Call Chase or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a Chase checking account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to speak with someone about account closure. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions, and process the closure over the phone. The account typically closes within 1 to 3 business days after you call.

If you prefer to close the account in person, go to any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker will review your account balance, arrange a refund if there is money left, and submit the closure request. In-person closure takes the same amount of time as a phone call but gives you a paper record of the request.

Do not simply stop using the account and assume it closes on its own. Inactive accounts remain open and may incur monthly fees depending on your account type. Chase will continue to charge you until you formally request closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a Chase branch with your ID to request closure; the account closes within 1 to 3 business days.
  • Make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are moved to another account before you close, or they will fail.
  • If your account has a positive balance, Chase will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
  • Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score or other Chase accounts you may have open.
  • If you have an outstanding balance or owe fees, Chase may hold the account open until the debt is resolved.

Move automatic payments and direct deposits before closure

Before you call to close the account, change the routing information for any automatic payments or direct deposits that go to or come from this checking account. This includes paychecks, Social Security deposits, insurance payments, utility bills, loan payments, and subscription services. If you do not update these, the transactions will fail and you may face late fees or missed deposits.

Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app to see which transactions are set to this account. For each one, go to the source (your employer's payroll system, your biller's website, or the service provider) and update the account number and routing number to point to your new bank. This usually takes 1 to 2 business days to take effect, so make the change at least a week before you close the account.

If you are unsure which transactions are tied to this account, call Chase and ask them to review your recent activity with you. They can tell you which payments are scheduled and help you identify what needs to be moved.

What happens to your account balance and pending checks

If your account has money in it when you close, Chase will refund the balance. You can ask them to mail a check to your address on file, or you can provide another bank account number and routing number for a transfer. The check typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days; a transfer to another bank account takes 1 to 3 business days.

If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, those checks will still be processed after the account closes. Chase will honor them as long as the funds are available at the time the check is presented. If a check arrives after the account is closed and there are no funds, it will bounce and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee.

To avoid this, wait until all checks you have written have cleared before you request closure. You can check your recent transactions online to see which checks have posted. If you are unsure, ask Chase to hold the account open for 30 more days while you wait for outstanding checks to clear.

Account closure does not affect your credit or other accounts

Closing a checking account has no impact on your credit score. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report, so the closure will not show up to lenders or affect your ability to borrow money in the future.

If you have other accounts with Chase—such as a savings account, credit card, or loan—closing your checking account does not close those accounts. Each account is separate and must be closed individually if you want to close them. You can keep your other Chase accounts open while you close only the checking account.

If you have a Chase credit card linked to this checking account for automatic payments, update the payment method to a different bank account or set up manual payments before you close the checking account. Otherwise, your credit card payment will fail and you may be charged a late fee.

Fees and holds that may delay closure

If your account has an outstanding balance—such as an overdraft or unpaid fees—Chase may not close the account until the debt is paid. Call Chase to ask if there are any holds or pending charges on the account. If there are, you must pay them before closure can be processed.

Some Chase checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee. If you have not paid the current month's fee, Chase will deduct it from your account balance before refunding the remainder to you. Ask Chase what the current balance is and whether any pending fees will be charged before closure.

If the account is overdrawn (the balance is negative), you must deposit money to bring it to zero before Chase will close it. The overdraft amount plus any overdraft fees must be paid in full.

What to do if Chase will not close your account

In rare cases, Chase may refuse to close an account if there is a dispute, fraud investigation, or legal hold on the account. If this happens, ask Chase in writing why the account cannot be closed and what steps you need to take to resolve the issue. Request a written explanation and keep a copy for your records.

If you believe Chase is wrongfully refusing to close the account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against banks and can order Chase to close the account if the refusal is unjustified.

You can also contact your state's banking regulator or attorney general's office. Chase is a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), but your state may have additional consumer protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chase checking account online?

No, Chase does not allow you to close a checking account through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized account closures.

Will I be charged a fee to close my account?

Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account has an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, those must be paid before closure. Any remaining balance will be refunded to you.

How long does it take for my account to fully close?

The account typically closes within 1 to 3 business days after you request closure. However, if you have pending checks or automatic payments, it may take longer for those transactions to clear. Ask Chase for an estimated closure date when you call.

What if I close my account and then need to reopen it?

You can reopen a Chase checking account at any time by visiting a branch or calling customer service. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or policy violations, Chase may not allow you to reopen it. A new account will have a new account number and routing number.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can someone else do it for me?

You must close the account yourself or give someone power of attorney over the account. Chase will not close an account for someone else without written authorization. If you are unable to call or visit a branch, you can mail a signed letter to Chase requesting closure, but this takes longer than a phone call.