier Plus Checking. If your account has a monthly fee and you close partway through the month, that fee may still be charged for that month.
For example, if your monthly fee posts on the first of the month and you close on the 15th, you will likely see that fee charged before the account closes. There is no way to avoid this fee by closing early — it is part of the account's terms for that billing period. If you want to avoid an extra charge, close on or shortly after the day your fee posts, so you do not trigger another cycle.
How to close your Chase checking account
You have three options to close your account: visit a Chase branch in person, call Chase customer service, or use the online banking portal.
In person: Go to any Chase branch with a photo ID. A banker can close the account immediately and answer questions about any remaining balance or pending transactions. This is the fastest method if you have questions.
By phone: Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your Chase statement. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review any pending activity, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days.
Online: Log into Chase.com, go to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Not all account types offer online closure, so if you do not see the option, you will need to call or visit a branch.
What to do with your remaining balance
If you have money left in the account when you close it, Chase will send you a check to the address on file, or you can request a wire transfer or cashier's check. Ask the banker or representative which methods are available and how long each takes. A mailed check typically arrives within five to seven business days after closure.
If you are closing because you are switching to another bank, consider transferring the balance to your new account before you close. This is faster and gives you immediate access to the money. You can do this through an ACH transfer (which takes one to three business days) or by visiting a branch and withdrawing cash.
Overdraft fees and other charges that may still apply
Closing your account does not erase any fees you already owe. If your account is negative — meaning you owe Chase money due to overdrafts — you must pay that balance before or when you close. If you do not, Chase may send the debt to a collection agency or pursue it through other means.
Similarly, if you have unpaid overdraft fees from transactions that posted before you requested closure, those fees remain your responsibility. The closure itself is free, but any debts tied to the account are not forgiven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or unpaid fees, Chase may flag your account and require you to pay what you owe before opening a new one. There is no fee to open a new account.
What if I have automatic payments set up on the account I am closing?
You must cancel or redirect any automatic payments before you close. Log into each biller's website or call them directly to update your payment method. If a payment attempts to post after the account is closed, it will be declined and may trigger a late fee from the biller.
Do I lose my debit card when I close my checking account?
Yes, your debit card will no longer work once the account is closed. Destroy the card or contact Chase to report it inactive. If you have a new Chase account, you can request a new debit card for that account.
How long does it take for a Chase checking account to fully close?
Most closures take effect within one to three business days after you request them. However, pending transactions may post for several days after that. Once all transactions have cleared and your balance is zero, the account is fully closed.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close the account while owing money and that debt goes unpaid, it may be reported to credit bureaus and harm your score.